Weekly Blog

The character that I think best fits the multifarious Blackness is Phil of The Fresh Prince of Bell Air. He is a prominent lawyer that is trying to keep his family together. They are very wealthy and well known in the area and he struggled to get were he was. I think this is an acurate description from the readings from the first week.

I would have to choose Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show best represents the multifarious blackness described by the academic literature we read earlier in the semester. She is a lawyer, a working women, a wife, and a mother of five. She represents many different facets of black womanhood. She is outspoken and very bright. Clair knows she is a role model to her children and she is moral and upstanding. She is kind, and sometimes silly with her husband, and an outstanding mother. She also manages to be very beautiful while not wearing clothing that is too revealing. She provides, I think, a sharp contrast to many portrayals of black women in popular culture, which are seen as sex objects. I wish there were more characters like her in film and television. It is really disturbing to me the way black womanhood is displayed in most popular culture, such as music videos, and "Flavor of Love". I think T.V. needs representations of what black womanhood really is, strenghth, intelligence, women who overcome a lot to get where they are, and place high value on their families.

TV Character for First Week's Readings

I think that the character that best represent's the readings from the fist week would be Bill Cosby. I believe that he was the best example for this assignment because he could have been viewed in various forms. He was a father, a successful doctor, a husband who at times made mistakes and also a great friend to his family and friends. Cosby was not only a serious father but he had times where he would be silly and helpful to help his family and friends overcome hardships. The notion that Cosby was a successful doctor was a bonus to his character because it took away from the stereotype of a lazy black man. He was a strong man providing for his family. He did not show traits of being over sexual, his character was not shown cheating on his wife or leaving his family. Throughout all the problems they had on the show Cosby found a way to work it out showing is diversity as a character and black male.

The multifarious character that comes to my mind is Raven Symone in "That's So Raven" she has this gift to see into the future but not on her call and her best friends always have her back when they get into trouble and with her visions they are bound to get into trouble. She is not the most popular but her character is very bubbly, considerate and just fun to be around. She designs her own clothing so she can definitely be considered a trend setter. Her parents teach her the values of life when she's in the wrong. She is always fully clothed, carries herself in the most respectful manner and can be looked up to by all girls of various races and ethnic groups.

Character blog

The character that I chose for this blog was Lisa Turtle, played by Lark Voorhies, on "Saved by the Bell". Lisa is the most fashionable and trendy student at Bayside and loves to talk. She grew up with a wealthy family and eventually gets accepted to the Fashion Institute of Technology for her love of designing clothes. While she may not be as strong willed as Jessie Spano, Lisa is still a strong woman who is very secure with herself.

On a side note, Asher Roth's song "Lark on my Go-kart" was a song inspired by his love for Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell.

Character Blog

The first person that comes to my mind for this blog is Meki Phipher in E.R. Now he has not been the only African American character in the show but I do remember him being a good and strong one. His character started out small but grew quickly, when he first started, he had a lot of family problems, for example not knowing really who his father was and just trying to figure a lot of things out. As the show progressed his character became stronger he had a lot more responsibilities and a lot more problems. I believe he became one of the head doctors. He was giving out orders and pretty much he was in charge over all the interns. Something that I remember strongly was that he was always the person to stick up for the other African Americans that would come in to the hospital and be in trouble. He put his job in jeopardy a lot. He took care of his brother who was handicapped. His character had a lot of responsibilities as an African American and he took control of them very well most of the time.

Blog for Week 14

I think Collins (Jesse L. Martin) in RENT represents the multifarious blackness that bell hooks, Cornell West, and Stuart Hall were talking about. Collins character is so diverse. He is an HIV positive, technology professor. Collins character goes against stereotypes of the typical "black male" and proves that blackness is original, just like him. In addition to being an educated homosexual man, Collins dreams of opening a restaurant in Santa Fe with his cross-dressing boyfriend names Angel. One of the things that stands out to me about Collins, is that h also goes against stereotypes of homosexual men as well. Though homosexual, Collins is still masculine. He proves that his sexuality is also something individual and unique.

Character in film blog

The character that comes to mind for me when trying to relate to the readings would have to be David Palmer from the TV series 24. During majority of the seasons that he appears in he plays the role of the President of the United States. His character is strong and confident. He is also very intelligent and always sticks to his values. He has a strong opinion on most issues and always does what is right. His character is highly admired and a hard worker. He came from nothing to becoming the President. I think many character traits relate back to week 2's readings about multi identities and the multivarious blackness.

Week 14 Blog

One of my favorite shows to watch on television is Grey's Anatomy. There have been several African Americans on the cast, but none with the feisty-ness Dr. Miranda Bailey. Chandra Wilson plays the original "boss" of the main characters when they were brand-new interns in Seattle Grace. Bailey is a very strong character who is not afraid to yell at people and take charge. She obviously has to be very smart and resourceful in order to be a general surgeon at one of the best hospitals in the state. In season one of the show, the viewer saw only the harsh side of Dr. Bailey as she ordered around her interns and pretended not to care about their personal lives. In the seasons since then, she has become more of the mediator between pretty much everyone in the hospital and has been focusing on pediatrics, which involves working with ill children and their families. Bailey has had her own problems on the show too, especially with her marriage and raising her son, but she still remains the strongest character on the show that everyone depends on. Without Dr. Bailey, the hospital would not function, and that is why she is not just some "token" black character on a show.

In their articles, although Hooks, Hall, and West argue that the common Black experience created a unifying identity, they also discuss that because of the impact of postmodernism on this experience, a depiction of Blackness would be incomplete without reference to class, gender, and sexuality. For example, Hooks argues that this period was witness to increasing class division that created both a Black middle and upper class and a growing underclass. Therefore, it might be difficult to find a show that is a complete and total representation. However, one character that seemed to represent both sides of this division was Will Smith of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In this show, Smith grew up in Philadelphia where he was raised in poverty. Because his mother was fearful of the consequences of living in such an environment, she sent Smith to live with his upper-class relatives in Bel-Air. Thus, through this dual experience, Smith's character might be a good representation of Blackness as he saw both sides of this seeming class division.

Blackness on the Screen

Donald Faison plays a medical surgeon on the comedy show "Scrubs." I feel this character represents the playful black man who is rarely taken seriously and whose presence is dominated by his lightheartedness. Furthermore, he appears to be operating in an environment outside of his racial background given he is pretty much the only African American present in the cast. This integration into a mainly white environment offers a look into those who are accused of losing their "blackness" which happens to be an issue in one of the episodes. The fact he has a white best friend, a Hispanic girlfriend, and his chosen occupation question the credibility of his history as a black man. His sense of humor dominates his personality and he comes across as being one who is present to merely entertain those around him.

week 14 blog

I am addicted to One Tree Hill.  Although the cast is diverse, many of the main african american characters fall under the unfortunate "token black guy" stereotype.  One of the African-American families in the shows does counteract the stereotypes that are evident in the show.  Tony Battle is a friend of the main character Nathan.  Tony is a talented athlete just like Nathan.  Tony bring Nathan over to meet his family.  Nathan is shocked by the Battle's loving home.  Unlike his own, the Battle's home is free of pressure and judgement.  Tony's dad represents the opposite of Nathan's aggressive father.  Mr. Battle constantly reminds Tony that there is more to life than just basketball and personal success.  He reinforces the important aspects of life and acts as a positive role model for Nathan and Tony.

Blog about Televison

The character that comes to mind when I think about African American actors/actresses is Wood Harris, who played Julius Campbell in the movie Remember the Titans. No matter what, he always had the most heart on the team. When he was faced with tough challenges, he would give his all to overcome these challenges. As mentioned earlier by the many authors, African Americans faced harsh times with no freedom and justice. This is how it was at the beginning when the blacks and whites were integrated together into one high school. All of the white people were protesting and holding signs because they did not want black people in their schooling system because they did not think it was right. The football team had to come together because they were a team so they had to learn how to accept it. Julius went through a lot to make friends with Gary Bertier and he did not care that people did not think this was right. Gary's mom did not want Gary to hang around with Julius because he was black but Gary went against her rules and Gary and Julius ended up becoming the best of friends before Gary died. Julius never stopped his fight to make it right between the two races and make peace.

