In this weeks lecture (Kuttainen, 2015) we discussed ‘diaspora’, its
origins as explained by Emmanuel Ma Mung (2005), “identity develops and is based on
the feeling of sharing a 'common origin”, examples
and ramifications of it in today’s society. We looked at the Rastafarian
movement in the 1930s and how a icon Bob Marley helped spread a common
connection and ideology to the people of not just Jamaica but also from all
over the world. “In this bright future you can't forget your past”. Bob Marley
I would like to turn the consideration on something that has just
recently found its way to the cinemas, however shows a truly important theme
when looking at common connections and similar backgrounds. Now I am sure we
have all seen or have heard of the new movie ‘Straight out of Compton’? This
movie to me does not necessarily aim to show diaspora or a race being dumped on
non-familiar land and then keeping common tradition; yet it shows me that
people from all over the globe can have common similarities, for example
traditions, foods, habits, addictions and even ways of thinking. The movie ‘Straight out of Compton’ helped me
understand that certain clusters of people can be genuinely connected even if
they are not geographically in the same place but can be connected with social similarities. With similar variables in any cluster of people as of poverty, crime, corruption, drugs, food, sport, street
knowledge and Religion they are logically going to have similarities found
unconditionally. So when I was sitting there with my large Pepsi and popcorn
watching away, I could see that the one aspect of the rap group N.W.A’s success
was built on the common connection and similarity of their own experiences
living in a poverty, crime ridden place like Compton, with others similar
circumstances all over the world. By expressing thoughts and experiences to the
world everyone was able find similarities or not; either way creating one of
the most controversial yet influential rap groups of all time.
Can you see any similarities with this line within your own life? But
keep in mind how many of the same variables do you encounter daily.
Reference:
Kuttainen, V. (2015). BA1002: Space: Networks, Narratives, and the making of place, week 7
notes[PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
Marley, B. (1975).
Live!. No Woman No Cry [CD]. London: Island Records.
N.W.A. [Image].
(1996). Retreived from http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lYXOAgO2U_A/maxresdefault.jpg
I agree with the way you have managed to compare the theme of the film to diaspora in the sense that while its not a direct aspect of the film, it does fall under the economic diaspora. The surrounds of the the characters in the film (L.A drug wars) and the low socio-economic background they all come from, and how they use their musical talents to raise awareness of the racism against African americans and other minorities living by the police in America at the time, this is still the case today, with several high profile deaths in custody currently happening,
ReplyDeleteReferences
Kuttainen, V. (2015). BA1002: Space: Networks, Narratives, and the making of place, week 7 notes. Retrieved from https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au