Narrative Story Project:
1920: New Black Music Encourages Immoral Behavior
Now that alcohol has finally been banned, another immoral scourge is creeping into our communities. It’s being called “jazz music”, although it can hardly be called music at all. This “jazz” does not follow any set order, but instead is a confusing and panicked jumble of loud and rhythmic sounds. This Black music draws together an unsightly crowd and encourages lewd behavior.
This music is now being played at clubs where unsuspecting women or young folks might be exposed to its dangers without their knowing.
Now that alcohol has finally been banned, another immoral scourge is creeping into our communities. It’s being called “jazz music”, although it can hardly be called music at all. This “jazz” does not follow any set order, but instead is a confusing and panicked jumble of loud and rhythmic sounds. This Black music draws together an unsightly crowd and encourages lewd behavior.
This music is now being played at clubs where unsuspecting women or young folks might be exposed to its dangers without their knowing.
1940: Cotton Club “Celebrity Night” is a Big Hit
Over the last seventeen years, in-the-know New Yorkers have come to call on Harlem’s Cotton Club for the best swinging music and entertainment around. Recent Celebrity Nights have showcased true celebrities, such as Judy Garland and Irving Berlin, alongside the Black musicians who perform there on a regular basis.
Jazz has been called “American music,” as in many ways it was born on American soil. And at this Harlem club, anyone who matters has the chance to see it played by some of its best performers.
Over the last seventeen years, in-the-know New Yorkers have come to call on Harlem’s Cotton Club for the best swinging music and entertainment around. Recent Celebrity Nights have showcased true celebrities, such as Judy Garland and Irving Berlin, alongside the Black musicians who perform there on a regular basis.
Jazz has been called “American music,” as in many ways it was born on American soil. And at this Harlem club, anyone who matters has the chance to see it played by some of its best performers.
1970: “Hip Hop” Culture Glamorizes Gang Violence
A type of gang affiliation known as “hip hop” is gaining a presence on the streets of New York. Young men from low-income African-American communities have taken to expressing themselves through what is being called “hip hop”, a style of dance, music, and dress.
Their music of choice, often performed in the streets, included scratching records back and forth, calling out commands to an audience, and talking and yelling over a drum beat. Called “rapping”, it is often accompanied by people “break dancing”, or rolling around on flattened cardboard boxes on the sidewalk
A type of gang affiliation known as “hip hop” is gaining a presence on the streets of New York. Young men from low-income African-American communities have taken to expressing themselves through what is being called “hip hop”, a style of dance, music, and dress.
Their music of choice, often performed in the streets, included scratching records back and forth, calling out commands to an audience, and talking and yelling over a drum beat. Called “rapping”, it is often accompanied by people “break dancing”, or rolling around on flattened cardboard boxes on the sidewalk
1990: Rap Music Serves as Powerful Voice to “Stop the Violence”
The rap music that appeared to be a passing fad ten years ago may very well be here to stay. With kids all over America dressing in baggy jeans, backwards caps, and large chains to mimic their favorite rap artists, parents may worry that the gang attitude and misogynistic lyrics could have a bad impact.
Rapper KRS-One, whose name stands for “Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone”, has founded the Stop the Violence Movement to use his voice, and the voices and music of other rappers, to help call for peace throughout the African-American community.
The rap music that appeared to be a passing fad ten years ago may very well be here to stay. With kids all over America dressing in baggy jeans, backwards caps, and large chains to mimic their favorite rap artists, parents may worry that the gang attitude and misogynistic lyrics could have a bad impact.
Rapper KRS-One, whose name stands for “Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone”, has founded the Stop the Violence Movement to use his voice, and the voices and music of other rappers, to help call for peace throughout the African-American community.
1990: Graffiti “Art” Destroys Private Property
Graffiti has a story to tell. Sometimes it’s the story of bored, thrill-seeking teens marring curse words for a rush. Sometimes it’s a more dangerous effort to mark certain areas of the city as part of the territory of a certain gang. And sometimes, it’s created for the sake of “art”.
But can it be art if it’s unwanted, unasked for, and damaging to public and private property? What it certainly is, is a crime.
Graffiti has a story to tell. Sometimes it’s the story of bored, thrill-seeking teens marring curse words for a rush. Sometimes it’s a more dangerous effort to mark certain areas of the city as part of the territory of a certain gang. And sometimes, it’s created for the sake of “art”.
But can it be art if it’s unwanted, unasked for, and damaging to public and private property? What it certainly is, is a crime.
2010: Banksy Film Debuts at Sundance Film Festival
Graffiti artist “Banksy”, whose real name and face are unknown to the public, is known for stenciling thought-provoking artworks all over the world. His film, “Exit through the Gift Shop”, debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
In the past few years, the street artist’s work has sold at auction for tens of thousands of dollars. It has drawn celebrity attention for its thought-provoking images, and has increased the value of his “vandalized” homes so much that one of them was actually listed for sale as a mural with a house attached.
Graffiti artist “Banksy”, whose real name and face are unknown to the public, is known for stenciling thought-provoking artworks all over the world. His film, “Exit through the Gift Shop”, debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
In the past few years, the street artist’s work has sold at auction for tens of thousands of dollars. It has drawn celebrity attention for its thought-provoking images, and has increased the value of his “vandalized” homes so much that one of them was actually listed for sale as a mural with a house attached.