Creepy lyrics: www.capitalfm.com/artists/justin-bieber/news/despacito-lyrics-english-tr...
I think the video would lose no more than 10% of its hits without the sound. Gorgeous women in tight abbreviated clothing is a sure draw. But the song is appealing, too. I'd bet trump would issue many, many beautiful visas for immigrant Latinas with that talent.
RosieNYC, I invite you to support your argument with reference to the lyrics of the song. "The musings of men about sexually harassing women. Not to mention the level of violence described by these two men's fantasies: them as the perpetrators, women as passive recipients." You find this to be about male aggression? The song is called slowly/gently. It's literally the opposite of aggression. It's a song about seduction.
I've sung the song in my head searching for evidence of violence or harassment, but can find none. Do you merely object to sexual lyrics? If so, that's fine, but it's not evidence of male aggression.
Women as passive recipients? The opening verse puts the ball squarely in her court: "Muestrame el camino que yo voy." (You show me the way, I'll follow.) Further on the song talks about give and take. (Dando y dandolo.) The chorus uses "we", not "I" ("NOS VAMOS pegando) because the woman is an active participant in their union. The singer also repeatedly seeks her consent - "dejame sobrepasar tus zonas de peligro" ("let me"), and "que le enseñes a mi boca tus lugares favoritos" (YOU show ME).
In fact, I could argue this song is radical in its expression of healthy female sexuality. It's clear that the singer is as interested in her having a good time as he is in his own satisfaction.
You can't just say over and over that the song is disgusting and sexist. Show us how.
I've sung the song in my head searching for evidence of violence or harassment, but can find none. Do you merely object to sexual lyrics? If so, that's fine, but it's not evidence of male aggression.
Women as passive recipients? The opening verse puts the ball squarely in her court: "Muestrame el camino que yo voy." (You show me the way, I'll follow.) Further on the song talks about give and take. (Dando y dandolo.) The chorus uses "we", not "I" ("NOS VAMOS pegando) because the woman is an active participant in their union. The singer also repeatedly seeks her consent - "dejame sobrepasar tus zonas de peligro" ("let me"), and "que le enseñes a mi boca tus lugares favoritos" (YOU show ME).
In fact, I could argue this song is radical in its expression of healthy female sexuality. It's clear that the singer is as interested in her having a good time as he is in his own satisfaction.
You can't just say over and over that the song is disgusting and sexist. Show us how.
29
I am reminded of the Bacchae of Euripides, where the ultra conservative mayor of Thebes, Pentheus, tries to discredit the value of ecstatic dancing--and fun of all sorts. So Dionysus, the god of ecstatic dancing and fun of all sorts, teaches him a harsh lesson. Thebes' government had become too socially conservative. They went so far as to deny that Dionysus was a god. So the god showed up, and got all the girls in town involved in orgiastic dancing, and it turned out bad for Pentheus when the shape-shifting Dionysus easily lured him into spying on the all-girl free-for-all, and the girls decided Pentheus looked like an animal that would make a worthy sacrifice. Moral: it's against human nature to deny the emotional, instinctual, sexual part of human nature... I would suggest that the popularity of this video is how it provides for a repressed, conservative audience a glimpse of the spiritual nature of orgiastic dancing--and fun of all sorts. That's its appeal--and not so much that it's a political statement, endorsing multiculturalism. Heck, that's Aphrodite--not Jesse Jackson--runway-walking through the barrio, kissing all the boys, and dirty-dancing the night away.
12
The song is great. But the video is just male-dominated soft porn. When I listened to the song without the video, I found it to be much more effective. There is a maxim in art: leave something to the imagination. For example, when you graphically define say sexuality, particularly in pop music, you cheapen the experience. It’s boring – done a million times before. Let the listener imagine the sexuality, not the video director. The same goes for pop lyrics. If the lyrics aren’t creative enough to stir the imagination without literalness, then they are pedestrian at best. Art, whether literature, music, or painting, should affect each person individually - a personal adventure rather than someone else’s vision. And finally - in 2017 we don’t need any more reductionist gender stereotyping depicting women as mere sexual objects and men as testosterone-driven, chest-thumping animals. It sounds too much like Donald Trump.
14
Just saw video. Am I missing something? Hearts and minds? Woman as sexual object will save the world? This is gross. Sat through the whole thing to see if the power dynamics were going to change. They didn't. Women in the background undulating. Geez.
12
If you don't start dancing when this song starts to play, you're either deaf or near dead! C'mon people!
11
Despacito does not really mean exactly slowly, it means more like take it slow, calm down. As a total American living in México now 13 yrs people tell that to me all the time, at times it pays to just calm down and take it slowly. Thanks Moises for this. I learn every day from the patient people here.
9
A celebration of life and love, and a finger in the eye to hatred of all kinds, whether racial or social.
11
"Nativism," or the hickish, jingoistic, uninformed commitment to it, is so ignorant. The only real natives we have in our country are American Indian Natives, The People. The rest of us are trespassers. Viva Despacito!
8
The premise that three billion You-tube views makes this profound if laughable, to say the least. Kids slumped over with their noses pressed to their iPhone is not exactly deep thinking and understanding.
3
You do realize that it is pop music Iver? And that pop music has probably the greatest impact on culture and society at large?
7
Anything that annoys sourpusses like so many of the people commenting here is really fine with me.
13
Despairing that this is what passes for popular/populist "culture". Despairing too that precious real estate is squandered by the editors of this paper in the interest of appealing to a young/younger demographic. But I suppose it's survival of the fittest in this ultra competitive cultural jungle. I leave you with an alternative: Classical/Opera. Worth your time and effort to explore. If patriarchy, sexism, racism, violence, betrayal and such things are your thing, there's plenty of that in Opera.
3
I see so much more beyond the surface in this video with its ethnic lyrics and music yet universal appeal. Some of our most beautiful songs are about intimate love. Slow dancing, closely and tenderly, with no gyrating, is sensual and yes, sexual. A man is no more exploiting a woman because of his needs than she is of him. It's shared enjoyment, and oh so human, since the beginning of time. We need to step back and stop overanalyzing, and reflect on our own innate pleasures and needs. It is neither immoral nor sinful. It's life.
12
To those who posted rants about how the song is an ode to machismo and misogynistic, I would say tune out the song--and a whole bunch of others. For decades lots of R and B and rap have been guilty of the same sins.
Those who are offended by such music have the choice of carrying out their own personal boycott. There's plenty of insipid music available.
I know for a fact "Despacito" is popular with many women.
The song is very much in the Daddy Yankee style. Why would the offended women listen to the song, knowing the artist and his style?
The author's point is that in this age of social media, with Trump always bragging about his Twitter followers, the song, with its Spanish lyrics and multicultural and multiracial components, is a powerful reply to the Trumpian message tailor made for European-Americans.
Three billion hits, not fake news, but the kind of news marketers and demographers will find infinitely important.
Those who are offended by such music have the choice of carrying out their own personal boycott. There's plenty of insipid music available.
I know for a fact "Despacito" is popular with many women.
The song is very much in the Daddy Yankee style. Why would the offended women listen to the song, knowing the artist and his style?
The author's point is that in this age of social media, with Trump always bragging about his Twitter followers, the song, with its Spanish lyrics and multicultural and multiracial components, is a powerful reply to the Trumpian message tailor made for European-Americans.
Three billion hits, not fake news, but the kind of news marketers and demographers will find infinitely important.
15
Great song. Too bad it's misogynistic. All the women are there to please the men.
6
Spanish speaking misogyny is ok evidently as long as it supports some crazy notion of open border immigration policy.
8
"...grains of Celtic." ???? What on earth is that? Much as I love a multicultural scenario.....but grains of Celtic.....as an Irish person I'd love to know what language Celtic is supposed to be? ahem...
3
A popular song in Spanish in the age of Trump? This is hardly a surprise: those millions and millions of YouTube views are propelled by folks in US cities that voted against him. Trump lost the popular vote after all - we should not be shocked that vast numbers of Americans are open to other cultures. It's a reminder that, were US elections based only on numbers and popularity, or driven by urban interests, we would be sitting here talking about President Clinton.
6
You actually miss the subtle reason why the song became number one on the billboards. It actually explains exactly why Trump is being so successful and actually plays into this nativism. Bieber on tour in Colombia heard the catchy Spanish version and reached out to the original artists to do a collaboration. It was already a number one hit by Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi. It is his "familiar" face that let the members of "his tribe" open up to the same song that had been out with huge success for months in Latin America. It is exactly because of this tribalism that the song has had such huge success where most American teenagers state they like the new Justin Bieber song when in fact all he does is add a few lines in bad Spanish to a song that was already a success. It is what it is. In contrast, to your thesis of how this song's success contradicts Trumps message, it in fact plays directly into why he has been so successful. Most Trump supporters don't even know Bieber is Canadian, in their minds, he is Caucasian and blond, and thus it is ok for their kids to like the song. I believe the true message here is the complete and total ignorance of a huge part of the American public. The song is fantastic. I love it! However, it is a reach to state this is a testimony to the multiculturalism. Most of the people downloading the song mindlessly repeat the Spanish words with no intellectual curiosity as to the meaning of the words similar to the catchy chants at Trump rallies.
5
For many of us music lovers (modern) "pop music — is the opposite of TASTE."
You are confusing Political Affiliation with being a part of the multi-national. multi-cultural, ever enduring - "Sheep Nation".
You are confusing Political Affiliation with being a part of the multi-national. multi-cultural, ever enduring - "Sheep Nation".
This video not only objectifies women, it also perpetuates and promotes the hyper sexualization of women with dark skin, although the main female is carefully not too dark skinned. Please also note that there are no women singing in the video, or given creative credit for the production. I would enjoy a sexy video in which the women had some agency.
