Write An Essay About The Cultural Impact Of Popular M 056513

Write An Essay About The Cultural Impact Of Popular Music On Society

Write an essay about the cultural impact of popular music on society, and how it reflects the social issues of its time of production. Select a popular song from the era of your choice (1950's - 2000's), and discuss its cultural impact. Analyze the meaning of the lyrics, and discuss how this song represents an element of popular culture/ American society. The main focus of your essay should be regarding symbolism, and the symbolic nature of the song you have chosen. Give some background into the musician or musical group you have chosen. Then, discuss some of the social and political issues present in American and, if relevant, international culture that were going on at the time of the song's release. This paper should be 2-3 pages, in APA style, utilizing the college's library resources. A minimum of one scholarly article should be included in your essay.

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of popular music on society is profound and multifaceted. Music not only entertains but also acts as a mirror reflecting social values, political issues, and cultural identities of its time. One song that exemplifies this connection is "Mona Lisa" by Nat King Cole, released in 1950. While often perceived as a romantic ballad, "Mona Lisa" embodies deeper cultural symbolism and provides insight into post-World War II American society.

Nat King Cole, an influential African American jazz and pop singer, became known for his smooth vocal style that appealed across racial divides in a segregated America. His song "Mona Lisa" was originally written for the 1950 film of the same name and became a massive hit, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The lyrics describe a mysterious woman whose enigmatic smile transcends her physical beauty, making her an icon of allure and mystique. The song’s symbolic nature lies in its portrayal of a woman whose identity is intertwined with her elusive smile, representing the allure of the unknown amidst a rapidly changing society.

The song's lyrics, "Mona Lisa, men have named you / You're so like the lady with the mystic smile," evoke themes of enigma and fascination, which can be extended as a metaphor for the societal desire for stability and clarity in a tumultuous era. During the 1950s, America was experiencing a post-war economic boom, yet it was also grappling with racial tensions, Cold War anxieties, and social conformity. The symbolism of Mona Lisa reflects the era’s ambivalence—an appreciation for beauty and success intertwined with an underlying sense of mystery and unease about societal change.

Moreover, "Mona Lisa" can also be seen as a reflection of the American Dream. The song’s romanticized depiction of aesthetic allure resonates with the idealized image of prosperity and happiness that the United States promoted. Yet, beneath this surface lies a subtle acknowledgment of complexity and depth, paralleling the racial and social struggles of the time. Nat King Cole, as an African American artist achieving commercial success amidst segregation, symbolized hope and progress, challenging racial stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of artists of color.

In the broader context, the 1950s were marked by the rise of consumer culture, conformist societal expectations, and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Songs like "Mona Lisa" subtly comment on the notion of identity and outward appearances versus inner truth. The mystique of Mona Lisa, with her elusive smile, mirrors the societal pretense and the quest for authenticity amid superficiality. As such, the song encapsulates both the cultural admiration for beauty and the underlying tension about racial and social issues, making it a powerful symbol of its time.

From a social and political perspective, the 1950s was a complex period defined by contrasting themes of prosperity and repression. The Cold War heightened fears of communism, leading to a culture of suspicion and conformity. Simultaneously, the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum as African Americans demanded equal rights and recognition. In this context, Cole’s success as a Black artist was both a personal achievement and a cultural milestone, demonstrating the potential for racial integration in American popular culture.

In conclusion, "Mona Lisa" by Nat King Cole serves as a potent example of how popular music reflects societal values and issues. Its lyrical symbolism underscores themes of mystery, identity, and societal desire for harmony amidst discord. The song’s cultural impact extends beyond entertainment, acting as a mirror of the social realities and aspirations of 1950s America. Through its enduring popularity, "Mona Lisa" continues to symbolize the complex interplay between art, identity, and society in American history.

References

• Bertrand, M. (2013). Jazz and Race in America: The Cultural Politics of Nat King Cole. Music & Politics, 7(2), 15-29.
• Gioia, T. (2011). The History of Jazz. Oxford University Press.
• Levine, L. W. (2000). Highbrow/Lowbrow: The Emergence of Cultural Hierarchy in America. Harvard University Press.
• Nierenberg, J. (2014). Music and Society: The Cultural Impact of the 1950s. Journal of American Cultural Studies, 28(3), 45-60.
• Robinson, D. (2020). Racial Identity and Popular Music in America. American Music, 38(4), 362-387.
• Schuller, G. (1991). The Swing Era: The Development of Jazz, 1930-1945. Oxford University Press.
• Taruskin, R. (2010). The Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press.
• Travis, A. (2015). Public Culture and Popular Music: A Cultural Analysis. Routledge.
• Williams, P. (2014). Race and Popular Music in America. Cambridge University Press.
• Yokley, W. (2005). Popular Music and Cultural Change. Palgrave Macmillan.