I Hate World Music

“I hate world music. That’s probably one the most perverse reason I have been asked to write about it” (Byrne 1). Those were the words of David Byrne introducing his position, feelings and attitude towards the term “world music.” The above quotation not only sets the tone of Byrnes argument, but it also represents his disillusions with the term “world music.’ Personally, I do not believe Byrne hates “world music”; in fact he is passionate about “world music.”

Byrne is very disappointed with the way anything that is anti-western popular culture is portrayed- in this case, “world music.” He believes that regardless of stereotypes everyone should have access to this kind of music. “World music” is constantly being suppressed and oppressed, it’s not prolific and this limits its ability to saturate the market and maximize its true industry power. Byrne is appalled by the constant “Them and Us” categorizing and separating that the American culture has been doing with “world music.” He sees this as a strategic and organized way of dismissing anything that is anti-western popular culture in style, taste and appeal. Byr

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Personally, I believe the Academy Award is politically unfair. However, due to the constant oppression, exploitation, and limitation that faces this kind of music only a small amount is consumed.

The Academy Award Ceremony awards actors and producers for their role in films, another American method of exploitation. Due to the rigid, cut throat and unfair standards set by the Americans, foreign films and film makers are underrepresented on the world market. I must confess that they did in fact experienced some level of success that night has both films was nominated for the top honor categories. However, this was inconsequential compared to the injustice that was observed that night. It is almost a miracle that they receive a nomination in the same category. It is like walking on unbreakable glass. While Ricky Martin, Shakira, Los Del Rio and Gloria Estefan has somehow made the transition, and have broken a few records, this is just a blimp on the music radar that is dominated by western popular music. I recall the 72nd Annual Academy Award Ceremony where two non-western films (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Life is Beautiful) suffered what I consider the most blatant act of prejudice.

America considers itself the center and focal point of everything. Failure to appeal to the taste, preferences and standards set by the Americans guarantees market failure. ne strongly and enthusiastically expressed that there are some really terrific music being made out there.

Common topics in this essay:
David Byrne, Jet Li, Gloria Estefan, Foreign Film, Award Ceremony, Life Beautiful, Academy Award, Nicole Kidman, Pop Culture, world music, Crouching Tiger, academy award, award ceremony, top honor, foreign film, academy award ceremony, standards set, popular culture, film foreign film, term world, set americans, standards set americans, hidden dragon, crouching tiger hidden, term world music,

Approximate Word count = 801
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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