TV Character

If I could choose one I would choose Omar Epps as Dr. Eric foreman in House. For the last 2 years Epps has one won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama and was even nominated for the honor for the 2 years before as well. Epps's character serves as the voice of reason or even the opposing force to House's prescription medicine-fueled rants and mind games. Epps's character maintains order and a strong leadership over the hospital staff while engaging in intelligent and productive dialog with co-workers(doctors) but also eloquent and compassionate dialog with patients and their families. This serves to present Epps as a strong black male but also simply a well-educated and behaved doctor. The success of such a role is evident in his awards for "Image" from the NAACP which is an honor put upon those representing the black community in a progressive and productive manner. At no point is Epps feeding negative stereotypes but instead handling the difficult task of using his ability and the power of the media as a means to fight these stereotypes and establish a relevant image of black men in the medical field but also, through himself, in acting.

TV character

I don't watch a lot of network television. But, one show that I have watched for a long time is Law & Order. I think it has been on for at least 15 years. The African-American cop by the name of Fin, played by ICE-T, I think represents the diverse individual that West, hooks and Hall write about. He's not the main character but what I have always liked about him is his sense of justice. He is extremely principled and has his own way of dealing with perpetrators. We have gotten to know some of his personal life but mostly he is a very private individual. His character does not essentialize African-Americans but I think reveals a multiplicity within him. This character never seems to be hiding behind a mask but reveals a strong black male who can also be compassionate.

Multifarious Blackness in TV

The articles mentioned in the question center around establishing a black identity or the idea of representation and its implications, the best way to do this, and how there is no "innocent black subject".  The black identity is a complex subject especially since it differs between individuals, as identity does for people of any race or ethnicity.  A character that comes to mind that shows this complexity is Sean Patrick Thomas, or Derek, in "Save the Last Dance".  He comes from the "hood" and has a lower socioeconomic status.  He is constantly faced with pressures to be in a gang or do drugs.  However, he is intelligent and gets accepted to Georgetown for medical school.  He deals with racial issues in dating a white girl (conveniently, Julia Stiles).  While his character is very memorable and portrayed to be an all around good guy, there are moments in the film where we see some inner struggle of establishing an identity and deciding if he has loyalties to one group or another.  He has many close friends and family that can't really be classified into one stereotype or category and I think the movie does a good job demonstrating this uniqueness or individuals but also that stereotypes do exist and that a few people's actions can be detrimental to an entire group if there are preconceived notions and we need to be careful of this.

Harlem Globetrotters Blogg

I thought it would be interesting to look at the Harlem Globetrotters in the cartoons and how they are portrayed on the television. Similarly to how they appear live during basketball games, the Harlem Globetrotters appear very light-hearted and goofy. If you look at how they are portrayed, they have a very diverse group of players. They have very tall players as well as a very short player. Also, they have players of different skin tones, which also interesting to look at.

Harlem Globetrotters Blog

I'd like to start off by saying that I have seen the Globetrotters play and it is truly a remarkable experience. The ease at which the game is played and the difficult shots/tricks are performed is truly remarkable and the fans really enjoy themselves. With that being said, I think it's clear what Black aesthetics are present in their performance. The first is the aesthetic of cool. I say this because they are doing all these things with such ease. The majority of their things would be very hard for the average joe but they make it look easy and have a certain charismatic approach to the game. The other thing is call and response. This is as easy as them performing these things, and the crowd responding with cheers and applause to the actions of the Globetrotters.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters exemplify a number of Black aesthetics we’ve discussed in each of their performances. First, is the aesthetic of cool. As they are dunking over their opponents head and shooting nothing but net from the free throw line they players not only do so seemingly effortlessly, but they also exhibit a sense of swagger right after doing so. Also using the aesthetic of cool, they often dance while playing to again show their skills are just effortless. Second, the Harlem Globetrotters’ performances heavily use call and response. A dunk or crazy move on the court signifies that the crowd should cheer and clap. After doing such a move we often see one of the players put a hand to their ear, also signifying the crowd should support them louder. Finally, the game of basketball is a staple in African American Culture. The way the Harlem Globetrotters take a simple game and turn it into a show, complete with dances, circus-like antics, and fun for the crowd, is another example how they portray Black aesthetics.

Harlem Globetrotters

After watching a few clips on the Harlem Globetrotters, I now know that they display the black aesthetic in many ways. While they are playing the game of basketball, they are having so much fun and enjoying themselves rather than taking it very seriously. Their bodies move in all sorts of ways and they move the ball all around their bodies in different and creative ways. This makes it fun to watch because they have all these intricate moves and designs on the court. They jump around and pass the ball but they make it enjoyable to watch and they make their moves big so the audience can see them and enjoy. I have been to a Harlem Globetrotters game and I loved it. It was so much fun to watch and they incorporate the audience as well which makes it more fun because you can be involved. This team displays the black aesthetic through their bodies and their moves as well as their intricate basketball skill.

The Harlem Globetrotters display the black aesthetic in their play in many ways. Their movements are fluid and coordinated; they appear effortless. The motions of their bodies are the essence of "cool", always in sync in the fluid basketball style that black players embody. Their frequent use of jump shots and dunks are another element; black players brought these techniques to the game, and they faced strong resistance against their implementation but now are central to the essence of the sport. They also signify with their bodies, in a couple of ways. Embody in the play itself is signification; they are just so good and coordinated as a team that they run circles around their opponents, and the fact that it appears so effortless mocks the other team and they try and keep up. They also signify more blatantly in their victory dances, etc. The Globetrotters also embody the black aesthetic in how they engage the audience in the game. They add art and entertainment to the sport, they play to the crowd, drawing them into the game with their tricks and dancing.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are one of my favorite entertainers to watch. Not only are they excellent basketball players by themselves, they are also like magicians that turn and twist basketball into a show that is unlike any other. They perform insane shots and also employ some aesthetics that we have talked about earlier. I feel that they use some call and response between them, like they way they pass between each other and when they would use a 4 man line to dunk. Another characteristic that I noticed is that the Globetrotters are flowing and flexible in everything they do. This reminded me of the article that Malone mentions something how black dance is flexible because it is matching the defense mechanisms of African Americans at the time, as in they are flexible and can deal with different problems in life easily. So I thought that the Globetrotters had a little bit of that flexibility Malone was talking about. Overall, awesome entertainers.

Blog for Week 13

From the way they dribble to the way they move on the floor, the Harlem Globetrotters are an excellent example of the black aesthetic. These skilled athletes do so many tricks and make the game look so easy. It's as though they really are just "playing." First I'll begin with their dribbling. The Globetrotters dribble in different positions: on knees, crawling, balancing the ball on their arms, heads, and shoulders. They even dribble while carrying things, like umbrellas, around the court. The Globetrotters can shoot from long distances, all the way on the other side of the court. And they travel across the court with such speed that it's hard to tell who even has the ball. One of the main things they do though, that really shows the black aesthetic is the way they fake. Not only do they fake passing the players, but they fake who has the ball, pretending to go for a shoot, then throwing it to someone else who makes the basket. It amazes me how talented these men are and truly how easy they make it look.

Harlem Globetrotters

These guys truly turn the basketball court into a circus! The way they make magic happen with the ball is absolutely incredible. These guys dance with the ball in what seems like a break dancing kind of style and hardly, if ever, drop the ball. Every guy has his own unique way of handling the ball just as in a game of basketball and you can tell that in their moment in the spot light they are in tune with each other and feel the rhythm of each other and the direction in which the ball is going. In the video I picked in particular one of the guys does that spin with the ball around his entire body and it seemed to come so easy for him and natural. They treat the ball as if it were another limb off their body; as if they've had it they're entire life and I think that's what creates the natural rhythm and the flow and movement of the ball through out their show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsdJ90w7hkw&feature=related

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are an amazing group of athletes. Not only are the basketball players, they’re also good entertainers. They put a large twist on an American tradition. A lot of what they do can be recognized in society’s recently popular And 1 basketball. Just as in And 1 basketball, the Globetrotters displayed black aesthetics such as rhythm in the way they play basketball and do their tricks. Call and response is another aesthetic that the Globetrotters display; through their interaction with the audience, the call and response aesthetic is portrayed. The flow of the Globetrotters made their sometimes challenging plays look smooth and effortless, all while looking unified and playing with the other black aesthetic, cool.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters really are a good example of the black aesthetic and how this plays a part in basketball. The Globetrotters present the aesthetic of cool through their fluid motions on the floor as well as how they glide through the air when doing slam dunks and passing among other team members. In the clip that I watched, one could tell that the Globetrotters don't only play a game but present the game as a performance for their audience. They incorporated a song into their basketball game and as a team sort of danced to it! So we can see that they see the game not only as a game but as a performance to engage the audience. They seem to have more fun with the game as well as personalizing it and "bringing it to life". I really enjoyed watching the clip and feel that there is somewhat of a difference in how basketball is played by whites compared to blacks. Black basketball players tend to try and make a performance and emphasize their skills on the floor while keeping the idea of winning in mind, while whites tend to just play the game to win and not really go above and beyond the rules. I think the reason the Harlem Globetrotters have been so successful is because of this perception of the defiance of rules and creating their own moves on the basketball floor. They also engage the audience and make the game somewhat of a spectacle to watch.

