Microsoft Word - Document7 Homework 1 1. Of the photographs below, which one best represents your idea of “American Music?” Why? 2. How would you define “American”? Is it about place of birth?...

FInish the two questions in homework based on this class materials.





Microsoft Word - Document7 Homework 1 1. Of the photographs below, which one best represents your idea of “American Music?” Why? 2. How would you define “American”? Is it about place of birth? Heritage? Citizenship? 1. 2. 3. What Constitutes “American Music” & “American Culture? 3. 1. 4. 2. Answer these questions: • Which photo best represents what you would call “American music” and why (how are you defining American music?) • What type/style of music does each represent (what kind of music do you imagine each of the musicians would perform?) Takaki and Multiculturalism • American history includes many people of non-European origin • Multiculturalism – representation of society made up of multiple racial or cultural group • Awareness and promotion of diversity to rectify racial disparity • Understanding how histories of multiple groups are interconnected. • History is subjective and political 1939 - 2009 Identity • who I am / who we are” (group) • Links you to some while simultaneously distinguishing you from others • all identities are constructs • subjectively defined, never neutral • relational to dominant culture • Requires markers/emblems Ethnicity • is the result of a group formation process based on culture and descent. • is about group identity. • Ethnic identity is relational • How a group differentiates itself FROM others • How a group is differentiated BY others Historical Factors Informing Identity 1. Conditions of departure: forced/voluntary 2. Conditions of arrival: expectations of culture, climate, work, etc. 3. Experiences after arrival: existing legislation, work opportunities, housing, peer groups, etc. REPRESENTATION • Is a practice that produces culture • Culture is about shared meanings • Meanings are shared through our common access to language • Language is the privileged medium in which we ”make sense” of things LANGUAGE • Not just words • Signs and symbols too! • Constructs meaning • Signifying practice • Representational system when we share common conceptual maps • MEANING • Is produced not found • circulates through different processes and practices • Representation is part of the process by which meaning is produced • Produced within culture Discourse • A group of statements which provide a language for talking about a particular topic • Production of knowledge through language • Influences how ideas are put into practice Classical Popular Complex Simple Difficult Accessible Demanding Easy Intellectual Body Transcendent Functional Cult of Genius and Fleeing Masterpieces For the masses “Choro is a type of music that requires talent and competence from instrumentalists”… …“electric guitarists accustomed to the poverty of rock and similar music shouldn’t try to play it lest they risk cramps in their fingers. Another suggestion is for instrumentalists that are looking to develop themselves using resources offered by American music: play choro, for it is richer than you can imagine” (Cabral, 1973) “Young people are completely wrapped up in the process of massification from foreign pop music, to the detriment of the legitimate art of the country” (Department of Culture, Rio, 1979). Choro (post 1970s)