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"Moldy Tater Gangrene, even before Moscow Marge."
(set 1 day ago)
Location: Dallas, TX
5,790 posts, read 3,599,037 times
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This "We're Number One!" rah-rah cheerleading of "America" is more Counterfeit Patriotism than the real thing. That kind of boisterous boosterism belongs to sports team fandom, not explaining why one should be proud to be a US citizen. I blame this on decades of mindless mass media that appeals to the lowest common denominator. It's as if we have so much pride in our country that a lot of us spew anger or insults at those whose assessment of "America" is not overly optimistic and even a little envious. Given this, it's no surprise that we're unwilling to borrow from other countries, for why borrow when you are already "Number One!"
This "We're Number One!" rah-rah cheerleading of "America" is more Counterfeit Patriotism than the real thing. That kind of boisterous boosterism belongs to sports team fandom, not explaining why one should be proud to be a US citizen. I blame this on decades of mindless mass media that appeals to the lowest common denominator. It's as if we have so much pride in our country that a lot of us spew anger or insults at those whose assessment of "America" is not overly optimistic and even a little envious. Given this, it's no surprise that we're unwilling to borrow from other countries, for why borrow when you are already "Number One!"
But if Americans are exceptional, then they don't need to borrow from other countries, it is the rest of the world that should learn from them.
In all fairness, other than the Brits, Neun und Neunzig Luft Balloons and the Singing Nun, there had not been much else out of Europe. Shakira is fairly international, and Canada gave the world a few stars such as Shania and Celine.
Most of the rest of popular music comes from the States. Who ever invented that electronic crap they still play on the Koenigsallee and the Kurfurstendam should be shot.
Bollywood had come out with sompe good films, but again if the US films were not good, they wouldn't sell elsewhere.
Give credit where credit is due.
You see, the reason American pop culture is so popular is that it is tailored to the lowest common denominator. It is not about the artist's self-expression, it is not about beauty, not about enriching your mind or uplifting your soul, it is not even that much entertaining any more. It is all about making a quick buck.
Hollywood used to make good films that were about the plot and acting, rather than special effects. Films with Audrey Hepburn are great. Sometime it all went to hell. I have pretty much boycotted new Hollywood productions out of my life after the first "Hobbit" came out. They ruined a sweet fairy-tale by turning it into a film that was all about the CGI and fighting scenes and stuck some love story in it that does not belong there. The more high-budget a film is the more clichee-filled and mindless it seems to be.
Same when it comes to music. The music the US exports all over the world is generic pop and hip hop. Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj.... whatever the latest name is. Anything that is not lowest common denominator, anything that is not mainstream - and Europe beats America at it. Metal of all varieties, Goth/darkwave, folk rock/neomedieval/neo-folk - just some of the genres where Englishmen, Scandinavians, Dutchmen German-speaking nations excel. Personally I do not even own a single CD of American music anymore.
Some of American country music is pretty good, but again, that is not what America exports all over the world.
US has fallen so far in so many areas, that it is only a myth that it is the best country to live in. That myth may slowly sinking as Americans expand their horizons and travel outside of their country, however it is a well known fact, that most Americans have never been outside their own country so how could they have a clue as to what goes on elsewhere.
What a sad situation.
Norway has done well since the American Military kicked the Germans out and the British oil industry taught them how to drill for oil.
But don't try to compare them to America, pick a state like Minnesota and then you might have a good comparison.
BTW, I don't care if America is #1 at anything. I don't care what is happening anywhere else, I care about the lives of my family. I care about the country my grandson will inherit someday.
Liberalism is destroying this country and after that happens Norway and the rest will decline. The Muslims will over run Europe after America falls and that will be that for liberalism. So in the end, they are destroying themselves.
You see, the reason American pop culture is so popular is that it is tailored to the lowest common denominator. It is not about the artist's self-expression, it is not about beauty, not about enriching your mind or uplifting your soul, it is not even that much entertaining any more. It is all about making a quick buck.
Hollywood used to make good films that were about the plot and acting, rather than special effects. Films with Audrey Hepburn are great. Sometime it all went to hell. I have pretty much boycotted new Hollywood productions out of my life after the first "Hobbit" came out. They ruined a sweet fairy-tale by turning it into a film that was all about the CGI and fighting scenes and stuck some love story in it that does not belong there. The more high-budget a film is the more clichee-filled and mindless it seems to be.
Same when it comes to music. The music the US exports all over the world is generic pop and hip hop. Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj.... whatever the latest name is. Anything that is not lowest common denominator, anything that is not mainstream - and Europe beats America at it. Metal of all varieties, Goth/darkwave, folk rock/neomedieval/neo-folk - just some of the genres where Englishmen, Scandinavians, Dutchmen German-speaking nations excel. Personally I do not even own a single CD of American music anymore.
Some of American country music is pretty good, but again, that is not what America exports all over the world.
Now you are arguing over taste in music.
Your opinion that "goth/darkwave" is somehow superior to Lady Gaga is frankly, your personal taste and opinion. What is technically more complex about the music? What music theory approach suggests that metal is a more authentic or creative expression of sound? To many, your metal music is dissonant noise.
There are many songs which are exported based on simple formula. You are correct. But that simply means that's what audiences want, everywhere it seems. Still, there exists every form and expression of music in the United States.
Also: You realize that the American film you are likely exposed to is EXACTLY what the European audience wants. You will not get the countless - literally, countless - other films that are not "overseas blockbusters" which play in film houses across the United States, or never even make it to the theater.
Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,920,960 times
Reputation: 4561
Quote:
Originally Posted by SiegendesLicht
........
Same when it comes to music. The music the US exports all over the world is generic pop and hip hop. Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj.... whatever the latest name is. Anything that is not lowest common .......
Thanks for thinking Bieber is American. Us Canadians disowned him a long time ago.
US has fallen so far in so many areas, that it is only a myth that it is the best country to live in. That myth may slowly sinking as Americans expand their horizons and travel outside of their country, however it is a well known fact, that most Americans have never been outside their own country so how could they have a clue as to what goes on elsewhere.
What a sad situation.
Great, so we could all be going to town Norwegee style...
Quote:
The Troll was a small car made by Troll Plastik & Bilindustri of Lunde, Norway, from 1956 to 1958. It was one of few attempts at car production in Norway, but only five cars were ever built.
Norway has done well since the American Military kicked the Germans out and the British oil industry taught them how to drill for oil.
But don't try to compare them to America, pick a state like Minnesota and then you might have a good comparison.
The American military did not liberate Norway. The Russians, on the other hand, liberated Northern Norway. The Germans capitulated in May 1945. BP and other oil companies benefited greatly from the Norwegian oil boom in the 60s and 70s.
The American military did not liberate Norway. The Russians, on the other hand, liberated Northern Norway. The Germans capitulated in May 1945. BP and other oil companies benefited greatly from the Norwegian oil boom in the 60s and 70s.
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