1) What are the visual cues the article lists as linked to the western genre?
The article lists cowboy hats, cow prints, rhinestones, fringed suede jackets, bolo ties, chaps, and knee-high leather boots as visual markers of the western genre. These cues are prominent in both fashion shows and music videos linked to the Yeehaw Agenda.
2) How did the Yeehaw agenda come about?
The term originated in 2018 from Bri Malandro, an American Texas based pop culture archivist. Her Instagram account, @theyeehawagenda, acts as a celebration and archive of black cowboy styles in pop culture, highlighting on figures like Beyoncé and Bernie Mac.
3) Why has it been suggested that the black cowboy has been 'erased from American culture'?
American cowboy culture has been strongly associated with whiteness. However, 25% of cowboys were in fact black, suggesting an overlook of black influences on American culture and history.
4) How has the black cowboy aesthetic been reflected by the fashion industry?
Designers like Pyer Moss and Telfar have incorporated black cowboy aesthetics into their shows. Pyer Moss featured the Compton Cowboys in a campaign and runaway shows.
5) Read the section on Lil Nas X and Old Town Road. What does it suggest about race and the country music community?
The controversy around Billboard removing “Old Town Road” from the country chart suggests racial gatekeeping in the genre. Despite the song’s western themes and musical elements, it was excluded, creating backlash.
6) What elements of the song and music video are suggested to be authentically country and western?
The song has a banjo, cowboy outfits, and country-style singing. The video shows horses, western clothes, and desert scenes.
7) What genres of music does the article suggest have been shaped by black influences?
Rock, punk, electronic, and country music have all been shaped by black musicians.
8) In your opinion, what do you think has been the driving force behind the Yeehaw movement?
Black artists want to be seen in cowboy culture. They are showing the world that black people have always been a part of the cowboy story.
Applying postcolonial theory to Old Town Road
Revise the postcolonial theories we have studied and apply them to the Old Town Road music video:
1) How does the Old Town Road music video both reinforce and challenge black stereotypes in the media?
It challenges them by showing a black, gay, young cowboy. Lil Nas X is in control of how he looks and he mixes styles in an interesting way. It also reinforces black stereotypes as black people being simple and shallow, through the scenes of the car racing the horse.
2) How could you argue that the Old Town Road video challenges Gilroy's theory of double consciousness?
Gilroy says black people often feel split between two cultures. But Lil Nas X mixes hiphop and country without creating a clear divide, showing both sides at once.
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.
Hall says race is shown through media images. Lil Nas X changes how black men are shown, as he’s not tough or angry, he’s playful and creative.
4) Are there any examples of Alvarado's theory of black stereotypes in the Old Town Road video? Why/why not?
Yes, there are some examples of Alvarado's theory of black stereotypes. For example: The exotic character stereotype being Lil Nas X wearing elaborate outfits. The humorous stereotype being Chris Rock, presented as a comic relief
5) How does Lil Nas X provide a compelling case study for bell hooks's theory of intersectionality?
Lil Nas X is black, gay, and from a poor background. He shows how these things mix and affect how people see him and his music.
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