If you can't stand country or simply don't feel like watching the video, basically, Aldean is singing about two wealthy men who are flying first class from New York to L.A. (two major cosmopolitan cities with inhabitants that have a good amount of control in relation to global communication and mobility) and how they see the "Fly Over States" or many of the states between the costal centers of NYC and LA as irrelevant. Aldean then goes into detail about the value that the people in these overlooked states have and tries to tell their story in a sentimental way.
The quote from Massey's article really made me think of this song-- (Massey is quoting another researcher, Birkett here): "And Boeing has brought these people together. But what about those they fly over, on their islands five miles below? How has the mighty 747 brought them greater communion with those whose shores are washed by the same water? It hasn't of course" (pg. 148).
This song is undoubtedly an interesting cultural text that directly references some of the issues that we have addressed in class. Here, Aldean is trying to bring value and identity back to the localities and regions that are essentially "left out" of the power structure that is ultimately influencing globalization and global communication.
So how should we interpret Aldean's song? I would certainly say that it is a reaction to the "insecurity and unsettling impact" and "feelings of vulnerability" that globalization can produce. To Aldean, the value and distinctly special characteristics of midwestern states are being overlooked as the focus is on larger, cosmopolitan cities. That said, Massey may say that Aldean's emphasis on the value of the local culture is a reactionary notion of place. An almost backward-looking emphasis on a physical locale to help anchor people in those states to a place of security and tradition. Massey says this idea of place is problematic.
However, Bude and Durrschmidt might disagree. I really liked their emphasis on the existential struggle that many human beings face in light of globalization. While Massey addresses that struggle (see his explanations of insecurity and feelings of vulnerability), he would likely see a nostalgic song like this as problematic. Bude and Durrschmidt, however, may see this song as an example of "homesickness" not "nostalgia." Here, Aldean could be interpreted as a "homecomer" -- someone who, in the midst of "global opportunity" gets his bearings in a local context of meaning and existential value. In other words, Aldean may not nostalgically yearn for the local lifestyle that he describes, but he may find existential and life-long value in the traditions of the "Fly Over States."
What do you think? Is it valuable to look at a real life, pop culture example of a person's reaction to globalization? Does it make a difference that Aldean is, in fact, a musical celebrity who may be more out of touch with local traditions than he portrays? Does his position as a major player in the media industry compromise his ability to speak on behalf of the "Fly Over States" he sings about?
Pop culture examples provide a perfect avenue to look at a person’s reaction to globalization, if only because of the wide ranging abilities for pop culture to impact everyday life. Anyone, pretty much anywhere, has heard about, or been in a discussion about, Miley Cyrus’ antics recently. Whether or not a person living here or abroad continues to listen to or talk about music from his or her home country says something about how they feel about the connection to the respective countries.
ReplyDeleteIt does make a difference that Aldean is not necessarily in touch with local traditions, but whether or not he personally identifies with what he is singing about isn’t necessarily an issue. Studying those who listen to the song and how they identify with it, or don’t identify with it for that matter, seems more important to studying the impacts of globalization.
As long as he can still be identified as someone from the “Fly Over States” he sings about, he can still speak about it. In this case his ascribed identity would mean more for his credibility than his avowed identity. If others see him as an imposter, and not a “homecomer”, then his credibility as someone speaking on behalf of those who fully identify themselves with this sense of place would be lacking.
I do think that this song does present an interesting discussion piece. Jason Aldean is by no means a traditional country singer, as evidenced by his song "Dirt Road Anthem," which also adds an interesting dimension. He sings of his link to these "Fly Over States" while adapting his music to reach a wider audience.