Write a 1500-2000-word essay about the story of a single song.
Write about the following song:
– “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens
I suggest you research your chosen song by doing the following five steps:
1. Listen to the song carefully. Listen again. On the third listen, take notes on what you hear.
2. Search for journalistic articles about the song in google. Consider looking at the sites for publications such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, the New York Times, Washington Post, the Guardian, the New Yorker, Atlantic, and NPR. There is quite a bit of journalistic writing about all four of these songs.
3. Search for older journalistic articles by searching the historic newspaper archives available through the library.
4. Read the articles you have found through your research. Take note of significant moments in the song’s history, as well as relevant songs, styles, music-cultures, and specific musicians that were sampled or were inspirations for the song.
5. Now research those additional relevant songs, styles, music-cultures, and musicians through the Music and Performing Arts Library website. Your research at this stage should include reading about and listening to relevant songs, styles, and so on. I expect you to check out Oxford Music Online for information on musical genres, instruments, and music-cultures.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Journey of “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens: A Cultural and Musical Encounter
Introduction
“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades with its infectious rhythm and vibrant melodies. This essay aims to explore the story behind this iconic song, examining its cultural and musical encounters, the politics of representation, the demands of the music industry, the significance of genre, and the local cultural histories that contributed to its enduring popularity.
The Soundscape of “La Bamba”
Before delving into the contextual aspects of “La Bamba,” it is essential to analyze its sonic qualities. The song begins with a lively and rhythmic guitar introduction, setting the stage for the upbeat tempo that follows. The melodies in “La Bamba” are characterized by their catchy hooks and joyful nature, evoking a sense of celebration and festivity. The use of traditional Mexican instruments, such as the jarana and guitarrón, adds a distinct timbre to the song, infusing it with authentic Mexican flavors. The rhythm of “La Bamba” is irresistibly danceable, inviting listeners to move their bodies to its infectious beat. The overall sound of the song is vibrant, energetic, and filled with a sense of joy and enthusiasm.
Cultural and Musical Encounters
“La Bamba” represents a prime example of cultural encounters in music as it blends traditional Mexican folk music with American rock and roll influences. While the song itself is a traditional Mexican folk tune, Ritchie Valens infused it with a rock and roll twist, catering to the burgeoning youth culture of 1950s America. This cross-cultural fusion not only introduced Mexican music to a wider audience but also laid the foundation for future artists to explore and experiment with blending different musical traditions.
The success of “La Bamba” also raises questions about cultural appropriation and hybridity. As a Mexican-American artist, Ritchie Valens played a pivotal role in bridging cultural gaps through his music. By bringing traditional Mexican folk music into the mainstream American music scene, Valens celebrated his heritage while simultaneously adapting it to fit the evolving tastes of his audience.
The Politics of Representation
As “La Bamba” gained popularity, it became a symbol of Mexican-American identity and an anthem for cultural pride. Valens’ success challenged prevailing stereotypes and offered representation to Mexican-Americans who had long been marginalized in mainstream media. However, it is important to note that Valens was not immune to the pressures of representation. He faced expectations to conform to certain American ideals while still embracing his Mexican heritage, reflecting the complexities of navigating identity in a multicultural society.
The Problematics and Demands of Music Industries
The success of “La Bamba” sheds light on the problematics and demands faced by artists within the music industry. Valens’ rise to fame was cut tragically short by his untimely death at the age of 17, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations to come. His story highlights the exploitative nature of the music industry, which often prioritizes commercial success over an artist’s well-being.
Furthermore, Valens’ experience underscores the challenges faced by minority artists in gaining recognition and representation within an industry that tends to favor mainstream narratives. Despite these obstacles, Valens’ talent and dedication allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the music world.
The Significance and Constructedness of Genre
“La Bamba” showcases the constructedness of genres by blending elements from traditional Mexican folk music and American rock and roll. This fusion created a new sound that appealed to a diverse audience. The song’s success paved the way for future artists to experiment with genre boundaries and challenge established norms.
Moreover, “La Bamba” became a precursor to the Chicano rock movement, which emerged in the 1960s as Mexican-American musicians sought to reclaim their cultural heritage within the rock genre. This movement aimed to create music that spoke to their unique experiences and identities, fostering a sense of empowerment and cultural pride.
Local Cultural Histories
To fully understand the significance of “La Bamba,” one must consider the local cultural histories that shaped Mexican folk music. Folk music has long been an integral part of Mexican culture, serving as a means of storytelling and preserving traditions. By incorporating elements from this rich musical heritage into his version of “La Bamba,” Valens paid homage to his roots while modernizing the sound for a new generation.
Additionally, “La Bamba” reflects the historical context of Mexican-American communities in 1950s America. Valens’ success was seen as a source of pride and inspiration for Mexican-Americans striving for recognition in a society that often marginalized them. The song’s popularity resonated deeply within these communities, providing a sense of cultural affirmation and visibility.
Conclusion
“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens stands as a testament to the power of music in bridging cultural divides and celebrating heritage. This essay explored the story behind this iconic song, highlighting its cultural and musical encounters, the politics of representation, the demands of the music industry, the significance of genre, and the local cultural histories that contributed to its enduring popularity.
By blending traditional Mexican folk music with American rock and roll influences, Valens created a cross-cultural fusion that resonated with audiences worldwide. “La Bamba” not only introduced Mexican music to mainstream America but also served as a symbol of cultural pride within Mexican-American communities.
As we reflect on the journey of “La Bamba,” we are reminded of the transformative power of music in fostering understanding, representation, and unity across diverse cultures. Ritchie Valens’ legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists to embrace their heritage while embracing new sounds and styles.
