The Greek philosopher Aristotle first led the discussions on the concept of genre in order to create a distinction between multiple works of text based upon their common characteristics. The word itself is a Latin derivative of genus. It implies a sense of definition that can be stated in common English as ‘the like of’. The word genre has went on to include a vast number of different types of text, music and visual medium since the ancient Greek empire. Specific words such as drama, essay, commentary, news etc. are now used to identify the specific nature of a body of text and it applies to how genre can be used to identify common traits in other medium of communication. The most popular example is that of feature films, which can be categorized based upon their genre as drama, comedy, epic, romance, action, thriller and horror (Beghtol 17).
In order to understand the concept of genre, it is necessary to explore the conventions, history and societal significance of a particular genre. We shall look into hip-hop which is one of the most popular genres of music. Hip-hop is characterized by a background music which proceeds in rhythmic patterns which can be distinguished from other music genres where percussion instruments are given regular breaks in between. The music was created by DJs using disc-based techniques such as beat mix, beat match, beat juggle and scratch. Sampling of existing music is one method in which the beats are created. Another key trait of the music from this genre is the singer, otherwise known as rapper, who chants a speech in a rhythmic pattern to complement the background track. Further additions to tracks may include a form of synthesizers and sound effects. In order to give live performances, rappers are often required to memorize the lyrics. These lyrics are mostly written by rappers themselves, although in some instances a rapper raps to a lyric written by another writer. Further, hip-hop went on to include various forms of music subgenres or subcultures such as RnB, freestyle rap and snap music. The hip-hop artists form their own groups and associations where they can share a common culture. Although the genre is predominantly portrayed by black artists, few artists from other ethnic backgrounds have also found success (Additions to the ISU Ice Dance Music Rhythms Booklet, 1).
The significant revolution in hip hop music occurred in the 90s decade and has created a culturally significant history of its own. Its huge influence on the younger generation has been widely acknowledged. It has helped artists raise their voice against oppression and discrimination. In the wake of its massive popularity, rappers are now being treated as celebrities and their opinions on society does matter. It has transcended through audio systems and has become more of a cultural phenomenon with the youngsters now imitating the fashion and style represented by the rappers. Hip hop is now being treated as one of the most important music genres by all media outlets solely because of the massive strength and fan following it has acquired over the years. They share their space with political leaders and have played a significant role in the endorsement of republican candidates such as Barrack Obama and Hilary Clinton. Apart from the mainstream hip hop genre, there are various sub-genres such as trip hop which have created a fan following of their own. As a genre of music, hip hop has been able to transcend over the barriers of culture and ethnicity (Romano ‘How Hip-Hop Music Has Influenced American Culture and Society’)
Food is considered to be a Popular Culture
Popular culture is a vaguely defined term where meaning can change depending on the context. Generally, it gives an impression of a predominant preference of a given society during a given period of time. (Delaney ‘Pop Culture – An Overview’) A few decades ago in America, dinner was widely considered to be an event accompanying other bigger events such as the day of a game or a weekend movie show. Back then, fine dining was practiced by a niche group of people and remained widely unpublicized. The advent of Food Network in California would eventually bring popular attention to the food and fine dining as a standalone culture. Chefs were now gaining exposure and publicity equivalent to that of a rock star. The resulting cuisine revolution in California brought over the gastronomical delicacies available until then only at star restaurants in Europe. The growing number of fine diners and cuisine enthusiasts spawned a whole new generation of passionate food lovers and chefs alike. Various ingredients, recipe and cooking style took the front stage in most American cultural conversations. People started to enjoy talking about food and started to spend their evenings exclusively at restaurants. Various celebrities soon followed up by visiting star restaurants which were widely promoted and further contributed to increase the popularity of mainstream food culture (Batali ‘How Food Became Pop Culture’)
Fast food culture is one variant of food in popular culture. It has been followed by almost every individual in America. The fast food industry had a very humble beginning as street carts and stalls, but the business of franchising has expanded its trade and built its reach beyond the waters. In the decades from 1970 to 2000, the fast food industry has grown by almost 20 times in the amount of revenue generated. The average American spending on fast foods is seen to be greater than the amount spent on all combined forms of entertainment. Fast food chains are now open at independent stores as well as retail outlets in places such as gas stations, airports, supermarkets, colleges and hospitals (Mifflin ‘Fast Food Nation).
Consumerism has historically been the most popular trend in American culture. The sole factor being the people’s quest for a comfortable living. Being a well-supplied market across several sectors, people have several options to make their life easier. In food industry, there are plenty of solutions to ease the people’s basic requirement to prepare and carry their lunch to work. There are several options with respect to health benefits such as dietary foods and supplements for anyone in physical training. Foods can therefore be categorized into convenience foods which makes the task of preparing and consuming food easier, and functional foods which provide every nutritional need. Generally, the mainstream consumers have come to accept foods recommended by health experts which are low on fats and calorie in order to prevent obesity and other associated health risks (Rodriguez ‘Popular Culture, Food and _’)
A key trait in the advent of food in popular culture is the introduction of exotic foreign cuisines. Most menu items in America are borrowed from a culture that various immigrants in the past brought along from their native lands. They are simply reformed to match the American tastes and requirements. Hence, the growth of food culture also propelled the foreign cuisines, especially those originating from Latin America, Middle East and Asia. The diversification in preference for food has been a sharp indicator of the mainstream preference for diversity and variety in their consumption habits. Food is a key source of our body’s energy and the manner in which the food is prepared or consumed is a result of a long sequence of evolution and tradition. A culture of food grows to be a popular one when mainstream consumers identify with the values and attitudes shared by the original purveyors of that culture (Rodriguez ‘Popular Culture, Food and_’)
Works Cited
Delaney, Tim. "Pop Culture: An Overview." Philosophy Now. N.p., 2007. Web. 10 Aug. 2016.
Batali, Mario. "How Food Became Pop Culture - Lucky Peach." Lucky Peach. N.p., 17 Mar. 2016. Web. 10 Aug. 2016.
Mifflin, Houghton. "Fast Food Nation - The Dark Side of the All-American Meal." The New York Times. The New York Times Company, 2000. Web. 11 Aug. 2016.
Rodriguez, Judith C. "Popular Culture, Food and." Diet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Aug. 2016.
"Additions to the ISU Ice Dance Music Rhythms Booklet" (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 11 Aug. 2016.
Romano, Kathleen. "How Hip-Hop Music Has Influenced American Culture and Society." Spinditty. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Aug. 2016.