4
But, ask 1000 people at the mall or Wal Mart who is the most important Hispanic political leader in the US and you get zero responses. Pop culture is great! Political influence and leverage is reality.
3
Conservatives and others like to talk about the marketplace of ideas and the marketplace as being the singular determinate for success and acceptance. Here we see an administration wanting desperately to hang on to fading culture and influence in the old ways, and an emerging new culture among the young with the highest diversity within that age group. In the marketplace of pop culture Despacito clearly shows that which has won young consumers--mixture, acceptance, new beats. This ain't your father's rock n roll. Those days of Classic Rock are behind us and reggaeton might become the dominant beat. If so, isn't that the marketplace of ideas winning through? If so, isn't that what America can involve into--something different than today, perhaps something better. As we approach 2042 when the country will no longer have a white majority, we all may be dancing to a new sound. Let us hope it is augments the one before it.
3
I wish you would've mentioned Puerto Rico's enrichment as a tax haven.
The song isn't quite so revolutionary when you look at it that way. This wasn't Detroit or some place like Baltimore – passed over by corporate America, and yet thriving anyway in its own way.
It's more like: let's see how much fun we can have with your tax dollars. And yes it seems like they have a bit of fun; and yes I agree with much of what you say here, but maybe try a little less 'feel good' filler, and a little more dead-ahead, unapologetic sincerity.
As a writer, you yourself can inspire with your own avant garde heroism, you don't need to find it elsewhere and 'augment it' with your ingratiating servility —clarity of message itself inspires. Knowledge. Vision. Humanity.
The song isn't quite so revolutionary when you look at it that way. This wasn't Detroit or some place like Baltimore – passed over by corporate America, and yet thriving anyway in its own way.
It's more like: let's see how much fun we can have with your tax dollars. And yes it seems like they have a bit of fun; and yes I agree with much of what you say here, but maybe try a little less 'feel good' filler, and a little more dead-ahead, unapologetic sincerity.
As a writer, you yourself can inspire with your own avant garde heroism, you don't need to find it elsewhere and 'augment it' with your ingratiating servility —clarity of message itself inspires. Knowledge. Vision. Humanity.
People can like various aspects of other cultures without necessarily wanting to live in those cultures or, more to the point, wanting every aspect of that culture moving into their town and taking it over. It's one thing to visit, it's another to feel occupied.
So don't expect a Trump voter who happens to enjoy the sounds of some "Latin" music to necessarily embrace the notion of his or her town being settled by thousands of people from the Middle East or some other place with so many attributes that would seem completely foreign to him or her. Actually, ditto for most people who aren't Trump supporters - they just use weasel language and deflection to avoid the truth.
So don't expect a Trump voter who happens to enjoy the sounds of some "Latin" music to necessarily embrace the notion of his or her town being settled by thousands of people from the Middle East or some other place with so many attributes that would seem completely foreign to him or her. Actually, ditto for most people who aren't Trump supporters - they just use weasel language and deflection to avoid the truth.
4
The one thing which separates us is the acceptance of supernatural beliefs which promise the invented reward of an after life. This demands an abdication of reason, a denial of reality, which benefits those who control the belief structures of church and state supporting this fiction. Keeping the masses in fear has always been the modus operandi of those who wish to control.
The problem with this joyous song is that it speaks to life, not to death.
The problem with this joyous song is that it speaks to life, not to death.
4
There are plenty of people who believe that things outside the measurable, material world influence our lives and our world. Not all of them are religious. In fact, it seems that such notions come naturally to many people, regardless of religiosity. Many of these people, including religious people, can and do routinely utilize reason, logic, and a scientific approach to problem solving and most day-to-day tasks.
Furthermore, there are plenty of irrational, anti-science behavior among atheists and others who pronounce their opposition to "organized religion". Many these days fall for the anti-science claptrap that post-modernism can generate (without even knowing it).
Furthermore, there are plenty of irrational, anti-science behavior among atheists and others who pronounce their opposition to "organized religion". Many these days fall for the anti-science claptrap that post-modernism can generate (without even knowing it).
4
Love the analysis and the song too but I listen to a lot of music in Spanish anyway. Thanks for focusing in on this particular song!
Thank you NYT and Mr. Velasquez-Manoff for bringing cultural events like this to center stage where those of us who spend most of our waking hours outside the media world buried in the daily grind of work get to see it. And thanks for reminding us that there can be sheer joy in being human that transcends politics, nationality, race and gender.
5
After reading this article I was very much looking forward to hearing the song and watching the video. Having done so, I am filled with sadness, anger, and despair. We are presented with images of males of all ages, engaging in activities ranging from singing and dancing to playing cards, and they are multidimensional human beings The video's representation of the female gender, however, is limited to one image and movement replicated in every woman on the screen. They could be clones for all their differentiation as individuals. Unlike the male "characters," they serve one purpose: they are solely objects of the male's sexual gaze and desire. It's not the overt sexuality I object to, but rather, the view that women exist exclusively to satisfy this objective. There's no need for them to be portrayed as are the male characters in the video because only one aspect of their humanity carries value. If this is best song that can be offered as an example of the cross pollination of musical styles and culture, how painful to be reminded that no one group has a monopoly on viewing women solely as objects of male sexual arousal. And even sadder that the writer neither observed nor commented upon this significant aspect the music diversity he's celebrating.
33
Karen; While you are correct, re; the image of females. Not every column - least of all this one, and its clear POV, need address the over sexualizing of women.
Its absurd that every time anyone, any reader can see another POV that the author MUST address it, as that's not the subject matter of the piece.
This song is currently a big hit, and its garnering a lot of praise and criticism - some of it what you mention - but this column was using its popularity to make a wholly different point about the pro-side of DIVERSITY!
If the author was using steak houses to make a similar point, (everyone of every color loves a good steak!) would he then have to go into a tangential discussion about the impact of beef production on the environment?
You guys...oops, sorry you gals, have to stop this sort of hyper-policing of things that for the sake of an analogy/metaphor, somehow put on display the historically old and typical use of women in a sexualized manner...and then demand the author/presenter address how its bad. These columns would be endless by your standards.
Uh oh, there's an ad being used to make a point and it shows a happy little child with an ice cream cone...better make a point about refined sugar and childhood obesity! Or be shamed by the Hyper-sensitive-police!
Take aim at the makers of the song and video. This author was under no obligation to soothe your POV. BTW; 100% of those female video models were willing participants.
Its absurd that every time anyone, any reader can see another POV that the author MUST address it, as that's not the subject matter of the piece.
This song is currently a big hit, and its garnering a lot of praise and criticism - some of it what you mention - but this column was using its popularity to make a wholly different point about the pro-side of DIVERSITY!
If the author was using steak houses to make a similar point, (everyone of every color loves a good steak!) would he then have to go into a tangential discussion about the impact of beef production on the environment?
You guys...oops, sorry you gals, have to stop this sort of hyper-policing of things that for the sake of an analogy/metaphor, somehow put on display the historically old and typical use of women in a sexualized manner...and then demand the author/presenter address how its bad. These columns would be endless by your standards.
Uh oh, there's an ad being used to make a point and it shows a happy little child with an ice cream cone...better make a point about refined sugar and childhood obesity! Or be shamed by the Hyper-sensitive-police!
Take aim at the makers of the song and video. This author was under no obligation to soothe your POV. BTW; 100% of those female video models were willing participants.
Yes. Being from the Caribbean myself. DR. I have always seen that disparity in "our" music. I am male and recognize the music is dominated by males, like the rest of the world. It took me a while to understand that and also know that change, like the title of the song will be very, very despacito.
3
Mr. Velasquez-Manoff, if being the most-watched video ever wins the day, then you must be right. Alas, in the "age of trump" we saw how the fake president has won the day over the woman who got three-million more votes than he did. I suppose it really comes down to what most of us would like to see as winning the day. Yes to multiculturalism. No to the usual sexploitation that is pronounced in the video. Sensuality is no substitute for sensibility. If humanity doesn't come to its senses about what is really happening-- climate change on an unprecedented scale that promises disaster for life as we know it on planet Earth-- we're lost. One might say, "dude, it's only a video." I would reply, right. But you are looking for the meaning here. Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Sequel" was just released. People like me who are persuaded by the science of climate change and remain painfully aware of the failure of our political system to offer a mature response to it, can only hope that a most watched video (Al Gore's or something like it?) would compel them to a level of activism that would be at least a match for their level of hedonism. I'm not trying to rain on the parade. Let's have fun, while we also get to work.
11
"Despacito" was a song, written and performed by Americans, that an immigrant really liked. He asked if they let him do a remix of the song and they said yes. As a result, more people got to hear both versions of their brilliant song. The immigrant immigrated legally, is not on welfare, provides jobs for Americans and pays millions in taxes. Trump wants that kind of immigrant.
4
My grandfather was an orphan. He had no skills other than a strong back and did not speak English. He came here at age 14 in the late 1800's, worked in the coal mines of Scranton 12 hours a day 13 days on 1 off for 5 dollars a week. He worked his way up to be the head of maintenance in a NYC factory building. Raised 4 kids who went on to live the American dream. Trump does not want that kind of immigrant.
3
I am not defending Trump by any means but saying that America which your grandfather came to does not exist any longer. But there is much to be done to turn that around so we could become sustainable here in our own country which will require much innovation and hard work.
1
Yeah, but if he's a smart immigrant, he's not paying millions in taxes. He's using the system to his favor...like Trump said he does, and will continue to, and to ever greater benefit for him and his family. And we still dont know how much he pays in personal income tax, and on what its based...or from whom...
1
Talk about reaching for meaning. I'm surprised we were not provided with graphs showing how the success of Shakira's "Loba" directly correlated to an increase in wolf populations. We should not confuse YouTube viewership with political shifts. This is the flavour of the moment, a fleeting distraction (...squirrel!!) that I seriously doubt alters anyone's political leanings ("I heard this song today....we should really rethink our views on immigration....") To assume that none of Beyoncé's fans are Trump supporters or just plainly racist xenophobes, would be a stretch....much like the premise of this article.
