When it comes to popular culture, sports and entertainment (specifically football, basketball, baseball, music, literature, movies, public figures/role models), we have already seen the best of what that category has to offer already. As a creative and original society, I think our talents have reached a limit. There's nothing new underneath the sun. No one is creating anything new, people are just customizing styles/ideas that have been proven before and at best signifying or expanding those styles/ideas.
(*Just because something is new or different doesnt make it of quality, either).
MOVIES
Will there ever be another movie with the impact of the GodFather trilogy? I doubt we'll see another flick that changes the game visually via special effects as we did when "The Matrix" came out. Those are just two examples of an infinite amount of classics that came out in the 80s-90s and could take big dumps on these crappy modern movies!
And umm, in terms of quality, cinematography, message and content, are Tyler Perry movies better than Spike Lee movies?
LITERATURE
With the exception of Pablo Coehlo, occasional Cornel West and my old man, I don't read too many contemporary authors but I know there aren't too many new classics added to the vintage and illustrious literary cannon. Where are the "Black Boys", "There Eyes Were Watching God", "Talented Tenths" or "Souls of Black Folk?"
You know what books are generating the most impact on society? Freaking "Twilight" or "Harry Potter!"
I know there are brilliant writers out there but my point is, no one has written "that book" since yesteryear.
PUBLIC FIGURES (heroes/role models)
If it wasn't for Barack O'bama, there would be no clear cut rock star, "it factor" public figures. Where are the JFKs, Bill Clintons, Dr Kings, or Malcolm Xs?
Movies: I'm going to go with the batman trilogy. Each one gave us the best bad guy we had ever seen with the exception of the first one because it was more of a set up piece. And the battle between Spike Lee and Tyler Perry, I'm going with Spike. One because I'm a homer, I loved Malcolm X, and He got Game. And two because his films have better direction in terms of plot. Tyler's films start off good but I lost the point midway thru because the comedy has taken over the film.
ReplyDeleteLiterature: Check out that new book by Toni Morrison, Home. It's a great book with that throw back feel. But what you expect Toni Morrison is a throw back author.
Public Figures: You got me there, it was Kwame Kilpatrick. Dude from the inner city who makes it out, then comes back to be the leader of his city and tries to lead them to the position of one of the top cities in the US. But with him falling off I've got no one to offer up.
Roots = The Godfather for me. Just ashamed that doesn't seem to be a popular or common opinion.
ReplyDeleteI would want to do research as far as THAT book being written because the real truth is that we don't read like that? Hence Barnes and Noble being out of business. I know it has to do with everything being available online as well, just saying...
And last but not least, what if your definition were to change? It's like the fan that wants a new Tribe Called Quest album. We say we want 'it'...but we really want Low End Theory 2.0? Same thing here, you want yesteryear....rather than seeing the blessings today has to offer maybe? Idk?? Just my thoughts doc...