Globetrotters

I have known about the Harlem Globetrotters for some time now, so these clips really didn't surprise me at all. The Black aesthetic in their performance is definitely the ''show boating." The Magfic Circle is a very good example of this. The aesthetic of "cool" like many have said is another thing that is present in their performances. Their style, moves, and swagger all contribue to this aesthetic of cool. The swagger they all have is a sense of confidence like they know they are going to be able to do whatever move they want. Not all but generally Blacks do have a different style of play from Whites'. African Americans do do a lot more showing off their skills and talents and natural abilities by doing things like dunking because they put more into basketball then just winning. The majority of whites are concerned with winning and fundamentals which do wins games, however they are not neccessarily very entertaining to the crowd. They don't take as many risks with risky tricks and things like that.

Harlem Globetrotters

After watching some clips on the Globetrotters A few Black Aesthetics stood out to me including the aesthetic of "cool" and show-boating. The way they moved around the court almost seemed to me a sort of dance and the way they flowed was very cool in a way. They would also show off their moves during the game by slam dunking and doing fancy moves. I think that these aesthetics are shown in many different aspects of Black culture. The Globetrotters are very talented players and by just watching them play for a short while I could see so much culture in their movements.

Globetrotters

I too watched many different clips of the Globetrotters. In the past i never thought about their style of play as 'black', rather it was just 'Globetrotter play'. It's entertainment that draws out a wide spectrum of spectators. Anyone can appreciate a good show. I do however now notice the black aesthetic within their play. The rhythm in moves and the flow of the game from the dribble to the jump shot. The quickness of their feet and their hands and the ability to trick their opponents is signature to the Globetrotters as well as characteristic to the black aesthetic. Another element that is apparent is the idea of 'cool'. The players have an aura of cool from the way they perform to the way they interact with each other and the audience. The Globetrotters do have a distinctive style of play with a black aesthetic that resounds within.

Harlem Globetrotters

After watching various clips of the Harlem Globetrotters, I noticed numerous aspects of the Black aesthetic in their performance. Probably the most prominent was that of show-boating. At times during the course of the games, a Globetrotter would break away from the team element of the game and show flashes of individual brilliance such as a behind the back pass or half-court shot. In addition, during breaks before and during the game, the Globetrotters would please the crowd with the passes featured in their "magic circle." As Caponi discusses, this show-boating has always been a part of Black expressive culture. In addition, I also saw a number of slam dunks which, according to Caponi, is a way of both personalizing the act of scoring and a form of stylization as pioneered by African-American players. Furthermore, as Aurthur Ashe stated that the "Black" style of play utilized uncommon jumping ability, speed, and innovative passing skills, these elements were all prominently featured in the Globetrotters' style of play with their fast breaks, amazing behind the back passes, and finishing dunks. In all, as Ashe discussed, the elements of the Black aesthetic as utilized by the Globetrotters show a cultural willingness to improvise and combine to create a game that is "extremely exciting to watch."

Harlem Globetrotters

As long as I have heard about the Harlem Globetrotters, I have known them to be a group of basketball players that are not so much about playing the sport but more about showing off their crazy skills. The are pure entertainment. They are athletes that do know how to play the sport and well but many would say they tend to "show-boat" but not in a bad way. It is in a way that attracts the audience and keeps them coming back for more. They are so clean with their different moves, and they each have their own different style of techniques. Their creativeness is an element of the "aesthetic of cool". All the different moves and shots are "cool". They each have this cool about them which makes them who they are, different from everyone else.

Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are all about entertainment. They show off with crazy tricks and are all about giving the crowd a good performance. At the same time, they also manage to be athletes and good at basketball. The black aesthetic of cool is shown over and over again throughout their games. Their athleticism shows in their basketball play and their coolness shows in the show-boating they do and the "cool" moves on the court, both which help to define the black aesthetic. Also mentioned in a previous blog, I agree that most of their game is choreographed and a practiced ruitine. One could relate this back to the dance style discussed last week with the rhythem and beat.

Harlem Globetrotters

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7QIn7eipNs&feature=related

Of all the elements of the black aesthetic present in the Harlem Globetrotter's demonstrations of playing basketball, the one that hovers over all is the element of cool . It is hard to deny that when they are performing, they go about it with a certain swagger and confidence that displays an element of cool in their performance. Furthermore, in reference to one of the readings for today, Michael Jordan says that rather than sticking to any one way to play the game, he creates his own way of scoring in relation to the opposing teams defensive style. I can see this in the Harlem Globetrotters by their display of a variety of creative shots undoubtedly dreamt up by an imaginative mind. Lastly, given the way this specific video highlights the individual "trademarks" of some of the members, a distinct element of individuality is present among this group which is also common in the NBA, given famous African American players often choose a certain aspect of their game that sets them apart from the rest.

Harlem Globetrotters

The clips of the Harlem Globetrotters made it obvious that the actions of and the mere existence of these players empowered and entertained many African Americans for quite a while. These men all represented strong, graceful, and successful black men. Their movements seemed larger than life as they turn the already challenging game of basketball around and make it look nearly effortless with extremely difficult shots, slams, passes, and layups. An interesting perspective I do have after actually seeing them live this past winter is that all of the games are rather theatrical and staged. The opposing team is a team of Junior college players paid to act and simply be the butt of constant jokes. To add to this, the opposing team (at least in my experience) were all white. This works to declare basketball or even high-level athleticism as a strictly black area of expertise while also showing black dominance over a white opponent. While the show, skills, and entertainment is worth the price of admission, one must note or at least ponder how the value of such a staged event has lasted for such a long time. Staged or not the skills and shots are real but, in reality, would be much more potent and emotionally stirring if the gameplan for the other team was not to simply let this happen.

Harlem Globetrotter

After watching a few clips of the Harlem Globetrotters a few things stood out to me that contributed to the Black aesthetic.  Like we read, many stylistic elements of basketball are attributed to the black players of the sport.  The dress, for one thing, contributes to the black aesthetic with the relatively baggy shorts (compared to the short shorts players used to wear).  The style and flow of the movements is also distinct with the Globetrotters.  The whole performance is based on showcasing each other and everyone's abilities.  One clip showed 4 individual players and their signature moves like the flip shot, the kick shot, and the 12-foot slam dunk.  Whenever a flashy move is performed, they are supported by the other players with a pass and let that player showcase his individual skill.  Players also utilize every movement their body can make and use this to develop more tricks with the ball, like the special shots or dribbling between the knees or spinning the ball on their fingers.  They incorporate each others' potential for movement and use it to its full advantage to great something unique and yet represent their cohesiveness and unity.  We see something similar with the movements in hip hop dance and this also contributes to the black aesthetic.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are an entertaining and socially responsible group of Basketball players that use their skill to do amazing tricks on the basketball court. They utilize a variety of black aesthetics including rhythym in the way they move and interact, as well as call and response with differant actions causing differant reactions from those in the audience. When I was younger the globetrotters were popular and it was always something fun and exciting to see, because they made the tricks come to life, and it was a stage for performance much like singing, or dancing, they were able to showcase special talents and work with a group.

