Appropriation in popular culture refers to taking one idea and using it to create something new. It changes the meaning of the original work. This image is an example of appropriation. This image depicts the members of the British boy band, One Direction recreating the cover of the Beatles’ famous “Abbey Road” cover.
The reason this is pop culture appropriation is because it changes the meaning of the iconic original photo. Prior to this image, when people viewed the “Abbey Road” cover, they were reminded of how influential the Beatles and their music was. One Direction uses this image to create the idea that they are as great as The Beatles were, and are just as influential to music. This, however is untrue considering how the Beatles changed and were iconic in rock music. One Direction, unfortunately appeals to the demographic of young girls around the age of 12. Additionally, One Direction is not as influential to music in the way the Beatles were. One Direction is not made up of talented songwriters and musicians. It is made up of young men who sing well together, who can dance and are considered attractive. However, it does give the group more attention, which is most likely what they were aiming to do by taking the image.
The image is upsetting. While it is not blatantly racist or offensive, it is disrespectful. It is upsetting because it disrespects the Beatles and discredits their influence over music. It caused criticism, backlash, and generated several memes that expressed anger an annoyance over the image. It might not be disrespectful to a culture, but it is disrespectful to true talent with an influence over history. Not to offend One Direction, but it is doubtful they will continue to be relevant 50 years from now the way the Beatles were.
I learned about appropriation through this assignment. I learned how appropriation includes the manipulation of one work or idea in order to create new meaning or a new idea. I learned that it is extremely prominent in pop culture. Appropriation is everywhere. It is in commercials, music videos, social media, music, television, movies, the internet, and advertisements. Appropriation can also be cultural and can even be considered offensive. Ultimately, the assignment has forced me to be more observant about appropriation in popular culture. It is important that the original meaning of the idea is referenced. Anyone can walk across Abbey Road and take a picture. However it’s the fact that One Direction copied the Beatles and used it as an album cover that makes it appropriation. It should also be pointed out that not all appropriation should be considered offensive. Some appropriation can be used to make a statement about society or politics. It is all about how one approaches and presents their idea. This image is an example of cultural appropriation because music is a part of culture, as well as history. This assignment has ultimately made me much more well informed about appropriation in popular culture.
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Kristen, appropriation does not have to be insulting… sometimes it is an homage, sometimes it is irony or parody. In this case, I don’t think the Beatles would be offended — and I grew up during the Beatles most popular years. I think they would laugh — just as they would of the Simpson’s appropriation and any of the others that you can find on Google. Yes, I want you to think about these things deeply, critically — but not everything needs to be seen as negative, even when you are looking at it critically.
What I am concerned about is that you did not write about which thinker/theory best fit the assignment. Please pay attention to that in the next post. Pass this time, but not the next time if that is missing.
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