Media Culture - Music Industry

Cultural Appropriation - The Role Of Cultural Appropriation In The Music Industry

Cultural appropriation in music exists in many forms. It exists in while performers donning cornrows, henna or Bindis in their music videos, or singing the blues without understanding the context and evolution of the genre. While cultural appropriation in music is not limited to one race, ethnicity, or culture, it is most prevalent in black music in the United States.

Selena Gomez debut performance for her top hit "Come and Get It" Gomez sported a bindi, which is highly regarded traditional omen in Hindu religion

Coldplay and Beyonce's "Hymn For The Weekend"- when she was wearing Bindi in the music video

"Hymn For The Weekend" Music Video

Beyonce applied henna on her both hands in the "Hymn For The Weekend" music video

Cultural Appropriation is nothing new. For years prominent whites have been accused of borrowing the fashions, music, and art forms of various cultural groups popularizing them as their own. The music industry has been particularly hard hit by this practice. The 1991 film "The Five Heartbeats," for example, which was based on the experiences of real African-American bands, depicts how music executives took the works of black musicians and repackaged them as the product of white artists. 

Culture today is the reflection of the people in it. One of the biggest aspects of culture in society today is music. The music industry is a perfect example of the effects of culture appropriation.


Bibliography:

1.blog.sonicbids.com/appropriation-vs-appreciation-in-music-where-should-we-draw-the-line
2.Hunter,T.(2013) Cultural Appropriation In The Music Industry [Online]. Available at:https://wgSS2230.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/cultural-appropriation-in-the-music-industry/ (Accessed on 12 June 2017)
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YykjpeuMNEk
4.Kareem Nittle, N. (2014) Cultural Appropriation In The Music: From Madonna to Miley [Online]. Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/cultural-appropriation-in-music-2834650 (Accessed on 12 June 2017)