The players were also fluid and flowed together, as to create the show, each person feeding off the next and this helps the overall impression of the event. They take theatrical themes and combine them with athletic talent to create something unique and entertaining.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters have a style of basketball that is unlike anyone else, and that is why they are so well-known. They display rhythm through everything that they do on the court and display this flow that cannot be seen anywhere else. The team moves together and works off of each other very well. They also do amazing tricks to get a rise out of the audience, which displays the call and response used in Black aesthetic. I'm pretty positive that their shows are preplanned or choreographed ahead of time, so it really makes what they are doing more like a dance or routine. If the Harlem Globetrotters did not display the fluidity and seamless-ness that they do in their performances, all they really would be doing are tricks. The beat that they create through their dribbling and movement together creates the performances that are truly astonishing.

Harlem Globetrotters

I watched several clips of the Globetrotters on youtube. Not only are they fantastic basketball players but they bring a new dimension to the game. The Globetrotters are very entertaining and their committment to character education and the cheer program to sick children off court, only make them more likable. Their superior athletic ability is very obvious but many of their moves are not seen in a regular game of basketball. The team has style, what you call showmanship. Each player has a signature dazzling move, that defines their particular personality. Many of these moves depends on being deceptive, using ability combined sith style to make them look effortless. Their banter, signifying with the crowd or opposing team, brings the spectators into the game. The comedy is a way to break down barriers and converse with the crowd. In the clip I watched, several of the spectators spoke about going to a Globetrotters game as a father-son bonding experience, one that has been repeated for generations. Though, the individuals are different over the years, what the Globetrotters represent stays the same. I actually have met the greatest Globetrotter there ever was, Meadowlark Lemmon.

Harlem Globetrotters

As Caponi would say, "Rhythm is what the black stars themselves talk about; feeling the flow of the game, finding the tempo of the dribble, the step, the shot." All of the moves of the Harlem Globetrotters are on beat and have a great rhythm. They jump high, shoot far, pass quick, keep a constant tempo while dribbling, and move well with each other. I watched a few different videos of them, and I liked how they got the audience involved. They would play with little kids or call out to the audience (call and response.) They also accomplished this fluid like motion with each other. It was great to watch.

Lecture 11/Discussion Questions

045:030: Introduction to African American Culture

Lecture 11 Exercises: Sporting Blackness & the Commodification of the Black Body in Sports

Caponi, 373-387

(Whaley)

Note: This week’s lecture consists of film clips and discussion questions.

Jumpstart One: A commodity is a good that is bought and sold in the marketplace and used as a form of consumption. Watch the clip from the film “O.” In what ways does the drug dealer suggest to the basketball player that he is a commodity? What other issues concerning race, capitalism, and class does he raise?

Jumpstart Two: Watch the basketball scenes from the film “O.” Drawing from your reading of Caponi, do you recognize a particular aesthetic form that the players use?

Discussion Questions: Caponi, 373-387; “O”

1. What is the relationship between sports and capitalism?

2. Can organized sports act as a vehicle to overcome preconceived notions of gender, race, and class? If so, how so, if not, why not?

3. Greenfield writes that the differences in playing basketball are cultural, and not biological (or about chromosomes). What does he mean by this? What examples does he provide (374)?

4. African American athletes, according to Greenfield, do not benefit from speaking engagements and endorsements. He wrote this essay in the 1970s, and arguably, things have changed for the better, in that African American athletes do quite a bit of commercial advertising. What are the strengths and drawbacks of being a spokesperson for “capital?”

5. According to Greenfield, there is “white” ball and “black” ball. How does he define the two? Do you think he is making essentialist statements? Why does he say at the end of the essay that these are slippery categories? What does the fusion of the two styles bring forth? Greenfield’s discussion remains within a white/black binary. Are there styles of playing for other racial-ethnic groups?

6. Why were groups initially skeptical about Joe Louis? Why did he end up becoming a hero to African Americans and other Americans?

7. Early says that Louis was in many ways “used” by his managers and by the boxing field, but that “perhaps he was not used more than any hero is used by the society that creates him and needs him.” What do you think Early means by this statement?

8. What does it mean to be a “blues hero?” In other words, how is the blues hero connected to class, the musical field of blues, and the cultural and political formations that gave rise to blues?

9. Early writes, in reference to Louis and Ali, that it is “shocking to think that the victims of our order should be the beautiful princes of our disorder.” What does he mean by this? How are athletes victims and a prince of our social order? Does this only pertain to athletes who are minorities? Can you provide examples of other athletes that fit this idea?

Discussion for “O”:

In this class, we have discussed the disjuncture between appreciating Black culture and consuming Black culture, yet being threatened by Black people or holding preconceived notions about them, even among those with the best intentions. In addition, we have discussed how the larger society has at times dealt with Black success from the days of reconstruction to current times. The readings for this week discuss the Black athlete as a commodity, as a site of scorn, as someone who is revered, as someone who is feared, as someone sought after sexually and financially, as someone who is allowed material success within a limited realm, and as someone who draws upon Black expressive culture as a means of survival and as a means to create a particular “style” of playing sports. How do all of the aforementioned issues cohere in the film “O?” Does the film provide anything more than dangerous stereotypes? Why do you think an African American athlete would choose to rewrite Othello in this way? Be prepared to discuss this matter in essay form for your next quiz and possibly, for your final exam.

Watch the trailer below:

Group Exercise/Improvisational Skits:

I have broken the class up into groups of five. You have twenty minutes to come up with a skit that exemplifies signifying (Caponi 309), sounding (Caponi 310-311), marking (Caponi 327-330), loud talking (Caponi 323-325), or racial and gender performance as survival, otherwise known as “wearing the mask” (Young; Elam 221; 223; 237). Each group will write down and turn in their skit and present it to the class. Each skit should take no more than five minutes to present. While each group member should float ideas about possible skits, you will present *one* skit per group, so you do need to come to a consensus about your ideas.


Group One Signifying: Cynthia, Ryan, Delores, Briana, Katie

Group Two Sounding: Alex, Justina, Nellie, Michael, Mara

Group Three Marking: Vince, Kayvon, Jessica, Zach, Laura

Group Four Loud Talking: Rob, Erin, Monique, Majesta, Andrea P.

Group Five Gender Performance: Sarah, Faisal, Natalie, Hopeton, James

Group Six Racial Performance: David, Lara, Brian, Rachel, Amber

Wade in the Water

After looking at the clip and reading many posts it would be easy to say the same thing many other people said abotu interpretive dance and what not; however, I'm going to use one word to describe it-- fluidity. Interpretive Dance such as this one conveys a message through rhythmic dance moves. There's no doubt that it takes a great deal of flexibility and rhythm, but what really gets me is the ease at which it's done and in unicen. The aesthetic of cool comes out here in that it's almost a walk in the park to do this. This is what separates many dances from being ok or great: fluidity and ease of execution. These are the things that stand out for me.

Wade in the Water

I believe the clip from Alvin Ailey's Wade in the Water was a very good example of traditional black African dance not only through the movement, but the movements with the music being played. The dancers use their bodies with the music to bring to life a message, whether its about struggle, religion, or happiness, and move their bodies the way that expresses their feelings. Interpretive dancing has always been an interesting type of dance to watch; however I have not always understood what exactly the movements were suppose to mean. Here, I can actually interpret a visual message through the dancers. I think that this performance is something that would be extremely powerful watching live, I'd definitely be interested in seeing it.

Wade in the Water

I really liked the Wade in the Water dance video. I haven't really seen a lot of interpretive dance before this class, and I'd say that I've grown to like it. The thing that stood out to me was that throughout the entire dance, all the dancers were very flexible and rhythmic. This relates a lot to what Malone was saying about riff style of dance. Although the Wade in the Water and riff style dance are different types, they both have flexible motions. Malone says that this is characteristic of how African Americans can cope with struggles in life. He says they are flexible in a sense that they are able to adapt, for a lack of a better term, to changing problems. I could also see that there were elements of call and response, some tribal characteristics and then and upbeat, faster dance style, incorporating "aesthetics of cool". Overall, a very nice dance piece.

Wade in the Water

Alvin Ailey Dance-Wade in the Water from "Revelations" was a pretty interesting clip. I found it quite different from the examples we watched in class (I realize it's a different style) but at the same time it had alot of the same characteristics as the clips from hip-hop and jazz and tap dancing. The dancers, male and female all moved perfectly it seemed with the music. When there was short, loud sounds in the music the dancers would do something to correspond with that sound, like freezing for a moment. I also think that the dancers made it look easy and "cool," you could tell it had been practiced numerous times as everything was timed and choreographed. I think the props added to the dance alot as well. They brought the dance to life, everything from the umbrella to the sheets. As a whole, the performance was good and I think depected the African dance style quite well.

