An analysis of hegemony theory and Marxist theory as discussed by John Storey in "Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction" and related to Christina Aguilera's song, "Beautiful."
Abstract This paper discusses hegemony theory and how it relates to popular culture. It particularly focuses on Christina Aguilera's song, "Beautiful" and how hegemony theory and Marxist theory relate to it. The paper discusses the views on hegemony theory and Marxist theory expressed by John Storey in his work, "Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction."
From the Paper "Both Hegemony Theory and Marxist Theory serve as useful lenses through which to view the video because each emphasizes aspects of Beautiful that are central to its importance in greater popular culture. Viewer responses to the video on sites such as YouTube provide telling evidence as to the viability of these two perspectives. In the tradition of Hegemony Theory, many viewers interpreted Beautiful as an affirming challenge to dominant culture, writing comments such as "this video taught me that it's ok to be different and had a big change on my life." Other users, in the tradition of Marxist pessimism, interpreted the video as yet another traditional reaffirmation of social ideals. As one user eloquently put it, "Yeah Christina's trying to change her image and I don't know about that. But damn she's still hot.""
This paper discusses a movement that is redefining popular music, social consciousness, and the work of artists such as Eminem, Christina Aguilera and Pink.
Abstract This paper discusses that what is new about the social consciousness movement is who is doing it and the methodology. The paper explains that the most atypical, controversial and seemingly anti social performers, Eminem, Christina Aguilera and Pink, are reaching out to the young people and bringing a positive messages about real life, real feelings, and real hope. The paper discusses the music of these performers and their evolution to social conscious music.
From the Paper "There may be no more controversial performer in popular music today than Marshall Mathers, AKA Eminem. Eminem has been portrayed as a misogynist, homophobic, foul-mouthed punk, but surprisingly he is at the forefront of the new music movement. This change is not going unnoticed. ?Eminem's recent trend is to put out tracks with more of a meaning.? In accordance with the new, more constructive musical philosophy, the song "Lose Yourself", from the 8 Mile soundtrack, is a brilliant anthem to believing in yourself."
Abstract This paper explains that the songs. "Genie in a Bottle," sung by Christina Aguilera, "Boom, Boom", sung by Britney Spears. and "Naughty Girl", sung by Beyonce Knowles. are among the ?Top 40? pop songs that have heavy sexual references, which many people may not even notice. The author points out that all three pieces have blood-pumping music and a sort of seductive melody, which seem to inspire highly sexually suggestive movement. The paper concludes that, while there's nothing particularly wrong with sex or with art that displays sex, it seems strange that "Top 40" songs that are played everywhere, especially by teenagers, would be quietly pumping in lyrics about mutual masturbation, prostitution, and orgies.
From the Paper "Aguilera's character seems to maintain a temporary morality, saying "that don"t mean I"m gonna give it away" to which she has already added "baby, baby, baby" as an indication that she is already losing control of her body. This loss of control is soon made explicit as she says "My body's saying let's go" (assumably to "give it away"). That this is sexual is so obvious that, when Disney wanted to show the video to children, they required Aguilera to change the lyrics to ?My friends are saying let's go.? as if to pretend that she was going to leave, rather than going to have sexual intercourse."
