Heavy metal seems to be a popular music genre in Australia. Before coming to Australia, I almost never knew what heavy metal really was. This is only because it is not a common music genre mostly listened to in Africa. It was amusing to me that the first time I thought of attending a Rihanna concert in Australia, non of my Australian friends seemed interested in going. I found this really shocking because I thought her type of music was popular everywhere around the world. It sometimes leaves me wondering as to whether Australia is in its own world.
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Nederveen argues that 'globalisation invites more controversy than consensus' (2004, p.8) This heavy metal sub-culture in Australia does bring up more controversy in other cultures. For example, when I first came to Australia, I didn't think I would experience the culture shock until I noticed how much people here love to listen to heavy metal. I was intrigued after listening to one heavy metal song and realised that this kind of music would be regarded as evil or demonic in other cultures such as some African cultures. Interestingly, even though it may be regarded as evil in the African culture, you still find some people that try to dress up goth, but I still find that it isn't the same as the people in Australia. Despite the culture shock and being ignorant about the specific genre of music, I still find it interesting that due to globalisation, other cultures still seem to want to adapt the kind of culture they are not familiar with.
Reference:
Nederveen Pieterse, J 2004, ‘Globalisation:
Consensus and controversies’, Globalisation
and culture: global mélange, Rowan & Littlefield, Lanham, Md., p8
Heavy metal is such a good example! I have never been particularly passionate about the genre myself however I used to work in youth band promotion and there are venues and booking agents that will not take on young bands unless they are heavy metal because they just do not pull the same crowd! I never thought about how other cultures could associate negative- even evil - connotations to this genre.
ReplyDeleteGreat example Chichi! I do enjoy heavy metal, but it is interesting to hear your perspective, considering you have come from another country and lived there first hand.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder whether niche styles and genres of music get the same repertoire abroad and in remote places other than their original setting. I would have thought because of the internet perhaps, but I suppose not everywhere has continuous internet access and means of sharing music culture like we do here in Australia.
It's interesting how it is the commercial artists that are signed to large and popular record companies that get spread through culture to culture globally, and have different impacts on the societies and cultures they imbed themselves upon. I know Rihanna is still quite popular to a lot of people over here, but I am more interested in seeing what else and what other small unsigned artists are out there to be discovered. I probably have this attitude as the underground music scene is quite a growing trend in Melbourne.
Thanks for your post.
Chi Chi
ReplyDeletei found your blog fantastic on so many levels. its refreshing having someone who comes from a different sub culture and who's able to identify massive cultural gaps between Australia and Africa. I loved how you said 'It sometimes leaves me wondering as to whether Australia is in its own world'. i found this to be very interesting because your saying that many people in zambia are not interested in popular music artists such as Rihanna, but more interested in what their own culture provides. this to me shows that not all countries want to adapt and follow the forever manipulating impact of globalisation, that they are stilling willing to hold on to their roots. Another fantastic read Chi Chi
Thanks guys!!
ReplyDeleteI find that popular pop and RnB artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce etc are commonly listened to in Zambia but heavy metal artists are not popular there, mainly because that genre of music is not common. I sometimes find that some kids back in Zambia know this sort of genre and also 'try' to listen and idolise metal but it is still not as intense as i've found it to be in Australia. Therefore, I'd say people there know and have heard about it but are just not into it as much as Australians. I've been here for almost 2 years, and I don't think I know any heavy metal bands even when i've heard friends mention some names. I've heard a couple of songs but still wouldn't remember them. Despite that, I think at the pace at which globalisation is moving, more cultures will be more be more familiar with the heavy metal genre and disregard the old beliefs.
Hey Chi Chi,
ReplyDeleteYour blog this week really connected with the readings. It was very easy to understand your idea on the meaning of the impact of globalisation. You gave examples of the musical styles present in your home country which has remained traditional, and how many people in Zambia are not interested in listening to Western music. You said this is because they resisted the influence of globalisation and therefore decided to stick with their traditional musical values. It is great how some countries still want to hold on to their cultural roots. Your use of quotes helped to support your discussion, and to clarify your point in more depth. Well done!