4
What is seen is sex and sexual fantasy pure and simple. The contrasting music and the lyrics aren't what's up. Some would call this eye candy while others would call this sexist voyeurism. Got to watch it again.
7
This article completely fails to acknowledge how sexist this song is, simply casting it off as "deliciously suggestive." The article has tunnel vision for one, very weak point. I agree that it is pleasantly surprising that a song that is predominantly in Spanish is getting so popular in this country, but to celebrate a song that once again sings about women only in the context of sex is absurd. At least recognize the two sides of this coin. "...the song’s success does highlight a side of humanity that, these days, often seems overshadowed by uglier tendencies." The article gives a thumbs up to humanity because it enjoys a song in a different language but completely ignores the ugly tendency to exploit women in music, tv, movies, advertisements. To me, the moral of this story is that no matter where you're from, men love singing about having sex with women, and people don't pay attention to lyrics.
23
Is the song emphasizing non-sexual attributes of males?
Anyway, plenty of people have soul and enjoy aspects of sexuality, including an asymmetry between male and female. Loving life means rejecting the scolds.
Anyway, plenty of people have soul and enjoy aspects of sexuality, including an asymmetry between male and female. Loving life means rejecting the scolds.
It's a song about sex. Sex sells. End of story.
8
Just wanted to respond to rose and others who have commented on the video's misogyny. Honestly, I just don't see it.
Sex and sexuality is one of life's great pleasures. Yes, women are objectified in demeaning ways, but not every instance of seeing women through a sexual lens is degrading. This song is abut a strong sexual attraction to one woman (tu eres el iman y yo soy el metal) and a man's desire to discover and enjoy her body slowly, taking his time, until she is satisfied. If you can't enjoy that, I feel bad for you.
Everyone (men and women) gyrate in dance videos. It's fun.
As for the comment describing Zuleyka as fair-skinned - I have to strongly disagree. Our other Miss Universerses, Denise Quinones and Dayanara Torres, are certainly fair. Zuleyka is solidly "trigueña," a perfect foil to Trump's image of Barbie doll blonde perfection.
And just for the record, I've lived my whole life in either NYC or PR, am a card carrying liberal/progressive, and have a 7 and 9 year old sons who wear t-shirts that say "feminist." I just don't see this expression of sexuality and desire as harmful. I love the song and video.
Sex and sexuality is one of life's great pleasures. Yes, women are objectified in demeaning ways, but not every instance of seeing women through a sexual lens is degrading. This song is abut a strong sexual attraction to one woman (tu eres el iman y yo soy el metal) and a man's desire to discover and enjoy her body slowly, taking his time, until she is satisfied. If you can't enjoy that, I feel bad for you.
Everyone (men and women) gyrate in dance videos. It's fun.
As for the comment describing Zuleyka as fair-skinned - I have to strongly disagree. Our other Miss Universerses, Denise Quinones and Dayanara Torres, are certainly fair. Zuleyka is solidly "trigueña," a perfect foil to Trump's image of Barbie doll blonde perfection.
And just for the record, I've lived my whole life in either NYC or PR, am a card carrying liberal/progressive, and have a 7 and 9 year old sons who wear t-shirts that say "feminist." I just don't see this expression of sexuality and desire as harmful. I love the song and video.
62
I would also make the following observations about the "sexual suggestiveness" in the lyrics video:
1) Sex and other incendiary imagery are part and parcel of the history of pop music. The gyrations of Elvis's hips were considered absolutely scandalous in the day (which objections also had a racial component). Ditto the Twist. Remember the grinding depicted in Dirty Dancing? How The Beatles and the Rolling Stones outraged parents, who found their suggestive lyrics and on-stage movements scandalous.
So Despacito falls well within that continuum of rock 'n roll and pop.
2) I am someone who participates (with a Latina partner) in a number of Latin and ballroom dance forms. Many dance forms by design highlight the women's role and movements (or whatever partner is fulfilling that role).
Thus, in Argentine tango, our principal pursuit, I am most times playing the role of choreographer to my partner's movements, and in that capacity a good part of my job is to put the attention on her and make her (therefore us) look good. That is just the way the dance is.
So while the women may be scantily dressed in Despacito, and the movement may be suggestive, look at in the context of dancing. These are both male and female dancers working together in unison to create something. And ask yourself, is it that much different than some of the movement and gyrations in modern dance, which many who criticize what they see in Despacito would applaud and consider high culture?
1) Sex and other incendiary imagery are part and parcel of the history of pop music. The gyrations of Elvis's hips were considered absolutely scandalous in the day (which objections also had a racial component). Ditto the Twist. Remember the grinding depicted in Dirty Dancing? How The Beatles and the Rolling Stones outraged parents, who found their suggestive lyrics and on-stage movements scandalous.
So Despacito falls well within that continuum of rock 'n roll and pop.
2) I am someone who participates (with a Latina partner) in a number of Latin and ballroom dance forms. Many dance forms by design highlight the women's role and movements (or whatever partner is fulfilling that role).
Thus, in Argentine tango, our principal pursuit, I am most times playing the role of choreographer to my partner's movements, and in that capacity a good part of my job is to put the attention on her and make her (therefore us) look good. That is just the way the dance is.
So while the women may be scantily dressed in Despacito, and the movement may be suggestive, look at in the context of dancing. These are both male and female dancers working together in unison to create something. And ask yourself, is it that much different than some of the movement and gyrations in modern dance, which many who criticize what they see in Despacito would applaud and consider high culture?
6
What difference does it make that the lyrics are in Spanish? Who understands the lyrics in most songs nowadays. Ya, ya, ya . . . Si, si, si . . . Essentially sounds the same to me.
4
Wow! Thirty years after the movie, “Dirty Dancing,” rocked lily-white American senses, we now get this YouTube video, “Despacito.” I watched it a couple times now, as I wasn’t one of the three billion viewers up until I read the accompanying euphoric piece in the NYT.
From a song-and-dance standpoint, I don’t see the uniqueness of Despacito. But then I grew up with Bollywood songs, which used to be pretty racy even back in the 1970s. Nowadays, they are produced and choreographed as artistically and lavishly as any international pop star’s video is.
However, from a cultural impact standpoint in Trump’s America, I can see Despacito being panned by conservatives as having a negative influence on America’s youth. It doesn’t help that “It’s promiscuous. It doesn’t respect borders or stick to racial categories. It borrows willy-nilly, encouraging cross-fertilization of cultures and styles. It courses with energy from the African diaspora.” Which is what makes it all the more meaningful and necessary in the age of Trump.
From a song-and-dance standpoint, I don’t see the uniqueness of Despacito. But then I grew up with Bollywood songs, which used to be pretty racy even back in the 1970s. Nowadays, they are produced and choreographed as artistically and lavishly as any international pop star’s video is.
However, from a cultural impact standpoint in Trump’s America, I can see Despacito being panned by conservatives as having a negative influence on America’s youth. It doesn’t help that “It’s promiscuous. It doesn’t respect borders or stick to racial categories. It borrows willy-nilly, encouraging cross-fertilization of cultures and styles. It courses with energy from the African diaspora.” Which is what makes it all the more meaningful and necessary in the age of Trump.
5
nice enough song, reminiscent of way too many spanish ones. I especially like the intro, with the spanish guitar, but ...what's so interesting about it?
Nothing more than the usual male fantasy, sexual exploitation of women, and one that too many young women fail to recognize as exploiting them.
Sad to see we have such a long way to go.
Nothing more than the usual male fantasy, sexual exploitation of women, and one that too many young women fail to recognize as exploiting them.
Sad to see we have such a long way to go.
7
Agreed. And at the center of the video is a very un-characteristically Latino type of woman, just a darker-skinned version of a typical American/European model type.
2
"The Age of Trump," is so flattering to the desperate poser who is now the President of the United States.
Although he didn't win the popular vote, journalists now nominate our time of life as though he owns it.
Citizens of thw world and their governors regard him as an absurd, iconoclastic joke.
Please! Recognize our age as belonging to the many, not the few. Such is reality.
Thanks!
Although he didn't win the popular vote, journalists now nominate our time of life as though he owns it.
Citizens of thw world and their governors regard him as an absurd, iconoclastic joke.
Please! Recognize our age as belonging to the many, not the few. Such is reality.
Thanks!
4
Alas, America is not the only melting pot. The entire world is melting, and has been since the beginning of time, and will continue to melt. Try as they might, Trump and co. cannot cool the molten amalgam of which you write and which so beautifully colors our world each day.
6
unfortunately there is a melting they are facilitating and that is the melting of the tundra, glaciers and the consequent outcomes of such melting for us all
Erika Ender (a Panamanian artist) should also receive credit for being a co-writer on this song!
4
The cranky old white people who voted for Trump aren't listening to Despacito. Young people listen to it - what a pity they don't turn out to vote!
11
Joe Cuba hit the top 5 in 1966 with " Bang Bang". No problems with white folks, just a pop hit record. Politics plus show business equals garbage....
2
Oye como va. I'm still not sure what the means but I've heard Santana sing it a million times.
Nothing new and nothing here other than a cute video and song. I've heard and seen wilder and sexier videos. As for social commentary, give me 60s folk and classic rock, jazz and the blues, Marvin Gaye and company, and 80s/90s rap. Call me old school but old is better.
3
How would the song do without the video at all? I remember when music only had to sound good to be popular, but that just makes me old. In general, to me, reggaeton seems to rely on the rhythm more than the instrumentals, and the lyrics seem to come last, almost an afterthought, something for the singer to do. That being said, I also don't listen to enough of it to make an informed assessment of "Despacito". But school will be back in session soon, and my students will no doubt assist with my continuing cultural education!