Wade in the Water

This interpretation of  the song Wade in the Water clearly demonstrates many aspects of black dance through the performance. Such elements included are the flow of the dancers and the motion in which they move. Also, the fact the dancers often move in unison while also digging for an individual demonstration shows another aspect of black dance. The aesthetic of cool is clearly present here as the dancers strive to move in the simplest way possible despite the evident manner of how complicated their movements are.

Wade in the Water Blog

The clip from Alvin Ailey's Dance Troupe "Wade in the Water" was an excellent example and performance of the elements of Black dance. In the dance, the dancers all danced to the rhythm of the song and the meaning. I really liked it when the blue sheets around the dancers made them look like they were really wading in water, along with their fluid body movements. I think the "aesthetic of cool" was present here, where the dancers all made it looks so easy and natural, that it seemed in a sense sort of cool. I also noticed a lot of the dancers played off of each other and would dance as if one. I thought this also was reminent of the characteristics of Black dance. I noticed that there was a lot of percussive elements in the dance, like the background music at points and how the dancers danced according to how the music sounded. The dancers did a good job of communicating the message that the song was trying to give through dance. It really gave the song more life to see it being acted out. The clip was very interesting and entertaining to watch because it really showed many of the things we talk about in class through the actual dance.

"Wade in the Water"

I actually had the honor of seeing the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe back in high school and it was definitely an unforgetable experience so when I saw we had to do a blog and watch the clip I was especially excited. This clip was an example of elements of black dance because as discussed before just like music, dance moves derive from Africa and that is illustrated in this clip by some of the moves that dancers did like the swift movements of their bodies, a lot of hip movement and thrusts were in corporated in the dance as well as the movement of their arms and legs with the rhythm or beat of the music. This dance in particulary reminded me or praise dancing which is most commonly found in AME and baptist practices of praise and worship. As Thompson mentions "african traditional cults are danced faiths, worship converted into sound and motion , performed in open air..." which is definitely contributed into this dance number. The dancers were wearing clothing similar to old fashioned baptism ceremonies that can still be found in the south but still not as common as it was during and after slavery. The dancers moved with and at times became the water which added to the telling of the story performed by the dancers.

Wade in the Water

Jacqui Malone states, "...black dance is a source of energy, joy, and inspiration; a spiritual antidote to oppression; and a way to lighten work, teach social values, and strengthen institutions. It also teaches the unity of mind and body and regenerates mental and physical power." I believe that Alvin Ailey's "Wade in the Water" dance demonstrates these characteristics very well. All of the dancers display large rhythmic movements by swaying their hips, kicking their legs, and reaching their arms. I love how their movements help tell a story. It is almost as if they are moving through the water or at some parts becoming the water. I also enjoyed the use of the blue and white clothes; the colors gave a warm, yet happy feeling. The song is about slaves escaping for freedom, and the dancers really showed a lot of energy and determination in reaching that goal: freedom. Overall, I think it was a great performance.

Blog

I thought the clip was great. It expressed and interpritated African dance extremely well. Bringing in the time period of slavery, the dancing incorporated many unique aspects such as joy, individual and group oriented dancing, being in rhythm with the beat and showed a lot of emotion.

I liked the Wade in the Water clip by Alvin Ailey's dance group. This was the first time that I actually watched and paid attention to this type of dance. But as I watched I began to notice how interesting this form of dance was. As the music played the dancers would somewhat dance in sync with each other; but the dancers individually would dance have their own slighty variation of the dance moves. Because I know the meaning or message of the actual song Wade in the Water I was able to follow and kind of understand the moves corresponding to the song. In the dance moves just as I saw indicidualism, I also noticed "aesthetic of cool," like each dancer would flow with the music and from each move to the next. As I watched the clip I also picked up on how the dance moves had a lot of traditional African characteristics in each dance move individually. Overall I found this to be an interesting African American art form that I, myself have observed before.

Weekly Blog

To me the wade in the water dance had a couple of the elements described by Thompson and Malone. There was some call and response in the beginning of the dance and there was also singing and dancing at the same time. Another element the wade in the water dance had was the percussion. There was more instruments in the background than dancers. In all the dance had many elements of Black dance and was very beautiful.

Wade in the Water Blog

After viewing Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe's version of Wade in the Water, I heard and saw a number of elements of Black music and dance as described by Thompson and Malone.  One such was the dominance of the percussive concept of the performance.  A clear example of this was heard during the first 1:40 of the song as the background vocals during this time were sharp and distinctly percussive instead of smoothly transitioning to each note.  Also prominently featured during the first 1:40 of the song was the element of multiple meter.  As numerous percussive instruments gradually joined the song, each seemed to play at its own tempo.  Thus, as described by Thompson, this part of the song featured the simultaneous execution of several time signatures.  In addition, the element of polymeter was also seen throughout the video as the dancers often chose different parts of their bodies to emphasize at the same time.  As this occurred, the dancers twisted and contorted their bodies which often resulted in angularity.  As described by Malone, such angulated bodies and gestures are an important part of African-American culture.  Furthermore, this dance often featured a great deal of asymmetry.  For example, although the dancers may have been moving slowly at one point, this often abruptly and unexpectedly changed to more rapid and vigorous movements.  In the end, this video also featured apart dancing.  Although the dancers often moved in unison, they also frequently did their own thing which, as described by Thompson, is to better ensure a dialogue between movement and sound. 

Blog for Week 11

I think "Wade in the Water" serves as an excellent example of Black dance for multiple reasons. Not only does it incorporate aspects of African culture through the drums used in the music and through the use of different movement styles, such as contractions, but it also serves as a spiritual antidote to oppression. Alvin Ailey's version of "Wade in the Water" combines different spirituals as well, such as "Didn't my Lord Deliver Daniel." The dance symbolizes different aspects of religion as well, like baptism. Malone says that African American dance evinces a celebration of life and I think this is very true for this piece. Alvin Ailey does a wonderful job capturing the happiness and celebration of the African American experience through his movement. One example of this I noticed was toward the end of the piece when the man waving a flag danced off the stage. His movement reminded me of celebrations in church when someone had been "taken over" by the holy spirit. I really enjoyed this piece and think its such a good example of black culture and black dance.

"Wade in the Water" video clip Blog

Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe's "Wade in the Water" youtube video clip contained many different examples of Black dance that both Thompson and Malone had discussed. The dance started out as a very elegant ballet performance and as the music got progressively more intense so did the movements of the dancers. The movements were very big and distinct, encorporating movement in all parts of the body at all times. The message being portrayed was very spiritual and relgions towards the issue of slavery. The clothing and the fact that the dancers were not wearing shoes helped portray the idea of Black dance. This was like an interpretive dance to portray and express without words, the story behing the song, "Wade in the Water."

wade in the water

Alvin Ailey's performance combined influences from several aspects of African American Culture.  The song wade in the water is a significant story of slavery.  The historical significance of the performance stretches back  to African roots.  The percussive layering in the music resembled that of ancient African music.  The expressive dance has religious roots that tie to praise dance.  The full body incorporation demonstrates the ability to express narrative through dance.  As discussed in class on Tuesday, the performance had many religious connections.  The group moved together in unison similar to a church choir.  Also, there is an evident male leader in the performance which symbolizes the preacher and main illustrator of the narrative.  The sophisticated attire of the dancers also illustrate the economic progress of African Americans.

"Wade In The Water" Blog

After watching the performance of "Wade In The Water", performed by the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe I recognized many forms of black dance, and some that are described by Thompson and Malone. In the beginning of the performance it reminded me of almost a ballet. The dancers moved slow and they were mostly synchronized and very elegant looking. But as the "Wade In The Water" song came on I thought the dancers started acting out a story in the form of a dance. I thought as the music changed to more upbeat and fast, the dancers did the same. It was like a burst of energy from the ballet part of the dance to the story part of the performance. I thought that it was really interesting how they used props in their performance, such as the umbrella the women were holding, the blue sheet for the water, and the long flag like poles that the men held. This made the dance more story like and their was no need for words. The reading says that black dance is a type of freedom and I think that the "Wade In The Water" performers show that very well. The men flowed very well with the women and made it interesting to watch their bodies move together throughout the dance.

