McClary, Susan. "Same As It Ever Was: Youth Culture and Music." Microphone Fiends. 1994: 29-40. Brown University Library, Providence, RI. 25 Jan. 2009.
McClary argues that music is a "technology of the body" [33], meaning that the music we listen to affects our body experiences (by causing an emotion or making us dance in particular ways) and then shapes our view of the world. Social formations and constructs evolve due to various new musical movements, and those in power resist new forms of music in order to maintain their established dominance over the majority. Furthermore, McClary suggests that music's appeal to the body breaks social constructs such as race, by using the example "In the Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett, which took a beat from a group of African-Americans and spread its popularity to many Americans, who found the beat and tune dance-worthy, regardless of the color of their skin.
The church is an example of a dominant authority that has resisted new forms of music due to the fact that they cause "bodily pleasures" - what other groups in power opposed new, different musical styles?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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