MUSIC IS LIFE P.XXII: THE BREADBASKET II

"An American Dream" -
Norman Mailer
(Late American Author)









The term "popular culture" itself is of 19th century coinage, in original usage referring to the education and "culturedness" of the lower classes, as was delivered in an address at the Birmingham Town Hall, England.[1] The term began to assume the meaning of a culture of the lower classes separate from and opposed to "true education" towards the end of the century,[2] a usage that became established by the interbellum period.[3] The current meaning of the term, culture for mass consumption, especially originating in the United States, is established by the end of World War II.[4] The abbreviated form "pop culture" dates to the 1960s-

Wikipedia


2011.I easily thought to use the late norman mailer as a feature to today's A.L.I.H.S.T blog, as in his lifetime a s a writer/author he inked some of the greatest insights to pop culture during the late 20th and 21st cenuries. Post 21st century, pop culture is a breathing mass of film, entertainment, musical cult followings, political iconizations and agenda's; that influences the entire globe. As a sequel to the first, the breadbasket II looks briefly at american pop culture and its many relationships; another one being with faith and politics.

"F&R incorporates my original Idea Club blog (a weekly question on an issue in the news) and allows me to jump quickly on ideas and news in the public conversation about religion, spirituality and ethics"-

Cathy lynn Grossman (USA TODAY Faith and religion column)

- An active blog on the staff of the publication USA Today, its clear to see how the voice of movements, both political and faith-based from conservative christainity to the controversies of Islamic agenda is well into the fabric of pop culture.

"I don't want to sound presumptuous, but I've made it my goal to revolutionise pop music. The last revolution was launched by Madonna 25 years ago.

When you’re in the public eye, you’re a role model whether you want to be or not, and I want to be. I’m not one of those self-obsessed artists who don’t care about their fans. It’s not just about the music. I look out into the O2 and there are 18,000 screaming young people and I have a responsibility to them — and you’re an idiot if you don’t know that." -
Lady Gaga

April 12, 2010.

-Along with figures as Kanye west, Artist lady gaga's voice is influential in the entertainment aspect of pop culture. Above she stated her role of responsibility. Music has power over generations. For example the messages inflected in Hip Hop music is manifold. In all facets of pop culture, what is understood as negative messages usaully serve as exploitations of the consumers for the capitalism for the elite in these industries. One brief documentry shows the balance of faith, politics and pop culture:


"This is for the day trippers and the hipsters, wars and the fashionista's, spiritual leaders practicing all the laws of attraction and teachers who read the passages from the Bhagavad gita" -Talib kweli (Cold rain)

-In conclusion one easily rule out that faith-based fundamentals or ethical standards challenge the influence of pop culture (as the view of conservative groups) or in some cases it balances it. American pop culture, from then till now, will generally have influence. Media is its main conduit, in its grand scheme, from fads, televison to issues of demoralization, its up to the person, or persons to be the judge how much influence it will have.

THE URBAN CRY LLC 2011

LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XVI :21ST CENTURY CHRISTENDOM

"One girl and one crib, One God to show me how to do things his son did"-


Nasir bin olu dara jones



"Christianity began as a Jewish sect[9][10] and is classified as an Abrahamic religion.[11][12][13] Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, it quickly grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire."-



Wikipedia


The world of christendom today is a large reflection of its deep historical roots. From the early centuries to now its no stranger to triumph, extrodinary disperal, controversy, scandal and criticism. Through dispensations the "Gospel" of Jesus the Christ(messiah) along with the Torah(Law and the prophets) and other books canonized by the Roman catholic church have been re-written and translated; and the source of protestant movements and congregations, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Seven day-adventist and an endless list of denominations. Still 1/3 of the world's greatest religions:

"With an estimated number of adherents that ranges approximately around 2.2 billion, split into 3 main branches of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, Christianity is the world's largest religion.[148] The Christian share of the world's population has stood at around 33 per cent for the last hundred years, which says that one in three persons on earth are Christians"-

Wikipedia

-The faith of many, even the base of political agenda's, modern christainity has definetly been on the forefront of controversy. One example, the extension of protestant movement, the Megachurch:




-"Religion is the opium for the masses of the people" -Karl Marx

Sociologist/Philosopher Karl marx stated this probally seeing society's hunger, movement and history, of religion's, and also the corruption. Religions are spiritual in goal,(faiths/belief system) but at times delegated and manipulated by the corrupted ways of man. Christainity is highly Criticized for hypocrisy, scandal(catholic church), avarice, (Prosperity Gospel,megachurch); an example is the current headlines of Bishop Eddie Long:

'Four young men have accused Long, the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, of sexual coercion. He has denied the men's allegations through a spokesman and has told his congregation he plans to "vigorously" fight the charges"-

AJC.COM

-To the ruling whether Bishop Long committed these foul acts or not, is a matter known between God, the accusing party and bishop Long for now, as its under investigation. Acts in the name of religion has been the cause of the world's greatest structures, and the world's greatest atrocities. Language of One also covers Religion and the culture/ideals of global movements. As thursday's blog being my faith, my views(shared by many) personally don't co-sign a religious/self -rightous nature; but rather simple faith, principle, and a growing awareness to the world around you. To have faith, but as life shapes you, to develop your own worldview. As expressed by Tariq Trotter(Black Thought) of The Roots in "Dear God" Ft. Monsters of folk off their new LP "How I Got Over":

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XII : RITE OF PASSAGE

"IN THE PAST I LOOKED AT THE PATH'S I WALK, WHERE, SAVAGES FOUGHT AND PASTORS TAUGHT"-

NASIR BIN OLU DARA JONES

"Inspired by the true story of Greg Yance. In the film, Yance (Epps) is a hood who goes to jail for possession of drugs. He is given a choice: 5 years in jail or a couple of months in boot camp. He chooses boot camp and finds out it is tougher than he thought it would be. He braves it through and comes home a better man. He then has to deal with the real world, and never gives up no matter what the odds."-

http://www.knowgangs.com/

A credible throwback served on a thursday; stemmed from an 1997 HBO premiere movie, "1st time felon" is the story of greg yance:

"The story of 23-year-old African-American Greg Yance, played with touching restraint by Omar Epps, and his trials as a first-time convict make an absorbing if troubling telefilm for sharp director Charles S. Dutton, who doesn't miss a detail. Daniel Therriault's teleplay may have its fits and starts, and may sputter out before its time, but "First-Time Felon" reaches for the heart"-

http://www.variety.com/

- Someone i know personally, greg reflects on the situation to this day, that "1st time felon" is an archive far from just a drama movie. For so many involved in the inner city plight, it bore as rite of passage and testament to influence those in the same struggle, for better change.


-In relation to Greg's story, below is an rare archive of M.L.K JR; a discourse on people of color, and self actualiztion in the time of social unrest. Though recorded in the early 1960's, it still holds as an inspirational blueprint for those who make conscious decisions to overcome personal and social challenges for the betterment of themselves and others. Followed by the current "Revolutions per minute" reflection eternal track- "In this world".

Reflection Eternal - "In This World" by Warner Bros. Urban








THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.