A Violent Message in the Art of Popular Culture Essay

A â€Å"Violent† Message in the Art of Popular Culture Many people believe that present-day music cause division, tension, and sometimes violence. However, it is acknowledged as art in popular culture. Art in popular culture revolves around action movies, television sitcoms, and provocative song lyrics, which have themes centered on explicit sexuality. Art in popular culture is embodied in music, dance, photography, and other artwork that embraces the ills of the world and acknowledges that they are appealing to the senses of people who live in a not so perfect world. Many critics say that popular culture is a product of generation X. A messed up group of people. What is wrong with popular culture? Why do the baby boomers regale†¦show more content†¦Music in popular culture views art as an expression of new societal values that empowers the general public (African American, Caucasians, Native Americans, women, homosexuals, etc); and rejects the sophisticated elitist who only listens to music that denotes his socio-economi c status. Classical music is linked with social mobility because as one rises in the world, so does one’s level of sophistication. Presently, music in popular culture is defined as something real and tangible that generates the essence of culture or ethnicity. This paper will concentrate on rap and hip hop because many people confuse the music with the culture. People embrace the music, but defend the culture as being influenced by the music. Rap and hip hop is not just people reciting rhymes over a beat, but a music genre that reflects the creativity and authencity of a popular culture. According to Costello, Foster, and Wallace in their book, Signifying Rappers, â€Å"Black music is American; pop’s breathe and bread, and WE, as both born audiences and born salesmen know it.† African Americans began this music genre from the â€Å"substance of things unseen and things hoped for.† Rap and hip hop originated among lower income based Black American families. Rap and hip hop was a musical expression first derived from AfricanShow MoreRelatedAmerican Culture And The Influence Of Music1397 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Culture and the Influence of Music â€Å"There s something missing in the music industry today... and it s music. Songs you hear don t last, it s just product fed to you by the industry.† – Jimmy Buffet. These words by Buffet highlight the drastic changes in music culture over the years. The mainstream music today is brief. 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