2
Wow! Thirty years after the movie, “Dirty Dancing,” rocked lily-white American senses, we now get this YouTube video, “Despacito.” I watched it a couple times now, as I wasn’t one of the three billion viewers up until I read the accompanying euphoric piece in the NYT.
From a song-and-dance standpoint, I don’t see the uniqueness of Despacito. But then I grew up with Bollywood songs, which used to be pretty racy even back in the 1970s. Nowadays, they are produced and choreographed as artistically and lavishly as any international pop star’s video is.
However, from a cultural impact standpoint in Trump’s America, I can see Despacito being panned by conservatives as having a negative influence on America’s youth. It doesn’t help that “It’s promiscuous. It doesn’t respect borders or stick to racial categories. It borrows willy-nilly, encouraging cross-fertilization of cultures and styles. It courses with energy from the African diaspora.” Which is what makes it all the more meaningful and necessary in the age of Trump.
P.S. Being submitted a second time after 12 hours of waiting.
From a song-and-dance standpoint, I don’t see the uniqueness of Despacito. But then I grew up with Bollywood songs, which used to be pretty racy even back in the 1970s. Nowadays, they are produced and choreographed as artistically and lavishly as any international pop star’s video is.
However, from a cultural impact standpoint in Trump’s America, I can see Despacito being panned by conservatives as having a negative influence on America’s youth. It doesn’t help that “It’s promiscuous. It doesn’t respect borders or stick to racial categories. It borrows willy-nilly, encouraging cross-fertilization of cultures and styles. It courses with energy from the African diaspora.” Which is what makes it all the more meaningful and necessary in the age of Trump.
P.S. Being submitted a second time after 12 hours of waiting.
And now it has appeared twice. Patience is a virtue.
2
Bieber has nothing to do with this song or its success, Bieber did what parasites in the natural word do by attaching themselves to their source of food. As for la perla, it is obvious the writer of this article is quite ignorant about what la perla is or is not. The nyt needs to examine their privileges to reach a more equitable and enlightened view of the world.
Nativism is racism. But the USA is still built on laws. We shall stand with our brothers. Always
2
A bit of irony here is that this song has been attacked mainly from the left for cultural appropriation and sexism. The sorts of things that pushed people towards Trump in the first place.
5
Please stop describing the song as a widespread soft protest against nativism. There is nothing nativist about what's happening under Trump in the U.S. - it's racist. The oppressed natives of our country have nothing to do with this jimgoist, cruel administration. As long as we use their whitewashed language - nativist, populist, right, conservative - we lend the fallen GOP respectability and credence they do not deserve.
4
I think people like the song because of the way it sounds. Just saying. To imply that musical taste or acceptance has any relationship to actual cultural acceptance or appreciation is quite a stretch. Just ask the countless young white boys and girls who listen to rap, disregard lyrics and have no intention of ever really moving into the 'hood, hustle drugs or shoot anyone. Yes, it makes no sense -- but that the power of sound.
4
The meaning is that the pueblo unido can get everything, more than the money power
Despacio means slowly, and idiomatically, as an interjection, it means "Take it easy." So I have to conclude that Despacito means "Cool Dude," or something like that. Am I wrong?
slowly... it means slowly...
1
Despacito is a diminutive form of the adjective/adverb despacio, which means slow/slowly. Being the diminutive implies even slower than "normal slow", almost gently, attentive.
1
When the singer sings "despacito," does he mean "take it easy"? (literally: take it slow or slowly)
1
Yes! I so agree. It was a pleasure to read your article!
5
Musically, the song is a well-made version of a multi-nationally produced song in accordance to standards set by Fordism. Although it's better not to analyze its lyrics (if listeners - especially well-educated females - wish to keep some degree of illusion), Velazquez made a nice point to show the song's intent of inclusion and integration. That is what matters for now.
7
Its a song about seduction and sex, I don't see why would upset well educated women. I have no problem imagining that the singer could make me forget my name
2
Thank you, Cat. I couldn't agree more.
the premise of this op-ed is a huge stretch. it's laughable; i'm actually laughing right now!
this horrible product doesn't represent the beautiful, global reach of pop music....it represents all that's wrong with our culture. it represents the corporatization and dumbing down of the music industry. it's the man-bun of music, it's the uber of music, it's the 96 oz soda of music, it's the selfie stick of music.
just because they sampled a bit of cuatro doesn't make it remotely close to authentic.
this horrible product doesn't represent the beautiful, global reach of pop music....it represents all that's wrong with our culture. it represents the corporatization and dumbing down of the music industry. it's the man-bun of music, it's the uber of music, it's the 96 oz soda of music, it's the selfie stick of music.
just because they sampled a bit of cuatro doesn't make it remotely close to authentic.
8
wrong ? it is ... what it is a hit song , I've yet to hear it . I am a huge music fan but really , piling insults on a song is over the top . I see little news bit on my phone re: staying power on the charts . I guess I'll be 3 billion plus and get a sample of what it's all about.
Alfie
Alfie
How many people who are praising this song actually understand the lyrics? I am of Hispanic descent, native speaker of Spanish and find this song disgusting as it is really about the musings of men about sexually harassing women. Not to mention the level of violence described by these two men's fantasies: them as the perpetrators, women as passive recipients. Honestly, any man "singing this garbage" to me would get a slap and some strong advice about cold showers and some exercising. If anything, this song continues to enforce the good old stereotype and based on its success, favorite white people fantasy about Latin people. I find it hilarious and so hypocritical that so many people who were offended by Robin Thick's Blurred Lines are today "Zumba"ing to pretty much the same kind of male chauvinistic, disrespectful attitude. Hopefully is not a reflection of a different threshold of tolerance when the aggressive male attitude is against white women than the one when the target of such aggression is a woman if a minority group.
36
Thanks for the scolding. We need more scolding!
5
Top ten hits are made at pop production factories and signify the synthetic algorithm that generates money. Nice try.
10
I am sorry but I have to laugh and this poor attempt to give this sorry excuse of song writing some kind of deeper, multicultural meaning when it is nothing more than another brilliant sample of "sex sells": appeal to good old sex fantasies and stereotypes . BTW, before accusing me of racism: I am a Hispanic woman, native speaker of Spanish who has had to endure many years of the kind of aggressive, male attention this piece of garbage song glorifies. There are way many better songs and melodies out there that could be used as a sign of multiculturalism than this.
35
Music, movies/theatre, food, and fashion having been breaking down cultural barriers for years.
4
Just as music has mixed cultures, so too with food. The picture of the nativist Mr. Trump smiling over his "wonderful taco bowl" in his Trump Tower restaurant belies the culinary history of his meal. It has corn (Central America), tomato (Central America), beans (worldwide), green and chili peppers (Central America).
The pages of the Times' Cooking section regularly pull materials and methods from foreign lands.
A diet limited to our own foods would be limited indeed. Blueberries, maple syrup, turkeys and clams or oysters might top the list. Some beans might creep in, having been cultivated in North America. All in all, I prefer to eat and live with all the foods and peoples of the world despite the machinations of Senators Cotton and Perdue and Mr. Trump.
The pages of the Times' Cooking section regularly pull materials and methods from foreign lands.
A diet limited to our own foods would be limited indeed. Blueberries, maple syrup, turkeys and clams or oysters might top the list. Some beans might creep in, having been cultivated in North America. All in all, I prefer to eat and live with all the foods and peoples of the world despite the machinations of Senators Cotton and Perdue and Mr. Trump.
5
I like the idea. But you don't have to get far in the video suggests to learn the real reason this download is popular.
9
I like the song--but angered by the values the imagery on the video puts forth. As usual, women are presented as hyper sexualized objects. Same old, same old. I wonder if the song would do as well if the main female character was a more mature, "real" looking women.
27
Again, it's fantasy. Why are people so uptight? I love my husband, but I wouldn't cast him in a pop video. (or myself, for that matter!)
1
The song is likeable, the video horribly trite and sexist. But I guess because it is so popular, the writer chose it to base a sociological observation on. But there are MUCH better songs and videos out there to use. I actually could not bear to watch any more than 60 seconds worth of this one. I also maintain that it is not the pop market but the musicians, who give music its inclusive spirit.
13
Although the tune is catchy and the video fun, let's not get too excited when things like "Gangnam Style," "Who Let the Dogs Out," "Macarena," "Uptown Funk," "Happy," and many other similar examples all had their day.
At least a few Trump voters have probably clicked on "Despacito," and would vote for Trump again tomorrow.
It is amazing that some very smart people still just don't get it.
The world isn't always rational and isn't always consistent with one's world view.
At least a few Trump voters have probably clicked on "Despacito," and would vote for Trump again tomorrow.
It is amazing that some very smart people still just don't get it.
The world isn't always rational and isn't always consistent with one's world view.
11
Yes, and there's nothing rational or irrational about liking certain music and having specific views on immigration or accepting a multi-cultural dogma.
1
Chris Devereaux, Los Angeles: "Rising up against that liberalism is not rooted in any bigotry or racism or tribalism. It is rooted in the understanding that we are a nation of laws and finite resources. "
It is "a nation of laws" insomuch the prior occupants of of the land were exterminated (Indigenous Americans), their land stolen and others were enslaved in bondage for generations to do the back-breaking work of wealth-creation (African slaves). These "laws" were and continue to pay service to notions of bigotry and tribalism. Each and every day. So wipe that smug look off your face.
It is "a nation of laws" insomuch the prior occupants of of the land were exterminated (Indigenous Americans), their land stolen and others were enslaved in bondage for generations to do the back-breaking work of wealth-creation (African slaves). These "laws" were and continue to pay service to notions of bigotry and tribalism. Each and every day. So wipe that smug look off your face.
