Week 5

1. Can you think of any examples in our day and age in which real life influences theater (or film or music or music video) and in turn these representations influence society?

Historical events such as 9/11 influence political singers to voice their opinions on the subject through the use of music. For example, the rock group Rage against the Machine is heavily influenced by historical injustices whether 30 years old or five years old. In turn, as their music becomes popular, so does their impact on mainstream society. Their listeners begin to follow their ideals and begin to mimic their lifestyle by fighting against injustice. This audience response motivates them to continue a career in socially conscious music.

Another example is the new wave of reggeaton music. It demonstrates the assimilation that Latinos go through when they begin to accept and live an American lifestyle while still holding on to their roots. This is emphasized especially when reggeaton musicians sing in English but still follow a Latino beat and rhythm. Latino-Americans can identify with this style of music and therefore encourage such mixing of cultures and styles in one musical genre.

The recording industry knows exactly what consumers want therefore they support artists that can fulfill the needs of the masses. They manipulate them so that they can have an impact on society, whether good or bad, or long lasting. Therefore, it is inevitable that the famous have an influence in society. However, it is the reactions of society that drive the industry to mass produce certain images, sounds, ideas, and/or movements. In order for the arts to exist and continue, society must choose to reject it, accept it, or crave more. As in the example of the Kabukis. As the writers of the Kabukis learned that their audience wanted more violence, they began to add more violent scenes. Therefore, more people came to watch the Kabukis.