Walk Like An Egyptian Was A Popular Song In The 1980s

Walk Like An Egyptian Was A Popular Song In The 1980s By The American

Walk Like an Egyptian" was a popular song in the 1980s by the American group The Bangles. However, this song is not an accurate depiction of ancient Egyptian activity. Watch the video (below) for the song and do internet research. Why is this song wrong in its description of how Egyptians walk? What was Egyptian artwork really showing? How do you think this song influenced how people outside of the country view the geography of the region? Make sure to write at least 4 - 5 sentences.

Paper For Above instruction

"Walk Like an Egyptian" by The Bangles became an iconic hit in the 1980s, but it does not accurately portray ancient Egyptian culture or activities. The song and its associated music video depict Egyptians walking in a peculiar, stiff manner which is humorous and stylized but not representative of historical Egyptian behavior. In reality, ancient Egyptian art does not feature the exaggerated walking postures presented in the song; instead, Egyptian artworks primarily depict daily life, religious rituals, and funerary scenes with figures in naturalistic and symbolic poses. The artwork explicitly aimed to communicate spiritual beliefs and societal organization rather than any humorous or exaggerated gestures.

The exaggerated walking style presented in the song likely originated from modern interpretations and stereotypes of ancient Egypt, influenced by popular culture rather than scholarly understanding. Such portrayals distort the truth about Egyptian mobility and posture, creating misconceptions among audiences unfamiliar with actual Egyptian art and history. Because of this song’s popularity, many outside the region might associate Egypt primarily with these stylized representations, overlooking the complex history, architecture, and cultural achievements of ancient Egypt. This can lead to a narrowed view that simplifies Egypt's rich history to a humorous and superficial caricature, impacting international perceptions and understanding of the region’s diverse and profound cultural legacy.

In conclusion, "Walk Like an Egyptian" offers a fun, catchy portrayal but significantly misrepresents the reality of ancient Egyptian art and activity. The song's depiction of Egyptian walking style serves more as entertainment than an accurate reflection of history. The influence of such cultural products on global perceptions underscores the importance of accurate historical education and representation to foster a deeper understanding of Egypt's true cultural significance and legacy. Recognizing these disparities helps promote a more nuanced appreciation of ancient Egyptian civilization beyond popular stereotypes.

References

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- Wilkinson, R. H. (2013). The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt. Random House.

- Hornung, E. (2014). Conceptions of the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt. Cornell University Press.

- Andrews, C. (1994). Ancient Egyptian Art. Yale University Press.

- Kemp, B. J. (2006). Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilisation. Routledge.

- Tyldesley, J. (2011). Egypt: How a Lost World Shaped the Modern World. Basic Books.

- Forstner-Miller, A. (2018). Egyptian Art and Symbolism. Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 104, 45-66.

- Bard, K. A. (2008). Eye Witness to Ancient Egypt: Photographs by William V. Davis. Princeton University Press.

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