10
Perhaps it is celebratory on various levels. But the perfectly sensuous woman who weaves her way through the song is at once beautiful and kind and disappointing. Would a physical form less alluring engage as many viewers? I find it hard to believe that the answer would be "yes."
8
To praise the creative process behind "Despacito" stems from the same ignorance and lack of judgement that put Trump on the WH. The author does not underatand the first thing about music and ignores the capitalist machinery only driven by revenue that creates and facilitates this and other horror shows that are completely devoid of true meaning. One would expect a higher standard from NYT.
10
You are missing the point by over analysing the video and insulting the author. The video is used to explain his point not because it has any merits as a fine musical composition, but because it illustrates perfectly the thesis of who we are as a multi-cultural nation.
2
So when did Colin Farrell learn to sing in Spanish?
Bitter, angry, frustrated, suffering from ill health and financial crisis with feelings of social and political humiliation, frightened by the pressure they perceive from competing social groups, particularly immigrants, the white boy feels deprived of a wished for social identity and its expected entitlements, so seeks the most common one - to be born in America with 'American values' - and, the quickest route to that identity is to focus on the enemy, the other. They are obsessed with a 'liberal' plot against them, by the Dems, by the 'elite' and feel besieged by it. The easiest way for them to solve the problem is to raise the drawbridge on their imaginary kingdom. Trump is all over this like white on Sessions.
It took years of deliberate effort by vested interests to create this “proudly ignorant populism,” know-nothings who are easily led by the nose, incapable of distinguishing lies from truth, or an honest person from a crook. Easily duped, they can be depended on to act against their own self-interest again and again. Throw into the mix racism, misogyny, hatred of immigrants and other minorities, the dumbing down of the population by inadequate education, suspicion of learning, rejection of science and history, not to mention the help of a hostile foreign power and you have the kind of environment in which these people chose Donald Trump.
It took years of deliberate effort by vested interests to create this “proudly ignorant populism,” know-nothings who are easily led by the nose, incapable of distinguishing lies from truth, or an honest person from a crook. Easily duped, they can be depended on to act against their own self-interest again and again. Throw into the mix racism, misogyny, hatred of immigrants and other minorities, the dumbing down of the population by inadequate education, suspicion of learning, rejection of science and history, not to mention the help of a hostile foreign power and you have the kind of environment in which these people chose Donald Trump.
32
One would expect this sort of thing from Brussels.
4
Keep an eye on little Belgium. You've got plenty to work on there. You're not without many of the things you lament in America. In fact, IMO you have much deeper issues in Belgium.
3
Why is this not considered cultural appropriation?
3
So what? Everyone buys or borrows from others. You think that's bad? I wish lefties would curb their need to label and libel everything. "Despacito" is just another way to make a buck. Before very long it will be replaced by some other vacuous piece of pop that catches the fancy of the masses. The comments about the song's misogyny are more acute than your worrying that someone was influenced by someone else and made money off it.
The video with 3 billion views is the original Spanish only version without Justin Bieber. A separate video that includes Bieber has less than half a billion.
4
I won't lie, I love Despacito. Its the best song I've heard in a while. It is an example of porous cultural exchange, but also a fitting homage to Europe's influence on the New World, presented in a refreshingly progressive, cool, youthful, fun atmosphere. It is in Spanish, a colonial language, and the artistry of the music video harkens back to European modernist art movements, of Spanish art and Italian art. The soaking machismo a tribute to Spanish knights, classical equestrians, and the grand bullfights. It is a homage to guns, germs, and steel, and the culture thereof, exported all around the world. The white Christian Trumpian nativist shtick isn't fossilized. It isn't backwards, "bah- humbug" or stick-in-the-mud, and it certainly isn't a relic. "Despacito" is the good outweighing the bad. For every Columbus Day or NODAPL protest, for every complaint of the horrors of white Eurasian livestock- owning colonists and adventurers, there stands a flip side: just how great their contributions were to modern life."Despacito" is fun. It is the Eurasian colonial history that today's millennial protesters and justice worriers go home and relax to. "Despacito" is a beautiful reminder of the absolute and undeniable supremacy of Europe and Asia throughout human history, and it is a reminder that those with power and resources can do what they want, and the world will love them for it. It is a message for our time, to dominate; slowly. deeply. completely.
10
Well, that's quite the white supremacist take on a song that, as the author pointed out, comes from all over this planet, not just Europe. Only in the age of 45* and Breitbart would this nonsense even exist. I hope you were being sarcastic. I really do.
5
no, Canary, I'm not being sarcastic. As for the "white supremacy" bit, I consider myself to be, at least, a Eurasian supremacist. However, not a racist one. I don't think white people (or asian people, for that matter) are "better" (however we want to define that) because they are somehow genetically endowed or that there is some sort of magical superiority about them, but rather because they got lucky 10,000 years ago. Its time to reclaim the term "white supremacist", and turn it from a slur into a term of actual meaning. Aspects of this song may indeed have come from all over the planet, but have met in this moment thanks to Eurasian supremacy and the legacy of guns, germs, and steel.
3
now from the female point of view, it is...
1
Three billion views, and it deserves every one of them. What a glorious, celebratory thing it is.
8
Understand the lyrics first and then praise the song.
5
The lyrics are very sexual. Is that a problem?
1
Rosie, hundreds of millions of people understand the lyrics and disagree with you. I would really like you to quote exactly which part of the song you find aggressive and so objectionable.
1
Pop music does transcend nativism and national boarders (as does classical, for instance Mozart's, music). I think the reason it does that is because a good piece of music uplifts one's spirit, transporting the listener to a higher level of being.
At that heigher level, one becomes temporarily detached from negative forces that otherwise pull and push us along the way.
Once freed from those negative forces, one realizes that there is a seed of goodness even in a seemingly most unpleasant person, regardless of that person's race, nationality, religion, sex, etc. etc.
At that heigher level, one becomes temporarily detached from negative forces that otherwise pull and push us along the way.
Once freed from those negative forces, one realizes that there is a seed of goodness even in a seemingly most unpleasant person, regardless of that person's race, nationality, religion, sex, etc. etc.
4
I think this song is a beautiful celebration of life and culture on the island. It an infectious and fun song! I think there are much more grave injustices in this world than a beautiful woman being prominently displayed in a music video. I would much rather be apart of the party that celebrates the success of this song and video than those of you who denigrate these artists for including a woman in a tight fitting dress.
5
Agreed and that stunningly beautiful and slender woman in the Despacito video is just as much a "real" woman as an imagined "more mature" woman mentioned in a comment above. (I'm assuming she is implying that the "more mature" is less attractive and therefore more 'real', which is itself a false stereotype. There are many slender, attractive mature women also. All sizes, shapes and ages of women are "real".)
Music and dancing are cultural unifiers. They bring happiness and break down social barriers. The fact that a song in Spanish is so popular in the USA also shows something positive, that Americans now accept Spanish as part of the nation's own language. Like Canada which has both French and English spoken, bi-lingualism makes our culture in the US richer, not poorer.
Here is moving and memorable video of a sick child in isolation in a hospital enjoyed dancing with the staff to Despacito! https://www.facebook.com/gospelmente/videos/1307800125990641/?hc_ref=ARS...
Music and dancing are cultural unifiers. They bring happiness and break down social barriers. The fact that a song in Spanish is so popular in the USA also shows something positive, that Americans now accept Spanish as part of the nation's own language. Like Canada which has both French and English spoken, bi-lingualism makes our culture in the US richer, not poorer.
Here is moving and memorable video of a sick child in isolation in a hospital enjoyed dancing with the staff to Despacito! https://www.facebook.com/gospelmente/videos/1307800125990641/?hc_ref=ARS...
1
This column so eloquently expresses the feelings I have in Zumba class, where we dance to Despacito and Central and South American, African, Middle Eastern, American country music, rap, old rock and roll, etc....and people all over the world are dancing to the same songs. Hopefully the bonding and joy of music, dance, and art will override our uglier characteristics.
14
I like this understanding of the song 'Despacito'. It is for today, for now. The popularity of this music tells me that the old white haters of difference can be slowly replaced by the old whatever-color of inclusions. Hope comes along when we seem to need it. Music can carry hope forward, and we can hang on the sounds and find courage to go forward also. Thanks for the article.
8
It doesn't hurt that there are stunningly beautiful ( scantily clad ) people in the video dancing to an infectious beat. It also doesn't hurt that there is a tropical local in the midst of summer. ( a plus for any time of the year )
Having said that, music and the arts are the primary language(s) that cut across all tribes to unite. We yearn to come together to celebrate, dance and sing.
You can't build a wall high enough to stop it. Nor why should we ?
Having said that, music and the arts are the primary language(s) that cut across all tribes to unite. We yearn to come together to celebrate, dance and sing.
You can't build a wall high enough to stop it. Nor why should we ?
10
The fact that "pop music" (or rather "world music" as it's called today) carefully cuts out everything that requires studying (whether it's content, poetry or musical techniques) before you can decode it and enjoy it, certainly also helps (together with years of extremely aggressive marketing from America's biggest music industry corporations) to turn it into a highly commercial (or as you call it "primary") language.
And as you rightly say: when this kind of bulldozer arrives, no wall can stop it. And that's how many highly interesting and difficult styles of "local" music have been killed.
It's too easy to use this kind of music in order to depict an imaginary paradise where we all get along because we basically would all be reduced to our most "primary" forms of expression.
The answer to racism and nationalism is not to wipe away all difference (or integrate it into one simplistic cultural form, where difference is only authorized when it is stripped of its essence, as they did here with the "cuarto"). The answer is to study what it is that makes people feel really connected to each other and interested in what at first sight is too different to be able to immediately identify with it.
And once you do so, things become much more complicated - and as such much more interesting, as even Trump voters can then be conceived of as people as smart/kind/.. as anyone, BUT having a problem that we'll have to study before we (and they, probably) will be able to fully grasp it.
