Blog/RJ WEEK 10

·        Question #5 in MC, p128

Do you agree with Werner’s opinion about “what drives so many jazz men and women to drugs”? Is his theory accurate? What else do you believe could account for drug use?

I highly disagree with this theory for a number of reasons. It is evident that drug use in the music industry is common among many artists, without discrimination. The strongest argument against Werner’s opinion is truly that. I do agree though that it does tie well into his opinion’s when only focusing on the specific topic of Jazz and African Americans. If one factors in all other variables then anyone can see that drug use among Jazz and the African American seems to be too loosely stated, especially when drug use is common to all ethnic back grounds in the realm of super stars. This theory, again, is accurate only when excluding the broad spectrum of reality. If this happens to be true, and we say that jazz men and women do drugs because they cannot relate to their audience on a level that satisfies them only takes credit away from the artist that do surpass this great yearning. There are many artists that reach the great height of reaching their audience in the ways they intended and it is not fair to them to be categorized in such a negative way. If the artist then began using drugs it could be for an endless amount of reasons. For one, fame could be a key factor in turning to drugs. Secondly, the pressure may be too burdensome and they may use drugs as an escape. Lastly, for other artists perhaps they perceive drugs as a creative tool and like those who are not artist themselves, get addicted to the drugs too. Werner’s opinion is too firm and exclusive, not very accurate. There are too many variables to consider when determining this theory. Drug use tempts and addicts jazz men/woman and any other artist from different genre’s just the same as any other Joe or Jane. To be a super star must be intense and there are those who may feel invincible, another variable to keep in mind when discussing drug use among artist.  So many issues arise when discussing this topic, therefore, be careful when stereotyping Jazz artists into a category of such firm beliefs. Jimmy Hendrix happens to be an extreme example. What I meant by extreme, is that there was not anyone like Jimmy Hendrix nor will there ever be. His music and his views were very unique. It is impossible to base his experience as a standard for many other Jazz artists when relating to drugs. Jimmy Hendrix had masses of white fans, whereas, other jazz artists did not have the same experience. Also mentioned in Warner’s article, James Brown, another unique legend. These musicians that cannot be compared, therefore impossible to be them in a type of category that relates to reasons why “most” jazz African American artists turn to drug use because of the disappointment of relating to their audience in ways that they dream of.

M&C Week 9

Education in entertainment can be thought of as a genre of music. There are many genres’ of music, for example: country, hip hop, jazz, and R& B etc. Artist that choose to create music for the purpose of educating listeners on particular issues, usually consistently stick to that style in most of their work. Hence, they can be itemized into a sub category or as I said before a type of genre of music. Music is a powerful tool that can be used to educate as well as to entertain. Music is extremely useful when conveying messages and that is why music is popular among all people. There is always someone out there that can relate to an artist. In my experience, education and entertainment have not been mutually exclusives. Reason being, in order to be a musician, or a successful artist for that matter, it requires that one possess some type of talent, usually. The talent is what entertains the fans. Therefore, the entertainment aspect is certainly evident. I for one am a huge fan of conscious hip hop. Conscious hip hop is a sub category or another form of the hip hop genre. In my opinion this music requires a higher degree of intellect and talent than an artist who usually creates mainstream style of hip hop, for example: club tracks. A conscious hip hop artist takes pride in his or her own work and the positive influence it has on their listeners. Nine times out of ten, the vocabulary is much more elevated than the other types of hip hop artists. Also, the artist has strong views and opinions over debatable topics. There are many techniques that hip hop artists can master in their flows but it is without a doubt the conscious hip hop artist who can articulate their thoughts more effectively and take a more creative approach when constructing his or her lyrics. Metaphors are mastered among the conscious rappers. The visionaries, an underground hip hop group, literally rap about God and many other positive messages. The visionaries are definitely not a gospel group, they are conscious rappers. Their material is clearly un-comparable to mainstream or music only created for entertainment purposes. These artists have messages and the messages they create are created with integrity all the while, still using their many entertainment abilities to attract fans and magnetize flocks of people to the dance floor. I believe those that strive to educate through their music, ultimately entertain because of the fact that the two are undeniably intermingled.

Blog Week 6

Yes, record companies should be responsible for putting parental advisories on the music they distribute. Since our country already has an established system in place that rates movies, video games and music then why change that system now. To a certain extent these are all art forms but we have already “labeled” them in a sense. Parental advisories are another tool for parents to monitor what their children should and should not be listening to. Parental advisories are not meant to take the place of parenting though, and that is where the confusion arises. The music industry takes too much heat for the negative impact music has on minors. Freedom of expression is valued in this country and should not be criticized or censored. Parental advisories are not very effective, in all reality. If we focus on what the parental advisories really are then they do serve their purpose. They are simply a “label”, that is all. Children can still access the music in many ways, and that is why I stated that they are not to act as the parents. It is entirely up to the parent to decipher what their child should be listening to. If the label was not there, parents would still be responsible for monitoring their child’s musical preference. Music can be accessed via internet, television, or even at a friend’s house. There is ultimately no way to restrict your child from certain music at all in this society. What is important though is raising your child with integrity, guidance, and discipline. If all of these values are incorporated into your child then you should not have a severe issue resulting from any type of music a child is exposed to (not saying all music should be at their disposal.) Definitely the music industry should continuously keep catering to society and parents by including parental advisors on music, it cannot hurt anyone.

Blog Week 8

Blog week 8
M&C pg 115 #5
I believe that it can be true that “words are instruments of separation and social power” and that “rhythm and dance are fusional media that have no concern with social power” almost all of the time. I cannot be definite for either one but it seems that the two statements make sense. Words can be used as instruments of separation and social power that is a common sense theory. To elaborate, words have an immense amount of power and influence on people. We communicate through language; therefore, agreeing with the first part of this theory is not an outrageous stance to take. Since the words carry the power, it is not a huge surprise to add the premise that words are the instruments used. As people we tend to pass judgment most of the time, even when we try our best to not pass judgment, it seems that it happens automatically. I believe it is a part of being a human being. If we take words or language out of the equation then, not all, but some of the bias is removed. I think that in some situations that I am unaware of that these statements may not take much hold. For example, the ballet. Words do not have to be present here, yet, there still must be a significant amount of skill to be this type of dancer. I can imagine if someone happens to dance among the ballerina’s and how they would be looked down upon. Therefore, if we are interpreting these statements in a much simpler way then they do stand firm in their meaning but if when there is room for different scenarios, the statements do not stand firm. Overall, rhythm and dance typically do not have concern with social power. Dance is a thing of art and expression, freedom, and fun. You can tell when you go to a dance club or a family party that people unite through dance and unity is created.