-Mara H.

Wade in the Water Blog

Alvin Ailey's Dance Troupe's performance was majoratively interpretive in telling/expressing the story of which "Wade in the Water" speaks. The movements, while mostly elegan, become abrupt and aggressive in times of necessary emphasis in regards to the struggle for freedom. Like the culture of the song itself, many of the dances were in sync with songs aimed at portraying a more religious or spiritual message to the audience. The movements and issues being expressed are a throwback to tradition with many movements and most of the music reflecting an African tradition carried over and acclamated into an American culture. The entire performance had segments where focus would be set only on one or two dancers as a means not only to highlight the skillful movement but also for a chance to reveal the "swagger" (ie: elements of cool) within the work/performance.

Wade in the Water blog

While watching the clip of the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe I could see many forms of black dance according to Thompson and Malone. I thought the dance began as though the performers were moving through the forest, maybe escaping slavery, just like the song talks about, and I could see the "aesthetic of cool," in the movements. As the dance and song went on you could see their energy and movement become faster and you can relate the movements to the words. They were so smooth they told the story in a way that you did not need the words, to understand. I think they had a really unique and beautiful performance that made the song come to life with the costume colors, and props, to give a vivid picture. The dancers flowed together and worked together in many ways to help contribute to the overall aesthetic of the performance. As we talked about yesterday in class, this was a more harmonic soft performance, not as percussive as others we have seen.

The song Wade in the Water, has such a deep meaning and this performance helps give a picture of the emotion and meaning behind the words.

"Wade in the Water" Blog

I began the blog by finding what I thought were the most important points of definition of black dance in the two essays.  Thompson says, "the Negro is an heir to an aesthetic of the cool and [white people] are not.  It is cool to sweeten hurt with song and motion; it is hot to concentrate upon the pain."  It also has a "ration between the senses - feel touch earth, ears hear drumming, eyes study gesture."  The dancers are barefoot and there is a constantly changing percussive element to this interpretation of the song.  They also take full advantage of their body's movement capabilities.  The lyrics serve as the moral function of the music.

According to Malone, "black dance is a source of energy, joy, and inspiration."  It has an element of freedom of expression that makes it unique.  The black aesthetic utilizes the entire body and continuum of movement possibilities to appeal to the "visual and aural senses".  In this version of "Wade in the Water" the dance troupe accomplishes this through their use of colors (white and blue) as well as their mixture of elegant and percussive movements.

The dancers also use a form of showcasing where the dancer with the umbrella is backed up by the other two dancers or the dancer at the end the 

male dancer with the stick is also showcased by the other performers.

"Wade in the Water" Blog

The Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe's version on "Water In The Water" demonstrates various examples of black dance within it. Most glaringly, we can see the "aesthetic of cool" represented through the slow and "water-like" movements of the dancers. They also use blue fabric to represent the water. The dancers are also displaying emotion that is not always in sync with the others around them, expressing freedom and their own interpretation of the song. The dancers also convey a lot of energy through their movements that seems to be enjoyable. Despite the fact that the lyrics represent the struggle that blacks went through during slavery, the dancers take that and create all of these dramatic and expressive poses within their dance and make it visually appealing. They take this song, which can be seen as a reminder of the hurt that blacks felt and make it beautiful and pleasing to watch; however still telling a story through their strong movements.

"Wade in the Water" Blog

The dancing done in the clip shows a certain flow of movement in correlation to the music. There is a moment where the dancers are dancing with a call and response rhythm. A male and female dancer were doing the same movements and turned to go behind the other dancers so they could echo the movements that were just done. That practice of call and response happens for about three dance sections. There is a more precise moment of call and response when the female dancer is holding the umbrella with one hand and waving her hand over a dancer with the other hand. When she waves her hand over the dancer they move up and down as to be baptized in the water by the woman. There is also an example of dance of derision where the dancers are re-enacting the idea of wading in the water. Their slow rhythmic movement gives the illusion that they are swimming or moving through water. Malone calls the interaction of the song and dance done by the dancers “dancing the song.” The dancers have an “ecstasy of motion” through their free flowing movement while using the swaying of their heads to make the movement more dramatic. The performance overall takes the “aesthetic of cool” and brings it to life through the dancers calculated and rhythmic steps while making it look effortless.

Wade in the Water Dance

I think the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe did a wonderful job of performing "Wade in the Water" but in the form of dancing. The first type of dance that came to my mind was a more African type of dancing. In African dancing, the whole dance seems to tell a story instead of just putting random moves together. Within this performance, the story was to the song "Wade in the Water" and during the song, the dancers would transform into different scenes and they would include props to help tell their story. It seems like acting but there are no words being spoken by the dancers, just movements and rhythm. I could see the inspiration that these dancers had and the energy that they put into this performance. They really wanted to depict the song in every aspect and get their point across to the audience by just moving their body around in different ways. I thought it was a really great and powerful performance and I would like to see more work from this group!

Blog Week 11- Dance

I really enjoyed the clip of the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe and their rendition of Wade in the Water. There are several elements of black dance in this clip. The first one that comes to my mind is the energy, joy and inspiration created by the troupe when they dance. Wade in the Water has special meaning to African/Americans back to the days of slavery. The lyrics contained coded messages about relief and survival. These are relayed through the story of the dancers, the angular poses, expressive arms and style. We can also see the "aesthetic of the cool." The dancers show tremedous control and effortless movement as their bodies "speak" the narrative and meanings of water. The use of the blue fabric is especially interesting as representing the water in many ways. This creates not only a visually pleasing effect but is also a device that creates drama and mystery. Each movement of the dancers body creates emotion and their "apart dancing" is very sifnificant to black dance. While some of the time the dancing appear to be harmonious, other times the dancers appear extremely liberated to improvise their own interpretation and emotion into their dancing.

Professor Whaley Post: Dance, Dance, Dance

The film Stomp the Yard and America's Next Best Dance Crew has really put dance back on the map as an important form. On this show, we see people from a variety of backgrounds showing their dance skill, and many of the dances shown have their roots in Black culture.

This week we will discuss the traditions and innovations in Black dance. In a variety of forms, including ballet, tap, disco, stepping, hip-hop dance, folk/traditional African dance, modern dance, breaking, house dance -- to specific dances like the ring shout, cake walk, moonwalk, hully gully, and electric slide -- we see the elements of African/Black cultural aesthetics. The aesthetics of cool, forms of masquerade, apart playing and dancing, percussive movement, dances of derision/songs of allusion are just a few components of Black American dance. What is unique about the various forms of Black dance is that Black Americans have troped other dance forms to reflect Black culture, and they have been innovators in creating unique dance forms since the 17th century. Older choreographers like Deborah Allen, Kiki Shepard, Paula Abdul, and Jeffery Daniels are household names (or at least they are the ones I can think of right now) and newer artists like Ciara, Chris Brown, and Usher have all shown themselves as strong dancers who do more than implement the work of a choreographer; they help to innovate new dance forms. On Thursday, if we have time, we can view clips from Rize of clowing and krumping and Black Greek stepping, but I wanted to provide examples of tap, disco, modern, West African, and hip-hop to point to a diverse array of forms:

Thus, here are some examples of Black dance throughout time. Can you isolate the Black/African aesthetic?:

Soul Train Line/Disco:

Soul Train - Soul Train Line - 1974
Uploaded by cyrildac

Josephine Baker: Stage Dance



Ciara: Modern Hiphop Dance



Alvin Ailey: Classical Dance



Chris Brown (Sorry, in no way do I want to promote his alleged behavior, but I hope that we can review his dance style while still being critical of his alleged behavior. If you don't wish to view this, we can move on to the Omarion clip).



Omarion, Soul Train Awards 2005: Hiphop Modern Dance



Nicholas Brothers: Tap Dance



Urban Bush Women: Modern Dance



For Thursday:

Rize


Documentary Steppin:

http://www.folkstreams.net/film,134

Public Enemy's "He Got Game" illustrates the typical qualities of hip hop.  The track combines a rif from Buffalo Springstein, synthesized beats, and layering voices.  The song holds a strong political message with religious roots. The lyrics address the social injustices of the time and illustrates the struggle to hold faith.