And as you rightly say: when this kind of bulldozer arrives, no wall can stop it. And that's how many highly interesting and difficult styles of "local" music have been killed.
It's too easy to use this kind of music in order to depict an imaginary paradise where we all get along because we basically would all be reduced to our most "primary" forms of expression.
The answer to racism and nationalism is not to wipe away all difference (or integrate it into one simplistic cultural form, where difference is only authorized when it is stripped of its essence, as they did here with the "cuarto"). The answer is to study what it is that makes people feel really connected to each other and interested in what at first sight is too different to be able to immediately identify with it.
And once you do so, things become much more complicated - and as such much more interesting, as even Trump voters can then be conceived of as people as smart/kind/.. as anyone, BUT having a problem that we'll have to study before we (and they, probably) will be able to fully grasp it.
2
@Ana
A very nuanced response. ( I like it )
I am of the mind that if something is ''mass marketed '' ( as you say ) then perhaps the ends justify the means. I am aware of the misogyny and the cultural appropriation going on, but there still is a harmonious outlay of different ''tribes and styles'' going on for people to ingest into their psyche.
A child cannot truly see themselves ( let alone their culture ) until they see some semblance of it on social media or TV> or the like. ( it holds true with recent developments for LGBTQ rights )
We are close to being beyond the idea of demanding rights for one sub sect at a time, but rather demanding them across the board no matter where you come from, what you look like or who you are.
A good thing to be sure.
A very nuanced response. ( I like it )
I am of the mind that if something is ''mass marketed '' ( as you say ) then perhaps the ends justify the means. I am aware of the misogyny and the cultural appropriation going on, but there still is a harmonious outlay of different ''tribes and styles'' going on for people to ingest into their psyche.
A child cannot truly see themselves ( let alone their culture ) until they see some semblance of it on social media or TV> or the like. ( it holds true with recent developments for LGBTQ rights )
We are close to being beyond the idea of demanding rights for one sub sect at a time, but rather demanding them across the board no matter where you come from, what you look like or who you are.
A good thing to be sure.
2
Seriously?!? Glorifying sexual male aggression as long as it brings "world peace". Sure. Next, a catchy song about male prison culture. That should make you feel peaceful.
There was a guy who encouraged us to love our enemies. Maybe he was on to something. Maybe he saw that it was the only way to truly have joy and fun. Like making up after a bad argument.
3
It's really pretty awful. Not having heard it previously, I figured it would be those four chords. Those same four.
La Bamba is limited to three, as is Guantanamera and many other songs that made it to the mainstream. At least there may be some progress! Don't you think so?
3
Let me guess, progressive rock is your thing?
1
Fantastic essay, and brilliant song. So true: we don't grow by closing ourselves off, but rather by being curious and open. Hopefully one day we will banish tribalism (read: racism, nationalism, bigotry, you name it) once and for all and let our better natures flourish.
3
Why President Trump supporters distrust immigration and diversity?
A lot of reasons are given--everything from racism to economic concerns, loss of status to fear of demographic change. But I prefer to approach the problem from an almost purely artistic perspective. As the world has become smaller by communications and methods of travel, cultures are being crushed together and losing cohesion, integration, and the methods by which politicians, economists, elites, power in society attempt to organize, control, make up for this process can hardly be spoken of as anything like a natural, healthy, process of integration.
For millions, entire ways of life which gradually arose and to great degree reached heights by geniuses within respective societies are being wiped out in a rapid advance of technocratic/bureaucratic/economic organization which is shockingly sterile, a phenomenon which is positive in downplaying religion and calling for tolerance of diversity, but seems not particularly productive, integrative in artistic and scientific sense--rather we have politicians, economics, business suit after business suit.
The gains and losses can be seen quite easily by studying Europe post WW2: Decline of war, religion, nativism, yes, but loss of profound literary/musical culture, a flattening in technocratic/bureaucratic state...You can probably model it on computer, the loss of heights and emphasis on midrange and flat simple rhythm on the bottom. Most of us are bass; few sing.
A lot of reasons are given--everything from racism to economic concerns, loss of status to fear of demographic change. But I prefer to approach the problem from an almost purely artistic perspective. As the world has become smaller by communications and methods of travel, cultures are being crushed together and losing cohesion, integration, and the methods by which politicians, economists, elites, power in society attempt to organize, control, make up for this process can hardly be spoken of as anything like a natural, healthy, process of integration.
For millions, entire ways of life which gradually arose and to great degree reached heights by geniuses within respective societies are being wiped out in a rapid advance of technocratic/bureaucratic/economic organization which is shockingly sterile, a phenomenon which is positive in downplaying religion and calling for tolerance of diversity, but seems not particularly productive, integrative in artistic and scientific sense--rather we have politicians, economics, business suit after business suit.
The gains and losses can be seen quite easily by studying Europe post WW2: Decline of war, religion, nativism, yes, but loss of profound literary/musical culture, a flattening in technocratic/bureaucratic state...You can probably model it on computer, the loss of heights and emphasis on midrange and flat simple rhythm on the bottom. Most of us are bass; few sing.
2
this article is funny and slightly ridicoulous
firstly Luis Fonzi has been a singer for a very long time, he has had many hits prior to this one.
the song is appealing to many for its tune and joyful melody, and it has become popular not only in the US but all over the world, why? simply because music has a universal language.
I bet there are many Trump supporters who happily dance Despacito, without even knowing what it means, or without even thinking that it is sang by a Hispanic singer.
sometimes we do read too much into something so simple
firstly Luis Fonzi has been a singer for a very long time, he has had many hits prior to this one.
the song is appealing to many for its tune and joyful melody, and it has become popular not only in the US but all over the world, why? simply because music has a universal language.
I bet there are many Trump supporters who happily dance Despacito, without even knowing what it means, or without even thinking that it is sang by a Hispanic singer.
sometimes we do read too much into something so simple
8
Despacito - the world belongs to US -
The multiracial's and multinational's -
and there is nothing - NADA the Small-Minded Trumpist of this world can do about it!!
The multiracial's and multinational's -
and there is nothing - NADA the Small-Minded Trumpist of this world can do about it!!
7
Although I agree with this author's rejection of Trumpism, this piece also illustrates the main mistake the left is making in the West today - when it comes to politics, as much as when it comes to music.
Of course, nations, cultures, languages etc. are made up of many different influences that crystallized into a new, unique and at the same time ever evolving phenomenon. And yes, pop music illustrates that process perfectly.
But it often comes with a price: the new phenomenon may become dominant, and so powerful that it wipes out those cultural forms from which it has borrowed some aspects in the first place. And it's THIS kind of violence that the left tends to ignore.
Yes, pop music has conquered the world. But it didn't do so by having musicians playing some easily accessible music alone: big (often American) music industries have aggressively marketed them, racking up huge financial profits, whereas pop music tends to only take over superficial aspects of local/ethnic traditions, leaving the most difficult (and most creative) parts aside. The result far too often is the dying away of those local cultures - and their musicians.
Fact is, today an important part of Christian whites feel threatened in the same way. Fake news tells them it's because of immigrants, but the left should know better: this is the result of unbridled capitalism turned into a fake moral system, where making money is more important than learning to respect yourself and your own unique identity...
Of course, nations, cultures, languages etc. are made up of many different influences that crystallized into a new, unique and at the same time ever evolving phenomenon. And yes, pop music illustrates that process perfectly.
But it often comes with a price: the new phenomenon may become dominant, and so powerful that it wipes out those cultural forms from which it has borrowed some aspects in the first place. And it's THIS kind of violence that the left tends to ignore.
Yes, pop music has conquered the world. But it didn't do so by having musicians playing some easily accessible music alone: big (often American) music industries have aggressively marketed them, racking up huge financial profits, whereas pop music tends to only take over superficial aspects of local/ethnic traditions, leaving the most difficult (and most creative) parts aside. The result far too often is the dying away of those local cultures - and their musicians.
Fact is, today an important part of Christian whites feel threatened in the same way. Fake news tells them it's because of immigrants, but the left should know better: this is the result of unbridled capitalism turned into a fake moral system, where making money is more important than learning to respect yourself and your own unique identity...
11
''Fact is, today an important part of Christian whites feel threatened in the same way.''
Well - then ''Shake it Off'' with ''one of yours''!
Well - then ''Shake it Off'' with ''one of yours''!
3
@ pieceofcake
The situation is too explosive to simply hope that the problem will go away all by itself.
Something does have to change in the West. You can't just call half of the population "small-minded" and be angry at them - even tough you have every right to do so of course, it's just that anger and frustration when witnessing so many injustices committed against minorities (African-Americans, Muslims, ...) everywhere isn't enough to get the problem solved.
There's an African expression that says that if you want to beat your enemy, get inside his gut. It's only when you start to be able to feel what your enemy feels, and see the world as he sees it, that you will know how to calm him down. And that implies imagining, for a moment, that he's just like you, and just wants a decent and peaceful life for himself, his family and his country. THAT's when you're forced to start thinking, and can maybe invent a solution.
To me, once we try to do so, you cannot but observe that the typical leftist "pro diversity" ideology is too simplistic. Yes, of course all cultural forms are the result of many different influences. But no, that doesn't mean that cultural forms don't need protection against big financial interests.
On the other hand, nationalist voters often have a totally misinformed idea of the influence of immigrants on what they perceive to be essential for themselves.
So then the question becomes: WHAT is it actually that Trump voters need to be protected?
The situation is too explosive to simply hope that the problem will go away all by itself.
Something does have to change in the West. You can't just call half of the population "small-minded" and be angry at them - even tough you have every right to do so of course, it's just that anger and frustration when witnessing so many injustices committed against minorities (African-Americans, Muslims, ...) everywhere isn't enough to get the problem solved.
