Postcolonial theory

 

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

cowboy hats, cow prints, rhinestones, and fringed suede jackets

2) How did the Yeehaw agenda come about? 

In September 2018, the trend of black pop-culture figures wearing cowboy garb was dubbed the “Yeehaw Agenda”

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

The history of the black cowboy has largely been erased from American culture, and the “moment” black cowboys are having in pop culture right now has actually persisted for quite some time

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

 the Studio Museum in Harlem even held a “Black Cowboy” exhibition two years ago, featuring photographic works from Kahlil Joseph, Deanna Lawson, and Chandra McCormick that aimed to bring the black cowboy to the forefront of western history.

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

the Americana aesthetic. The imagery associated with Americana has been overwhelmingly white,

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

Its singer’s Southern twang is, after all, reminiscent of the twang in the voices of popular country musicians, the track incorporates a banjo, and the video backdrop appropriately matched the aesthetics associated with country music

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

 popularization of genres including, but not limited to, rock and roll, punk, riot grrrl, and electronic music

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

As the real-life black cowboys have gone unsung in history, contemporary pop culture icons seem determined to put an end to the excision. The act of dressing like a cowboy, highlighting the impact black artists have had on country music

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

Challenge : Representing them a cowboy as that is a predominantly white genre 

Reinforce : Presenting them as the funny character and reinforcing typical features of masculinity as strong confident 

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

That what Black audiences are viewing do represent their lives and .it aspirations as they are being represented in multiple different ways eg the main character in the music video 

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.  

The Clown/Entertainer : Chris Rocks character can be seen to fit this as he is a comedian and isnt the main character but is there to provide entertainment for the audiences 

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

Exotic - The outfit that lil nas x wears with the glitter and the strings and colours fits this category 

Humorous:Chris Rocks character can be seen to fit this as he is a comedian and isnt the main character but is there to provide entertainment for the audiences 

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

She argues that the convergence of sexism and racism meant that black women have a low status in American society. This can be seen when they were living in a derelict town and had rips in their clothing