It is easy to relate to this song because everyone is aware of the social injustices in the United States.  By connecting religion to the social problems, the song  gives hope that the dilemmas will one day be resolved.

Week 8 Blog

Artist: T.I.
Song: Whatever you like

I had a bit of trouble thinking about one song to choose for this question because of how much hip hop has "evolved" over the years. I like T.I. as an artist, but I feel that many of his songs have strayed away from the origins of hip hop. This isn't always the case in his music; however, it's clear in this song that it is more representative of present day hip hop culture. Hip Hop used to be more about the message and it has sort of "evolved" into catchy beats that sometimes have literally nothing productive being said. I use the word evolved in quotes because generally evolution is to change something for the better and I think this is not the case here.
In this song T.I. is talking about his money and his ability to buy things for the right woman. This is representative of Hip Hop culture today with videos about Cristal and women and Escalades. This is not always the case, but it seems that more traditional hip hop is a lot more underground now. I feel this is a good example of hip hop culture because it is a pretty typical topic in many songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w-r4rxmXDI

Homework Question #9

The genre I chose was hip-hip and the song I chose was ‘I Can’ by Nas. I think that this song is a great modern example of throwback hip hop songs that do have a catchy beat and interesting lyrics, but send important messages to listeners above all else. This song is very politically oriented. In it, Nas raps about the many issues that face young Black America today such as drug use, unprotected sex, and gang violence. The first two verses describe young men and women who had bright futures but lost them to one of the above issues. The last verse is equally controversial as Nas takes a different route and craftily describes slavery and how it turned “kings and queens into porch m…”

I love this song because the lyrics are so raw and gritty but it still sends a positive message. Nas raps this song as if he were talking to little boys and girls, telling them to steer clear of the dangers that are hindering our Brothers and Sisters and to work hard to become anything they want. Also, with the little kids singing in the background of the song, ‘I Can’ shows the softer but still political side of a very controversial rapper.



[Kids]
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

[Nas]
Be, B-Boys and girls, listen up
You can be anything in the world, in God we trust
An architect, doctor, maybe an actress
But nothing comes easy it takes much practice
Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star
She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe
Singing songs, Lina Horn, but the younger version
Hung with the wrong person
Gotta astrung when I heard when
Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose
Coulda died, so young, no looks ugly and old
No fun cause when she reaches for hugs people hold they breath
Cause she smells of corrosion and death
Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring
Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing
So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how

[Chorus - 2x (Nas and Kids)]
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

[Nas]
Be, B-Boys and girls, listen again
This is for grown looking girls who's only ten
The ones who watch videos and do what they see
As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID
Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV
You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey
Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be
Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be
Older than you are, give yourself time to grow
You thinking he can give you wealth, but so
Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know
You thinkin life's all about smokin weed and ice
You don't wanna be my age and can't read and right
Begging different women for a place to sleep at night
Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish
If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this

[Chorus]

Save the music y'all, save the music y'all
Save the music y'all, save the music y'all
Save the music

[Nas]
Be, be, 'fore we came to this country
We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys
It was empires in Africa called Kush
Timbuktu, where every race came to get books
To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans
Asian Arabs and gave them gold when
Gold was converted to money it all changed
Money then became empowerment for Europeans
The Persian military invaded
They learned about the gold, the teachings and everything sacred
Africa was almost robbed naked
Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships
Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went
He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces
Shot up they nose to impose what basically
Still goes on today, you see?
If the truth is told, the youth can grow
They learn to survive until they gain control
Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes
Read more learn more, change the globe
Ghetto children, do your thing
Hold your head up, little man, you're a king
Young Prince thats when you get your wedding ring
Your man is saying "She's my queen"

[Chorus]

Blog Post #10

I chose Come Close, by Common, because I think it portrays Black culture on multiple levels. Both through the lyrics and in the music video, which accompanies the song, black culture is displayed through language and style. The song also discusses various aspects of black life, such as love, politics (when Common talks about changing the world), and popular culture. I've also really enjoyed this song because of it's setting (a man proposing to a woman on her front lawn). But when listening to the lyrics, there are a lot of other aspects to the song which I enjoy. Another thing that really stood out to me about Black culture in this song is the appearance of the characters in the music. Common typically has a type of "Afrocentric" style, and like him, the woman in the video does as well. I really like the way she is represented in particular, because she shows that beauty can be something natural and something black.

Here are the lyrics:
"Come Close"
by Common
(feat. Mary J. Blige)

[Intro]
[Common:] It's just a fly love song, what
[Mary J:] Mmmmm
[Common:] It's just a fly love song, what

[Verse: Common]
Are we living in a dream world?
Are your eyes still green girl?
I know your sick and tired of arguing
But you can't keep it bottled in
Jealousy, we got to swallow it
Your heart and mind baby follow it
Smile, happiness you could model it
And when you feel opposite
I just want you to know
Your whole being is beautiful
Im going to do the best I can do
Cause i'm the best when i'm with you

[Chorus: Mary J. Blige]
Come close to me baby
Let your love hold you
I know this world is crazy
What's it without you

[Verse: Common]
Put down your bags love
I know in the past love
Has been sort of hard in you
But I see the God in you
I just want to nurture it
Though this love may hurt a bit
We dealing wit this water love
You even give my daughter love
I want to build a tribe wit you
Protect and provide for you
Truth is I can't hide from you
The pimp in me
May have to die with you

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
I know what you're thinking, you're on my mind
You're right, you're right, you're right
You promise so fast you just might take flight
Hope your not tired, tonight, tonight

[Verse: Common]
You help me to discovery me
I just want you to put trust in me
I kind of laugh when you cuss at me
The aftermath is you touching me
It's destiny to we connected girl
You and i we can affect the world
I'm tired of the fast lane
I want you to have my last name

[Chorus]

[Bridge (2x)]

Hip Hop Saved My Life

This is probably one of my favorite songs of all time. Hip-Hop Saved My Life is more of a story that describes the life and times of a struggling MC. The reason I picked this song is that I think shows the idea of automusicography well. The story Lupe is telling is very personal, yet it is probably universal among young African Americans aspiring to become a successful hip-hop artist. The first couple of lines outline the common struggle and motive for these young artists.

He said 'I write what I see'
Write to make it right
Don't like where I be
I like to make it like
The sights on tv
Quite the great life
So nice and easy
See now you can still die from that
But it's better than not
being alive from straps

Hip-Hop Saved My Life on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bj2_ZmwCoU

"Imagine Me" by Kirk Franklin

I chose "Imagine Me," a gospel song by Kirk Franklin because the words are very powerful, uplifting and full of hope. I remember the first time I heard the song and I just had to find out what it was called so I could buy it from Itunes. I chose this song because it's about forgiving those who have done you wrong, putting all of your faith into God and closing that chapter in your life and not dwelling on it. It is a very inspirational song that I think shows how in Black culture religion is very important because when you don't have anyone to turn to or when people in your life have done your wrong, believing in God and putting all your trust in him will allow you to be free. On a account of the struggles African Americans have been through, having songs of hope can pull them through and allow them and anyone else who listens to gospel see that there are going to be brighter days.

http://www.jango.com/music/Kirk+Franklin?l=0

Blog 10 - song

The song I chose was "Joyful, Joyful" from Sister Act II by Lauryn Hill.  I chose this song because it was really popular back in middle school and I really like it personally.  I also think it exemplifies different genres through the change in style throughout the song.  It begins with a solo by Lauryn Hill that one could consider R&B with the gentleness in her tone and the vocal runs she incorporates into the lyrics.  It switches to a Gospel style with everyone joining in.  This is followed by a rap portion.  Here, the structure of the lyrics change, adding phrases such as "check the rhyme" in addition to the percussive nature the music adapts.  You've even got a call and response when they sing "Who's down with G-O-D? Yeah, you know me".  These are just some examples of how this song demonstrates multiple aspects of Black culture.  It's not done much with the lyrics, other than the show of faith, but the stylistic elements show the diversity of black culture and music in particular.

www.acmewebpages.com/whoopi/lyrics/joyful.htm

Blog: Favorite Song

Nas- Hero

Where the Fcuk ya'll at
haahaa
yeah
lets go, get money

Chain gleaming
Switching lanes
Two-seating
Hate him or love him
For the same reason [Fresh]
Can't leave it
The games needs him
Plus the people need someone to believe in [Yes]
So in God's Son we trust'
Cause they know I'm gonna give 'em what they want
They looking for . . . a hero
I guess that makes me . . . a hero

