Sociological Thought of the Day: I dont always talk about social issues, but when I do, I do it on facebook. Here is my attempt to criticize pop culture through an analysis of the 1960s girl group hit, He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss), by The Crystals. I heard about the attached song this weekend... Upon listening to it, it is clear that in the early 1960s it was socially acceptable to beat your wife/girlfriend. Songs and Pop culture of the time perpetuated this behavior and even taught women how to feel about violence in the home: It felt like a Kiss, or I deserved it, and it made me feel like he cared. This is a terrible mindset to filter through society and if anything, the song just leaves you feeling uncomfortable and in need of a shower and reconsideration of life choices. To understand how social change works however, it is a good exercise to look back to see where we are on this particular issue 50 years later. Though the problem still exists, there is a harder push to highlight the issues surrounding domestic violence. Actors like Patrick Stewart push the montra, Violence is never an option, and have added their own story to the conversation. These conversations have caused ripples of influence to permeate through the west. Again, the problem still exists, but Its progress. On this issue of domestic violence, the way it is explained to me is that; we cant say that accounts of violence happen less; but rather, more are being reported... In conclusion, pop culture greatly impacts (nearly defines) how western society models its system of values. The point is however, this system isnt unmovable; it is fluid. Here comes the, be the influence/change you want to see in the world, idea. As this one social standard has changed and progressed since the 1960s so can oppression, in the form of social norms, change as well. Put a spotlight on your situation. If you think something is wrong with a mainstream idea, voice it. Share your story, effect those around you. Chances are good, youre not the only one who feels that way. Something to think about: what in our culture today is being normalized due to pop/mainstream influence?
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:19:58 +0000