There's an African expression that says that if you want to beat your enemy, get inside his gut. It's only when you start to be able to feel what your enemy feels, and see the world as he sees it, that you will know how to calm him down. And that implies imagining, for a moment, that he's just like you, and just wants a decent and peaceful life for himself, his family and his country. THAT's when you're forced to start thinking, and can maybe invent a solution.
To me, once we try to do so, you cannot but observe that the typical leftist "pro diversity" ideology is too simplistic. Yes, of course all cultural forms are the result of many different influences. But no, that doesn't mean that cultural forms don't need protection against big financial interests.
On the other hand, nationalist voters often have a totally misinformed idea of the influence of immigrants on what they perceive to be essential for themselves.
So then the question becomes: WHAT is it actually that Trump voters need to be protected?
1
What is it that Trump voters need to be protected from?
As Ana Louisa wrote above...unbridled capitalism.
And so do we non-Trump voters.
As Ana Louisa wrote above...unbridled capitalism.
And so do we non-Trump voters.
2
I heard this song, and watched this video -- but I did so by accident, sort of. Youtube selected this video for me to watch automatically after I watched some other Spanish-language music video (Shakira?). So I think it is a bit misleading to say this is the most watched video on Youtube, as if millions and millions of people are seeking out this video. Maybe millions and millions are seeking out this video (especially after articles like this one), but millions and millions of other people are being essentially force-fed this video by the algorithms (or payola?) that power Youtube. I can't say that I regret watching this video, nor do I regret that lots of other people are watching it. I hope it really is a slap in the face to Trump and nativism. But let's be real. There are a lot of powerful commercial forces at work here and this video's success is not just about anti-nativist sentiment.
4
Well Dan, I guess you must admit that the song is pretty catchy and the video steamy. Like you I was "fed" the video after watching another and I'm happy that it happened. Among all the tribulations we face daily here and abroad, the Despacito tune has been a welcomed distraction.
1
Did you "accidentally" watch the whole thing? It's over 4 minutes long.
People "accidentally" hearing songs when they were played on the radio is exactly how every Top 40 song of my youth became a hit. Suggesting that this isn't a "real" cultural phenomenon because some spurious and misleading algorithm fed them the song is hilarious. (THE BEATLES' POPULARITY IS A SHAM! We all just heard "Love Me Do" by accident! It doesn't count! We were just waiting for the weather report!)
People "accidentally" hearing songs when they were played on the radio is exactly how every Top 40 song of my youth became a hit. Suggesting that this isn't a "real" cultural phenomenon because some spurious and misleading algorithm fed them the song is hilarious. (THE BEATLES' POPULARITY IS A SHAM! We all just heard "Love Me Do" by accident! It doesn't count! We were just waiting for the weather report!)
1
I walked around La Perla many years ago, and was thrilled with the character (I was in grad school in landscape architecture at the time); such a juncture of so many cultural influences. "Despacito" captures that spirit and atmosphere perfectly. La Perla's contrast to San Juan's luxury hotels and cruise ships could not be more distinct, and yet the population pulses with life. Vive la vida.
10
I wonder often at the closed-mindedness of a large number of Trump supporters. Most have come from families well-established in the United States, which strongly suggests that these people are not "pure" anything other than American, which they appear to view as an ethnicity. "American" is a cultural construct, not any kind of ethnicity--unless you are referring to Native Americans, and that is itself is incredibly diverse. I am American by birth, but that only refers to my cultural upbringing and nationality; ethnically, I am part Irish, part Slovak, and part Welsh. My family's religious background is both Catholic and Jewish. I honor the traditions of my forbearers, but in a mixed-matched way that my great-grandparents probably would not recognize. It boggles my mind that I can be so "ethnically" similar to Trump's close-minded followers, yet somehow have interpreted my ethnicity in such a starkly different way.
14
I don't think you can take nationalist ideologies literally. Most nationalists don't deny the fact that all cultures are the result of many different influences (and struggles ..). They believe, however, that something essential and that has to do with our identity is being threatened.
To understand nationalist voters, you have to leave aside all judgment for a moment (seeing them as "closed-minded", for instance), and do the opposite exercise: telling yourself that they must be 1. just like you, as human beings, and 2. essentially right. THEN you can try to study their experience and perception of life (= their own life, first of all).
To me, once you do so, you cannot but observe two things. First of all, their idea about the reality of today's immigrants (their number, influence on the economy, religion etc.) is often mainly false. However, IF you would listen to the media they listen to (watch, read), you would end up not knowing that it's false, as everything is designed to convey this kind of image (only articles about Islam related to crime and terrorism, for instance, etc.).
Secondly, they often feel a deep self-hatred and never really learned how to cultivate self-compassion (= what science shows is needed in order to be able to put yourself in another person's shoes). And in a society where "capitalism" has become the new "morality", and money replaces profoundly human relationships as the highest moral value, their sense of identity is REALLY threatened.
To understand nationalist voters, you have to leave aside all judgment for a moment (seeing them as "closed-minded", for instance), and do the opposite exercise: telling yourself that they must be 1. just like you, as human beings, and 2. essentially right. THEN you can try to study their experience and perception of life (= their own life, first of all).
To me, once you do so, you cannot but observe two things. First of all, their idea about the reality of today's immigrants (their number, influence on the economy, religion etc.) is often mainly false. However, IF you would listen to the media they listen to (watch, read), you would end up not knowing that it's false, as everything is designed to convey this kind of image (only articles about Islam related to crime and terrorism, for instance, etc.).
Secondly, they often feel a deep self-hatred and never really learned how to cultivate self-compassion (= what science shows is needed in order to be able to put yourself in another person's shoes). And in a society where "capitalism" has become the new "morality", and money replaces profoundly human relationships as the highest moral value, their sense of identity is REALLY threatened.
3
Sadly, it's clear that tattoos are as ubiquitous in Puerto Rican culture as they are in U.S. trailer parks. The chick was seriously hot, though, and you notice that she has no tattoos (visible).
PR is not a U.S. territory, but technically a U.S. protectorate that, since 1950, became a commonwealth with its own constitution. Get over it. What it really means is that they get to exercise the same rights to tattoos as mainland-based citizens who call double-wides their homes.
"Despacito" hasn't won the day ... yet. It's won 3 billion views so far on YouTube that might have originated from anywhere within a non-Anglo, Hispanic population in the Americas of over 600 million people, not to mention a global population of 7.5 billion people curious about the puzzling popularity of tattoos. It's a catchy tune, the chick is seriously hot, and a lot of people don't realize that in forty years they'll be playing soccer with their tattoos.
PR is not a U.S. territory, but technically a U.S. protectorate that, since 1950, became a commonwealth with its own constitution. Get over it. What it really means is that they get to exercise the same rights to tattoos as mainland-based citizens who call double-wides their homes.
"Despacito" hasn't won the day ... yet. It's won 3 billion views so far on YouTube that might have originated from anywhere within a non-Anglo, Hispanic population in the Americas of over 600 million people, not to mention a global population of 7.5 billion people curious about the puzzling popularity of tattoos. It's a catchy tune, the chick is seriously hot, and a lot of people don't realize that in forty years they'll be playing soccer with their tattoos.
6
"viewed the United States as a fundamentally white, Christian nation with European roots. Which means what, exactly? "
Perhaps you should ask fellow progressives. They seem to be the ones who have characterized the pre-1960's United States that way.
Perhaps you should ask fellow progressives. They seem to be the ones who have characterized the pre-1960's United States that way.
4
Do folks like you just silently lurk at sites like this to try to work in potshots
at "progressives? Your question/statement, besides being factually untrue, makes little sense.
at "progressives? Your question/statement, besides being factually untrue, makes little sense.
4
Quite simply put, sir and/or madam, your statement makes no sense. Might you do us the kind favor if explaining your conjecture, or even better providing some examples of your assertion?
We've got time. We'll wait.
We've got time. We'll wait.
As a resident of San Juan, PR, I want to add to this thoughtful and uplifting article. In my opinion, La Perla is too complex to be labeled a slum or anything else. It is a poor community that stood alone for years with very little support, if any, from the outside. Unfortunately, it is still considered by many as a dangerous place. However, when you now peek from above the historic city wall of Old San Juan, what you see is colorful houses and murals. This poor community alongside our beautiful shoreline is trying very hard to shed its decades long negative reputation. I for one, am glad that Luis Fonsi and his song "Despacito" have been the catalyst for changing minds.
41
enjoy the natural, comic,happy sexuality expressed in despacito
11
Like other commenters, I am not sure this video deserves such attention. The best thing about it is the parody it inspired: "I wear Speedos". Cracks me up every time I watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg5QT3TAeP8
24
This song is about the only thing in our culture this summer that has a.) made me want to dance, b.) given me hope that our American experiment in pluralism might work. 'Despacito' echoes all the cultural richness that antipodes have given their undeserving empires in ages past, which this editorial explains so nicely.
24
Mixing reggaeton with other Latin pop sounds has been a growing trend in Latin pop for a while now. Another recent example is “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias (feat. Gente de zona y Descemer), which has a great blend of pop in-fused flamenco and reggaeton. Worth a look on Youtube. (The accompanying video is pure joy and includes a Bollywood like commentator Mary mentions below is evident in Despacito.)
7
NB: last sentence should read "...includes a Bollywood vibe like..."
1
"Vivir mi Vida", the celebrate North African song popularized by Marc Anthony precedes "Despacito" on matters of its chord matrix, except that the former is harmonically a little bit more sophisticated.
1
Brilliant article about a terrific song! Thanks!
7
I taught a course called Multicultural Music at a small community college for a number years. My musician friends and I got a kick out of that. All music is "multicultural' to a greater or lesser extant, and all good musicians borrow from one another....great ones steal.
