week 8: Are subcultures a sign of revolt or an expression of style?

Subculture is a set of people with distinct behaviours and beliefs that differentiate them from a larger group. For example you can see this from the way punk’s dress, there mannerism and speech. There style to me seems as an expression of political opposition, as when they want to make a point, about something they would express themselves by the way that they dress. Through putting political images on their clothes, safety pins through their ears, dying the hair black and spiked out hair, which shows that punks are trying to create an identity. In a sense there style provides people with a powerful means of expression, as when I see punks they draw my attention straight away by their style, which could imply that people are taken notice of them as they stand out. It tends to make me look at the difference between them and me. Subculture groups can also be looked at with a specific music genre, as it can define characteristics around groups that was formed e.g. Ravers, metal heads and Goths. Which shows music can be a key factor, subcultures create there own meanings, from the way they understand life in order for them to express there selves they can show it by style, music genre and speech.

Week 7: Can popular music be a genuine force for political change?

Popular music can reflect a political time, protest against something, and raise funds and issues. We see examples through programmes such as Comic relief, Live 8, and Children in need. They tend to use celebrities such as The Spice girls to help promote the course and raise awareness to people. When discussing this within our seminar session we spoke about making a point in a crowd is more powerful and effective, then one person, you see this happen when you go to football matches, the supporters sing the national anthem to the team that they support. Also when they want to make a point they express themselves by shouting out chants in groups. We touched on gender politics and looked at Christina Aguilera’s song ‘Can’t hold us down’ which implies that if you’re a women you cant speak your mind, buts its alright for a man to. Women should be seen and not heard. Gangster rap music can have an influence on crime, as there encouraging people to take action against the police. Popular music can not force political change, but can help bring awareness, support and influence a point being made, but it up to the individual as to whether they put it in to action or not.

Week 6: Is DRM the best way to save the music industry?

DRM stands for digital rights management, which limits people right to copy music, and DvD’s so that you’re unable to distribute copies to other people. For example downloading music from lime wire and burning CD’s its like a form of stealing, as it is illegal but people don’t care because everyone else is doing it and they have not been caught yet. I personally feel that if people are ignoring the rules and still downloading and burning copies DRM is not saving the music industry as such. On the other hand they are starting to compete, by adding bonus tracks, and video clips with albums, which you cannot get when downloading. In order for DRM to save the music industry they have to offer something better to listeners. Such as I tunes allow you to download music which you pay for, and can only be used with an I pod. Which restricts you to transfer songs from I tunes to a Philips. Music industry will not lose out on money if you pay for downloading music as it’s the legitimate way, which in comparison to downloading programmes has a better sound quality of songs are immaculate and download quicker. For the music industry to be saved DRM has to be more competitive and stronger.