Another chapter of the cleanest rapper
Distinguished gentlemen
Crooks and castle on his back
Maybach-er, exotic lady eye-catcher
Holla at'cha, call me the chiropractor
Working like Muay Thai class
Get perspire out ya
And of course I've been the boss since back when
Rocking D Boy, Fila, velour in 190 black Benz
Now they shut down the stores when I'm shopping
Used to be train robbing, face covered in stocking
I'm him

Chain gleaming
Switching lanes
Two-seating
Hate him or love him
For the same reason
Can't leave it
The games needs him
Plus the people need someone to believe in
So in God's Son we trust'
Cause they know I'm gonna give 'em what they want
They looking for . . . a hero
I guess that makes me . . . a hero

Rubber-grip-holder, reloader
Come at me I'ma rip your soliders in half
Silverback ape, nickle-plated mag
Young, rich, and flashyYoung, bitch, I'm nasty
All black clothes til ice lay on me so classy
And every time I close my lids
I can still see the borough, I can still see the Bridge
I can still see the dreams that my niggas ain't never lived to see
Tell them angels open the door for me
From nine berettas and moving raw
To chilling in wine cellars
Sticks and humidors
That's what I call mature
That's what I call a g
That's what I call a pimp
That's what I call a gangsta
To the fullest, shit
I try to make more cream
By every September 14th, that's my dream
So I can be more clean, as I grow yearly
I can see things more clearly
That's why they fear me

Chain gleaming
Switching lanes
Two-seating
Hate him or love him
For the same reason
Can't leave it
The games needs him
Plus the people need someone to believe in
So in God's Son we trust'
Cause they know I'm gonna give 'em what they want
They looking for . . . a hero
I guess that makes me . . . a hero

This universal apartheid
I'm hog-tied, the corporate side
Blocking y'all from going to stores and buying it
First L.A. and Doug Morris was riding wit it
But Newsweek article startled big wigs
They said, Nas, why is he trying it?
My lawyers only see the Billboard charts as winning
Forgetting - Nas the only true rebel since the beginning
Still in musical prison, in jail for the flow
Try telling Bob Dylan, Bruce, or Billy Joel
They can't sing what's in their soul
So untitled it is
I never change nothin'
But people remember this
If Nas can't say it, think about these talented kids
With new ideas being told what they can and can't spit
I can't sit and watch it
So, sht, I'ma drop it
Like it or not
You ain't gotta cop it
I'm a hustler in the studio
Cups of Don Julio
No matter what the CD called
I'm unbeatable, y'all
Lets go!


This has been one of my favorite songs to listen to before my games. The motivational lyrics by Nas really inspire and get the message across of being your own person and being motivated enough to not let anything stand in the way of what you're trying to accomplish. Nas frequently brings in examples of black culture such as the "swag" and also the dream of living large, cars, clothes, money, ect. He expresses his ways of going against the grain and makes examples out of white artists such as bob dylan and billy joel whom he says were caged from saying what they wanted to but he will not be.

Blog: Favorite Song

Lyrics:http://www.lyricstop.com/i/iamnotmyhair-india.arie.html
Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5y9A4DKmjM
[Chorus]
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I ma not this skin
I am a soul that lives within

[Talking:]
What'd she do to her hair? I don't know it look crazy
I like it. I might do that.
Umm I wouldn't go that far. I know .. ha ha ha ha

[Verse 2]
Good hair means curls and waves
Bad hair means you look like a slave
At the turn of the century
Its time for us to redefine who we be
You can shave it off
Like a South African beauty
Or get in on lock
Like Bob Marley
You can rock it straight
Like Oprah Winfrey
If its not what's on your head
Its what's underneath and say HEY....


I have to say that I am a big fan of India Arie because does not just write a whole lot of none sense songs like most artists do today. She sings about real things; her life, who she is, what the world is like ad the people in it. This song is about her and her style and how her hair does not define who she is. It is what is inside her that makes her who she is. In the video she comes out with many different hair styles and different outfits that seem like they would match the hair. The video is very simple and energetic at the same time. The layout of this video makes the message very clear and understanding.

I feel that this relates to our discussion of Black culture because we did talk a little bit about how style has been a big influence on some of the popular artists out there. A lot of artists do have that style "swag" that people like to follow which makes them bigger in the industry. It's almost like if you don't have that look that people like then you will not be liked.

Song: Classic
Artists: Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One, Rakim, DJ Premier




[Rakim:]
Is y’all ready for Twenty-0-7, it’s now another drought
Everyone’s a killer, wow we buggin out
Since 86 showin the crowd what I’m about
And they still want to know when the album comin’ out
Ask the teenagers, O’Gs and Ask the kids
What they definition of Classic is
Timeless, cause age don’t count in the booth
And your flow stays submerged in the fountain of youth
And no doubt the truth I’m off the meters
Everybody co-signing even non-believers
I came in the door, became one of y’alls leaders
In the fresh pair of Air Force One sneakers
Uptown we call ‘em uppies when they on divas
Prolly worn when KRS One teaches
Nas, made you look, before the haters
I bet you Kan had ‘em on when he walked with Jesus
This is classic

Classic, I'm better than I've ever been
Timeless,
I'm everywhere you've never been and better than I ever been
Classic
I'm better than I've ever been
Timeless,

[Kanye West:]
Can’t buy this, superflyness, like a shyness, your highness
iss performin’, look how long the line is
That’s what happens when you make shit that’s timeless
That’s what happens these rappers is the pioneers
What do it take to be a legend like Nas is?
That’s so novice, I’m so polished, I got a right to be a little bit snobbish
I did a little bit of college, semesters it took 2 like Rob Base
To let me figure out this wasn’t my place, the beats slow til’ you listen to my pace
Cuz I be killin’ shit, but that’s evident, and y’all feelin’ it, but I expected it
If it’s classic it’s gonna last forever than I’m everywhere you never been and better than I ever been

Classic, I'm better than I've ever been
Timeless,
I'm everywhere you've never been and better than I ever been
Classic
I'm better than I've ever been
Timeless,

[Nas:]
Perseverance, see the fake hustler rapper to them it hurts to hear this
O you went platinum – yeah that’s nice, now let me see you do the same thing twice
New times, 4 times, then been a couple of more times, please your amateur night is show time
It’s one life to live so live it the best you can, the world could use one less man
Not enough air, not enough car factories to manufacture new vehicles sedans and vans
When they do make the whip you like ya chips ain’t right, by the time you could afford it the car ain’t important
In the streets silent, it’s just I and - cops keep firin’ in my environment
Leavin’ your slum when they drive home far from the hood brothers they eager to jump on
I like to be the wall that they post up on, I like to see them fall, guilty for doing wrong
I’m classic like the Air Ones, the Hustler shoe, that’s what I’m accustomed to

Classic, I'm better than I've ever been
Timeless,
I'm everywhere you've never been and better than I ever been
Classic
I'm better than I've ever been
Timeless,

[KRS One:]
How many y’all got "Criminal Minded" you you you y’all don’t be blinded
Me I got no jewels on my neck, why – I don’t need ‘em I got your respect
KRS One 20 years I rock I do it for JMJ and Scott LaRock – this hip hop
And we’s a nation, don’t you want to hear more KRS on your radio station?
Instead of broadcasting how we smokin’ trees, on the radio we need to hear more local MC’s
Where you at? Come on where you at? This is the difference between MC’ing and rap
Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal, MC’s spit rhymes to uplift they people
Peace, love, unity, and Havin’ fun, these are the lyrics of KRS One

This is one of my favorite hip hop songs of recent times because it includes numerous legends of hip hop. While Kanye West isn't yet a legend like KRS-One or Rakim, and has more of a pop-ish voice, he's still one of the must influential artists at this time. This song was originally produced for Nike's 25th Anniversary of their Air Force 1 line in 2007, which is why they are mentioned numerous times throughout the song. The song references parts of the history of hip hop, with lines tying to Criminal Minded, Jam Master Jay, and Scott LaRock. At the same time, it discusses the hip hop and its relation to Black culture. Each artist brought something different to the song, which makes the song so great.