Sunday, August 12, 2007
everything but the burden
Interesting article about Elvis' legacy in NYTimes--
How Did Elvis Get Turned Into a Racist?
I never really thought Elvis was a racist, but more found fault in the way that he made his fame from the style and songs of the black music scene. Kind of reminds me of John Waters' Hairspray where white girl Tracy Turnblad turns the Corny Collins Show upside down with her "negro moves"--but this ultimately leads to a fight for integration on-screen and off-. So, when is it theft and appropriation, rising to fame off the backs of those who cannot achieve the same level of recognition, and when is it a nod or prelude to social justice and activism?...
How Did Elvis Get Turned Into a Racist?
I never really thought Elvis was a racist, but more found fault in the way that he made his fame from the style and songs of the black music scene. Kind of reminds me of John Waters' Hairspray where white girl Tracy Turnblad turns the Corny Collins Show upside down with her "negro moves"--but this ultimately leads to a fight for integration on-screen and off-. So, when is it theft and appropriation, rising to fame off the backs of those who cannot achieve the same level of recognition, and when is it a nod or prelude to social justice and activism?...
If you're ever in doubt...
* wait for a clear starry night
* put a crunchy mattress from an old pull-out couch in the back of a rusty truck bed
* cover it with blankets and pillows
* lay supine and look up
* get one friend to drive and one to lay beside you
* put a crunchy mattress from an old pull-out couch in the back of a rusty truck bed
* cover it with blankets and pillows
* lay supine and look up
* get one friend to drive and one to lay beside you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)