Impacts of Mass Media on Culture
Mass media undoubtedly plays a large role in shaping modern culture. With information easily obtained with a mere tapping of buttons, it is not surprising that today’s society has become a melting pot of cultures. A combination of ancient traditions and present day practices, culture can no longer be defined by religion or ethnic group the way it was done in the past. The culture practiced by people today, varies from one individual to another due to their different influences.
A significant cultural influence that is often underrated is Glam Rock. According to the Oxford Dictionary, glam rock (or glitter rock) is defined as a style of rock music first popular in the early 1970s, characterized by male performers wearing exaggeratedly flamboyant clothes and make-up (Oxford Dictionaries). Described by legendary musician John Lennon as “rock and roll with lipstick on”, glam rock first emerged in the United Kingdom, coinciding with the sexual revolution in the late 60s and early 70s when gender lines were being blurred and the concept of androgyny was introduced. It went on to play an important role in not only the evolution of music but also in fashion and lifestyles. Pioneers include David Bowie, and bands T. Rex and Roxy Music. David Bowie’s alien alter ego Ziggy Stardust is considered by many to be the face of glam rock.
Glam rock culture was spread using various forms of mass media such as radio and film. Among some of the glam rock songs that dominated the charts back then were ‘20th Century Boy’ by T. Rex, ‘School’s Out’ by Alice Cooper and ‘Ziggy Stardust’ by David Bowie. Films also played an important part in spreading glam rock. Films such as ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ made their debut in the mid 1970s with their glam rock soundtracks and campy styles. Another classic is Velvet Goldmine, a drama film about a famous musician set in the golden era of glam rock. The usage of radio and film help broadcast the messages and
A significant cultural influence that is often underrated is Glam Rock. According to the Oxford Dictionary, glam rock (or glitter rock) is defined as a style of rock music first popular in the early 1970s, characterized by male performers wearing exaggeratedly flamboyant clothes and make-up (Oxford Dictionaries). Described by legendary musician John Lennon as “rock and roll with lipstick on”, glam rock first emerged in the United Kingdom, coinciding with the sexual revolution in the late 60s and early 70s when gender lines were being blurred and the concept of androgyny was introduced. It went on to play an important role in not only the evolution of music but also in fashion and lifestyles. Pioneers include David Bowie, and bands T. Rex and Roxy Music. David Bowie’s alien alter ego Ziggy Stardust is considered by many to be the face of glam rock.
Glam rock culture was spread using various forms of mass media such as radio and film. Among some of the glam rock songs that dominated the charts back then were ‘20th Century Boy’ by T. Rex, ‘School’s Out’ by Alice Cooper and ‘Ziggy Stardust’ by David Bowie. Films also played an important part in spreading glam rock. Films such as ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ made their debut in the mid 1970s with their glam rock soundtracks and campy styles. Another classic is Velvet Goldmine, a drama film about a famous musician set in the golden era of glam rock. The usage of radio and film help broadcast the messages and
Cited: * (n.d.). Retrieved from Oxford Dictionaries: http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/glam%2Brock * (Knight, Vermont Review) * (Alavez, Suite 101)