Postcolonial theory: blog tasks

 Wider reading on race and Old Town Road: 

1) What are the visual cues the article lists as linked to the western genre?

the symbols of what is considered to be western, such as cowboy hats, cow prints, rhinestones, and fringed suede jackets.

2) How did the Yeehaw agenda come about?

Bri Malandro, a pop culture historian living in Texas, coined the term "Yeehaw Agenda" in September 2018 to describe the trend of black pop culture icons donning cowboy attire.

3) Why has it been suggested that the black cowboy has been 'erased from American culture'?

The history of the black cowboy in American society has been largely forgotten, and the "moment" black cowboys are currently experiencing in pop culture has actually existed for a long time.

4) How has the black cowboy aesthetic been reflected by the fashion industry?

The Compton Cowboys have become so well-known that Pyer Moss, a brand that showcased many western-inspired outfits in its fall/winter 2018 catwalk show, included them in the look book for their upcoming collaboration with Reebok.

5) Read the section on Lil Nas X and Old Town Road. What does it suggest about race and the country music community?

The Internet erupted when Billboard decided to take the song off the country charts, claiming that it "does not embrace enough elements of today's country music" to be considered a part of the genre. Many people claimed that this action reveals a problem with race in the country music industry.

6) What elements of the song and music video are suggested to be authentically country and western?

The song includes a banjo, and the video backdrop suitably matched the aesthetics associated with country music. In addition, the singer's Southern twang is reminiscent of the twang in the voices of well-known country performers.

7) What genres of music does the article suggest have been shaped by black influences? 

Rock & roll, punk, riot grrrl, and electronic music are just a few of the genres that were created and made popular by black performers.

8) In your opinion, what do you think has been the driving force behind the Yeehaw movement?

One way to honour this all-but-forgotten group is to dress like a cowboy, recognise the contributions black musicians have made to country music, and saturate the Internet with images of the American West that are distinctly black.


Applying postcolonial theory to Old Town Road:

1) How does the Old Town Road music video both reinforce and challenge black stereotypes in the media?

Old Town Road" challenges the idea that black musicians must stick to particular genres by fusing parts of hip-hop and country music. Lil Nas X dispels the myths that confine black performers to particular genres by mixing various musical forms.

2) How could you argue that the Old Town Road video challenges Gilroy's theory of double consciousness?

Lil Nas X accepts his unique individuality and self-expression with assurance. Lil Nas X challenges the notion that black people must adhere to a specific set of cultural norms by being themselves.

3) How does Lil Nas X and Old Town Road provide an example of Hall's theory of race representations? Alternatively, you could argue against this if you prefer.

"Old Town Road" stirred discussions regarding racial representation in the music business and brought attention to the prejudice practised by the media.

4) Are there any examples of Alvarado's theory of black stereotypes in the Old Town Road video? Why/why not?

Billy Ray Cyrus' pink cowboy hat is exotic.
Chris Rock makes a funny cameo.
Dangerous: The elderly gunman

5) How does Lil Nas X provide a compelling case study for bell hooks's theory of intersectionality?

His intersectional identity combines two components of his identity and offers a distinctive viewpoint on the intersections of sexuality and race.   

  





 
 



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