Heroes and Celebrities

Written Analysis-Analysis 3

Through a review of the salient literature on the popular culture concepts of heroes and the cult of the celebrity, I must conclude that Bob Marley was not just a celebrity, he was a hero.

Celebrity

A celebrity is an individual who gains his or her notoriety based on their talent and in many cases their good looks, and is easily recognized in society.  Based on the aforementioned definition of a celebrity, Marley was more than qualify.  Blessed with good looks and a charismatic idiosyncratic, women followed him wherever goes.  As a talented singer, musician and songwriter, he first gained popularity scripting hits “I Shot The Sheriff” for Eric Clapton, and “Stir It Up” recorded by Johnny Nash.  With his band, the Wailers, he toured the world (Europe, Africa, Japan, Cleveland to name a few places) and achieved global superstar.   His stardom morph into a cult of the celebrity (the prevalent oddity into arbitrarily famous people or celebrities) 32 years after his untimely death.  I was at the Koln Reggae Fest (2007), his presence was everywhere; he was correct when he sang “dem a go tired fi sey face”.  That is a “Never” to this fan.

Hero

             

The term hero refers to a person whether dead or alive, existent or nonexistent who demonstrates features which society values, and who consequently is a role model for others to emulate (Luna & Forquer Gupta, 2001).  It is through his political, religion, and “champion of the poor” activities that Mr. Marley became a hero.  His anthemic song “Get Up, Stand” and Redemption Song (Marcus Garvey’s words) inspires million to rise beyond their circumstances to claim what is rightfully theirs.  Marley displayed courage in Jamaica when he presided over the 1978 Peace Concert after a self-imposed.  The concert occurred to quell warring political events that tearing the country apart by gun battles.  Bob himself left the Island after an assassination attempt on his motivated by politics. 

Applying the theories of heroes and cult of celebrity to Bob Marley proved that a celebrity can become a hero.  Heroes and celebrities play an important role in society because for many they possessed the qualities that we want to emulate.  To most people in the world Bob Marley was a celebrity and the most popular reggae artist to date, to others, especially in his homeland of Jamaica, he is more than a celebrity, he is a hero.  

Written Analysis-Analysis 2

Rituals and Stereotypes

Bob Marley is the most famous symbol Jamaica has ever produced.  As one of the world finest music of the 20^th century, Marley’s admiration seems to include everyone.  It is in this context that the media chronicled his life in terms of popular culture, especially the concepts of rituals and stereotypes.

Rituals

It is to separate Bob from his Rastafarian faith.  As such one most famous ritual within the religion is the smoking of Ganja (marijuana).  Marijuana is a rite to the Rastafarians as communion is to Catholics.  Rasta rituals are not limited to the smoking of Ganga.  Others include the beating of drums.  “The drums, central to Rastafarian rituals and ceremonies, are loud in the space in which they are gathered in the museum. There is the double head repeater drum, which is played during the Nyahbinghi ceremony” (Williams, 2013)

Stereotypes

            As a Jamaican, it was hard for Bob Marley to shake some of the stereotypes.  One the stereotype he faced to this day was that he is always happy.  Many people believe that this is from the effect of smoking too much Ganga.  To those who knew him best, he was a jovial and charming person.  Additionally, Jamaican people smile naturally.  Another stereotype attributed to Bob Marley is that all Caribbean people, particularly Jamaican have dreadlocks.  Truth of the matter, very few do. 

            Apply this theories of popular culture, one conclude that Bob Marley is just a mere mortal and practice his life as normal as possible.  Even though many may consider him a “stoner”, it begs the question:  how did he pen so many great songs if he is high all the time?

References

Browne, R. (2005). Profiles of popular culture. Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press.

Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (2012). Common culture: Reading and writing about american popular culture. (7th ed.). Columbus, Ohio: Pearson.

Williams, P. (2013, September 15). Rasta vibrations - rastafari ethos and artistry on show at water lane gallery. The Gleaner. Retrieved from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130915/arts/arts1.html

Icon Analysis

Icons are everywhere in popular culture through all facet of society.  Some examples of icons representation are the music we listened to, television ads, movies, and in our everyday living.  It in this content that I choose three icons of relevance: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Whitney Houston and McDonald’s Restaurants.  Mr.  Mandela is one of the world’s most renowned freedom fighters.  Ms. Houston graced the world with her voice.  McDonald’s Restaurant is a mainstay in everyone’s memory since our childhood.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the distinguished African national liberator, was born in Umtata, in the Transkei territory of South Africa. He rose to prominence with the ANC protesting against the South African government and its system of apartheid. In 1962, Mr. Mandela was cast-away for life on Robben Island as a result of sabotage and conspiracy charges. He gained his freedom on February 11, 1990.  He succeeded in becoming the first black president of South Africa in 1994. His most admired honor was the Nobel Prize that he won with Frederick W. de Klerk, for their work in ensuring South Africa's peaceful conversion to all-inclusive democracy.  Mr. Mandela proved that patience is a virtue and that through great resolved one will endure regardless of the situation.  He once stated "Ours is a journey of hope and resilience, we dare not linger, for our long walk is not yet ended." His soaring legacy according to the President of the US can be summarized by one African word “Ubuntu”-human kindness.  That is how we should live our life.

Whitney Houston, the legendary pop singer whose legacy will live on in pop culture for centuries through her beautiful voice.  As an American icon, she was a gift to the world with her musical voice.  She knew her ability, and worked hard to perfect it.  At her best, she exemplified perfection and categorical talent in executing her singing.  In my opinion, everyone has something to offer.  As such, we must identify our uniqueness and strive to use it make this world a better place to live.  Her version of the song “I Will Always Love You” is one the biggest pop seller of all time.  Probably the most spine wrenching rendition of the American National Anthem-Star Spangled Banner is one that sang at the 1990 Super Bowl. 
 

McDonald's Restaurant remains concreted in pop culture as a place where one can enjoy an affordable meal with friends, and family almost anywhere you go in the world.  It is the world’s largest fast food hamburger restaurant with over 60 million customers served daily in approximately 120 countries.  One of the unique appeals of the restaurants is that it serves a very diverse clientele. On any given day, you can have business executives ordering or sitting beside bus drivers.  Another feature of the restaurants is the indoor/outdoor playgrounds located in most suburban communities.  As a kid growing up, I look forward to Sunday evenings at local McDonald’s with my parents and siblings.  Even though I do not eat there much, every now and then I will go to grab a small order of the best “french fries” in fast food land.  

In summary, these icons are significant part of our everyday living. Mr. Mandela’s humbleness and patience will be an inspiration for generations to come.  Ms. Houston’s music will continue to motivate and uplift the masses.  McDonald will last  a long time with its tasty “french fries” throughout world.

References

Browne, R. (2005). Profiles of popular culture. Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (2012). Common culture: Reading and writing about american popular culture. (7th ed.). Columbus, Ohio: Pearson.                                                                                                   Whitney houston is dead . (2012, February 11). The Gleaner. Retrieved from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=35204                                                                                       Obama: 'we will not likely see the likes of nelson mandela again' . (2013, December 06). The Gleaner. Retrieved from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=49775