sup doug?

In Douglas Kellner's article, "Cultural Studies, and Multiculturalism, and Media Culture," he talks about what cultural studies is and how he thinks it needs to be done (I know). He defines cultural studies in this quote, "Cultural Studies shows how media culture articulates the dominant values, political ideologies, and social developments and novelties of the era," p10). It is done though looking at the production and political economy, textual analysis, and audience reception and use of media culture. People need to know who make the media product and what their beliefs and motivations are, what the media product means both visually and in the text, and how the audience actually perceives and uses the media product. Kellner says that we need to use all three of these sides evenly and with a multicultural understanding. He thinks we need to do this so we aren't sucked into what media are trying to tell us, and so that we understand how to take different meanings from what we are shown.


I have chosen to look at EMI and EMI CMG . EMI is one of the major music companies in the music injustry. It has musicians such as Coldplay, Keith Urban, Iron Maiden, and Pink Floyd under one of it's many labels. EMI CMG is it's Christian division. It has artists such as Switchfoot, Starfield, Chris Tomlin, and many MANY more. I know that part of the article says to look at all three sides of cultural studies, but I think the second two get talked about enough.

In the music I listen to (mostly punk) do it yourself, or DIY, is a huge part of the scene. The main thought behind it is that you can make and distribute music on your own. There's no need to go to a major label and try to "make it". Music doesn't need to be commercial. Nor do you need to earn money for some record label CEO who doesn't care what your lyrics say. I would think this would be a similar sentiment in the Christian music scene, but it has bought into the idea of major labels just as bad as gangsta rappers. Why don't people realize what's happening? Why don't they release the music themselves? Nope, instead these artists can't wait to jump under the EMI umbrella. I can never know their true motivations, but to me it seems like a conflict of interests.

EMI CMG seems pretty proud that their CEO increased their sales from 30 million in 92 to 100 million in 04, it's in his bio on their page. Let's be optimistic and say that most of that is going to charity (though I doubt it). EMI is still getting a cut of that, and as a company they have no ties to Christianity. They are also in control of everything EMI CMG.

Artists need to be questioned. I'm sure a lot of them are good Christians, but why has it never occurred to them that they could start their own independent label. Then heads of the larger EMI company wouldn't be taking any of their money. Sure, money's not necessarily guaranteed, but who cares about money? Right?

If we're apart of Cultural Studies these problems need to be brought up. Yes, to artists and owners, but also when we're in the CD store. Are you alright with the idea of a major record label? Do these ethics fall in line with the textual analysis you think you're getting? Do you care?...I think those could be some telling answers.