The White Stripes Go Red, White, and Political All over
Stephanie
Hernandez
11-19-12
The White Stripes go Red, White, and Political all Over
The music industry has seen many changes since its inception; changes in taste, form, and distribution have all contributed to the creation of the multi-billion dollar enterprise it is today. One major step music took to gain influence was the addition of an accompanying visual message; this was done by taking songs and turning them into music videos. Most, if not all of us remember the golden age of these videos from 1981 to about 1997, also associated with the rise of musical television or MTV. The video up for discussion today is Icky Thump by The White Stripes, it does fall outside the realm of the golden age, being released in 2007, but is no less poignant in its message and influence. We all know that mass media, especially television, film and music can have a huge impact on the way individuals think about and perceive the world around them. The internet age we are currently living in provides messages the ability to travel faster and with a wider range of impact than ever before. Simply put, media isn’t just a personal experience anymore, or one held within the walls of a state or a nation, it is a global phenomenon that can shape and inform the ideologies and beliefs of millions. Thus, it is more pertinent now than ever, that we truly understand the messages we create and share and the effects they potentially can have on their viewers.
Research question / thesis -
With the popularity of music videos, and their high accessibility, it was only a matter of time till the artists themselves used them to promote their own ideologies, thus distributing a new form of social commentary to the masses. This is exactly what The White Stripes have done in their 2007 video Icky Thump. From the release of their first album in 1997, The White Stripes have established themselves as one of the most unique and important bands of this generation. Their words, especially those
Hernandez
11-19-12
The White Stripes go Red, White, and Political all Over
The music industry has seen many changes since its inception; changes in taste, form, and distribution have all contributed to the creation of the multi-billion dollar enterprise it is today. One major step music took to gain influence was the addition of an accompanying visual message; this was done by taking songs and turning them into music videos. Most, if not all of us remember the golden age of these videos from 1981 to about 1997, also associated with the rise of musical television or MTV. The video up for discussion today is Icky Thump by The White Stripes, it does fall outside the realm of the golden age, being released in 2007, but is no less poignant in its message and influence. We all know that mass media, especially television, film and music can have a huge impact on the way individuals think about and perceive the world around them. The internet age we are currently living in provides messages the ability to travel faster and with a wider range of impact than ever before. Simply put, media isn’t just a personal experience anymore, or one held within the walls of a state or a nation, it is a global phenomenon that can shape and inform the ideologies and beliefs of millions. Thus, it is more pertinent now than ever, that we truly understand the messages we create and share and the effects they potentially can have on their viewers.
Research question / thesis -
With the popularity of music videos, and their high accessibility, it was only a matter of time till the artists themselves used them to promote their own ideologies, thus distributing a new form of social commentary to the masses. This is exactly what The White Stripes have done in their 2007 video Icky Thump. From the release of their first album in 1997, The White Stripes have established themselves as one of the most unique and important bands of this generation. Their words, especially those
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