Of course, representations always matter. Both choices and implications. Disregarding the author and his/her/their background and intent (see, for example, “The Death of the Author”) is typically important when analyzing culture. Humans are generally blind to their own circumstances and why–truly why–they make the choices they make. Only with time can we begin to seeContinue reading “On the Limits of Poststructuralism”
Tag Archives: music
A song, a television show, and two thoughts.
Terra Naomi’s “Say It’s Possible,” a powerful song inspired by Vice President Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, has captured my fascination since first hearing it in 2007. You can watch it here. Lyrics are here. Of all the lyrics I find the following most powerful and very unique. I’m not alright I’m not alright I’m notContinue reading “A song, a television show, and two thoughts.”
Review of Aaron Alon’s BULLY (2017)
From its directorship by Dr. Aaron Alon, its powerful story line and unforgettable thirteen original numbers written and composed by Alon, its cinematography, its sound, and its talented cast of performers and singers, Thunderclap Production’s latest release, Bully (2017), is a highly-original masterpiece about bullying, depression, gender, queerness, and suicide. In the space of 58 minutes, this musical pushes viewersContinue reading “Review of Aaron Alon’s BULLY (2017)”
A few thoughts about Christmas songs, the related theologies, and traditions.
A powerful lesson happens when we have understandings of the past informed by evidence: the realization that most things considered “traditional” or as having lasted forever are actually new developments–often in the past century, sometimes in the past decade or two. Of course, this doesn’t detract from the power associated with the mores and ritualsContinue reading “A few thoughts about Christmas songs, the related theologies, and traditions.”
Promoting (Anti-)Violence with Violence in Shawn Mendes’s “Treat You Better” (2016)
Recently, I was listening to videos on YouTube for research, and I didn’t realize the “autoplay – up next” feature was on until I heard Shawn Mendes’s “Treat You Better.” The song bothered me. Once I looked, the music-video bothered me, too. It’s taken a few days to start put my finger on it, butContinue reading “Promoting (Anti-)Violence with Violence in Shawn Mendes’s “Treat You Better” (2016)”
Visiting with Ethnomusicologist, Dr. Andrés R. Amado – Interview Series #6
Today’s latest installment in my interview series brings an especially intellectually-stimulating conversation with my friend, Dr. Andrés R. Amado. Andrés is an ethnomusicologist and an Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Keep reading to learn about his fascinating research and teaching! Don’t miss the pictures at the end! Dr. Andrew Joseph Pegoda (AJP):Continue reading “Visiting with Ethnomusicologist, Dr. Andrés R. Amado – Interview Series #6”
Ableism and the Music Industry – A Few Thoughts
Here lately I am more and more interested in ableism and able-bodied privilege due to my own personal interests, the growing body of literature in Disability Studies, and in preparation for a solicited article I will be writing here soon on the History of Neurofibromatosis. For some time, I have noticed that music videos (orContinue reading “Ableism and the Music Industry – A Few Thoughts”
For Once and For All: All Music is Always Political!
Following Lady Gaga’s performance at the Super Bowl several weeks ago now, people were sending comments and tweets across the Internet praising her for leaving politics out of her performance. This interpretation of her song selections unknowingly or perhaps even willing erases the extremely political nature of her Super Bowl Halftime Show. Lady Gaga performed partsContinue reading “For Once and For All: All Music is Always Political!”
Dr. Andrew Joseph Pegoda 