4
I'd rather say: great ones are able to do so in a way that allows them to invent a truly new and extremely difficult to imitate cultural "form".
Yes, all musicians borrow from others. Most borrow from others playing more or less the same style of music, OR take over only very superficial aspects of other styles, without really taking the time to study it and discover what's so unique and difficult and creative about it.
This kind of "borrowing" is what happens in most "world music", in the commercial sense of the word: you take English pop music, and then add some "local" instruments, on which you play as if it would be a normal electric guitar (as "Despacito" does), and that's it.
In this way, you can create a million of "world music" songs (and earn a lot of money ... ), because the "code" you need to understand this kind of music is VERY easy, so it's music that is accessible to everyone, anywhere.
However, if you take a look at a lot of the so-called "traditional" music (the non commercial version of flamenco, for instance, that is still being reinvented each day in small bars in Spain), you cannot but observe that this is a LOT more difficult to imitate, and once you're able to do so, you start to distinguish outstanding improvisations from less creative ones, highly original new styles within that tradition, etc.
It's this uniqueness of cultural forms that the left underestimates, imo. Just like it tends to underestimate the creativity within those "traditions".
Yes, all musicians borrow from others. Most borrow from others playing more or less the same style of music, OR take over only very superficial aspects of other styles, without really taking the time to study it and discover what's so unique and difficult and creative about it.
This kind of "borrowing" is what happens in most "world music", in the commercial sense of the word: you take English pop music, and then add some "local" instruments, on which you play as if it would be a normal electric guitar (as "Despacito" does), and that's it.
In this way, you can create a million of "world music" songs (and earn a lot of money ... ), because the "code" you need to understand this kind of music is VERY easy, so it's music that is accessible to everyone, anywhere.
However, if you take a look at a lot of the so-called "traditional" music (the non commercial version of flamenco, for instance, that is still being reinvented each day in small bars in Spain), you cannot but observe that this is a LOT more difficult to imitate, and once you're able to do so, you start to distinguish outstanding improvisations from less creative ones, highly original new styles within that tradition, etc.
It's this uniqueness of cultural forms that the left underestimates, imo. Just like it tends to underestimate the creativity within those "traditions".
1
Wasn't English pop music directly modeled on American rhythm and blues? Which derived from gospel? Etc. So I would say there are very few -- if any -- musical forms that aren't derivative of another form. Even the non-commercial version of the flamenco you say is being played in small bars today probably traces its roots from somewhere else in Europe or the Middle East.
1
and then this happened: videos of Bieber butchering the words live and replacing them with "burrito" and and "Dorito": http://www.spin.com/2017/05/justin-bieber-despacito-blah-blah-blah-video/
3
There's NOTHING new about the video. It's male fantasy 101.
A bunch of ordinary-looking men sing to a silent, sexy woman. Her beauty is not off-putting: she is nice to children and old men. The come-hither looks don't stop. She's fair, dark-skinned women provide backup.
A bunch of ordinary-looking men sing to a silent, sexy woman. Her beauty is not off-putting: she is nice to children and old men. The come-hither looks don't stop. She's fair, dark-skinned women provide backup.
90
I'm actually quite certain that a lot of Trump voters will like this video (after all, "Born in the US" is pop music too, and Trump himself is married to a "silent, sexy woman" whose "beauty is not off-putting" all while having some exotic flair ...).
The left often gets their "racism" totally wrong.
And no, by that I don't mean that Trump's policies wouldn't be based on racism. I simply mean that the "racism" that his voters spontaneously identify with is based on other things than what the left imagines (of course many of them know by now that all cultures have many different origins, for instance).
Trump's immigration policies are the wrong solution for a fake problem, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a real problem hiding behind it. And yes, the kind of "male fantasy" we see in this video is certainly part of that problem too (and the reason why Pence can't even go lunching with a woman in the absence of his wife ...).
The left often gets their "racism" totally wrong.
And no, by that I don't mean that Trump's policies wouldn't be based on racism. I simply mean that the "racism" that his voters spontaneously identify with is based on other things than what the left imagines (of course many of them know by now that all cultures have many different origins, for instance).
Trump's immigration policies are the wrong solution for a fake problem, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a real problem hiding behind it. And yes, the kind of "male fantasy" we see in this video is certainly part of that problem too (and the reason why Pence can't even go lunching with a woman in the absence of his wife ...).
1
Seriously? This is such a stretch, deriving any meaning from a song that features Justin Bieber.
Let's be honest, pop stars are vain and vacant. They're not artists, they're performers. If you're going to draw any parallels, maybe it's that a nation that swallows something as shallow as Despacito deserves to have a reality TV personality as its president.
Let's be honest, pop stars are vain and vacant. They're not artists, they're performers. If you're going to draw any parallels, maybe it's that a nation that swallows something as shallow as Despacito deserves to have a reality TV personality as its president.
32
Yeah, I was kind of thinking the same thing. Thanks for saying it. Shallow-R-Us.
2
If you think the song features Justin Bieber, you've been listening to the wrong version of the song. Moreover, anyone calling the song shallow has no appreciation for pop music. You might as well call Beethoven's Ninth Symphony a shallow piece of classical music.
1
Another person who fails to see value in anything mainstream. Open your mind. There is room enough for many different kinds of music, even Justin Bieber.
Pop star performance is an art like any other, and not an easy one either. It's a very competitive field. Not my cup of tea, really, but it has value. And I know you can't be arrogant enough to suggest that because a person listens to pop music, he is incapable of higher thought, or doomed to vote the likes of Trump into the presidency. It's just a song.
Pop star performance is an art like any other, and not an easy one either. It's a very competitive field. Not my cup of tea, really, but it has value. And I know you can't be arrogant enough to suggest that because a person listens to pop music, he is incapable of higher thought, or doomed to vote the likes of Trump into the presidency. It's just a song.
1
It's worth mentioning that the area of San Juan portrayed in the video, La Perla, is probably one of the most dangerous areas of Puerto Rico. It looks spectacular in the video, but any tourists wanting to wander its streets after seeing this are likely to be quickly relieved of their wallets cameras, and iphones at gunpoint.
7
I think that there is a lesson to be learned in someone like Bieber being what was needed to catapult this song into the mainstream. Like the author said, JB's contribution is minimal but we haven't really heard from Daddy Yankee since 2004's Gasolina despite him producing plenty of pop-regaton since then.
What is it about the presence of an attractive, unthreatening Canadian who sings about being sorry that makes POC's so much more palatable to US consumers? Is it multiculturalism or something else?
What is it about the presence of an attractive, unthreatening Canadian who sings about being sorry that makes POC's so much more palatable to US consumers? Is it multiculturalism or something else?
6
Fantastic music and video
And let's call Nativism what is really is - Racism
And let's call Nativism what is really is - Racism
8
Of note, Luis Fonsi is a long-time spokesperson for St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Hospital.
Also, there was a fantastic video circulating a few months back (mostly on Spanish-language tv) of a young girl with cancer in a hospital grooving to Despacito:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfhATdDTnLs
The Justin Bieber remix is fine, but I prefer the intro in the original, which includes Daddy Yankee introducing himself and Fonsi...
Also, there was a fantastic video circulating a few months back (mostly on Spanish-language tv) of a young girl with cancer in a hospital grooving to Despacito:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfhATdDTnLs
The Justin Bieber remix is fine, but I prefer the intro in the original, which includes Daddy Yankee introducing himself and Fonsi...
9
On the one hand, I understand Mr. Velasquez-Manoff's overall point about the value of multiculturalism; on how cross pollination of different cultural influences make a positive contribution to societies.
And of course, I also understand and pretty much agree with his description of the Trump's administration nativism (and xenophobia).
However, I have to take issue with the use of this particular video, and the reference to "tech companies" as props to help make his case.
Before I continue, I'd point out two things: I'm Puerto Rican, and I work in the music industry (as a manager, booking agent, promoter, producer, and consultant).
I know Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are high-profile Puerto Rican artists, and that they've paid their dues when it comes to raising through the ranks of what can often be a brutal business (the music industry).
But this video, to me, is really not that impressive. There is nothing special about the lyrics or the visuals, which rely on a formulaic "exploitation" of sexual innuendo. That's fine; I'm not a prude. But this particular video to me is just run-of-the-mill "booty-shaking" stuff, just like thousands of other.
The reference to tech companies? Well, Google is basically a tech monopoly (which ends up stifling innovation, in the long-run), and Apple does everything it can to avoid paying taxes, and exploit foreign worker (IMHO).
I would use a totally different set of examples if it was me writing something like this. Perhaps I will.
And of course, I also understand and pretty much agree with his description of the Trump's administration nativism (and xenophobia).
However, I have to take issue with the use of this particular video, and the reference to "tech companies" as props to help make his case.
Before I continue, I'd point out two things: I'm Puerto Rican, and I work in the music industry (as a manager, booking agent, promoter, producer, and consultant).
I know Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are high-profile Puerto Rican artists, and that they've paid their dues when it comes to raising through the ranks of what can often be a brutal business (the music industry).
But this video, to me, is really not that impressive. There is nothing special about the lyrics or the visuals, which rely on a formulaic "exploitation" of sexual innuendo. That's fine; I'm not a prude. But this particular video to me is just run-of-the-mill "booty-shaking" stuff, just like thousands of other.
The reference to tech companies? Well, Google is basically a tech monopoly (which ends up stifling innovation, in the long-run), and Apple does everything it can to avoid paying taxes, and exploit foreign worker (IMHO).
I would use a totally different set of examples if it was me writing something like this. Perhaps I will.
67
It's the music that matters.
C'mon Luis, you're not getting into the rhythm .
1
Luis, Of course it's mainstream. It would have to be to reach 3 billion views and become a worldwide sensation.
But you fail to recognize its incredible achievements within that genre. There are arguably thousands of videos annually with beautiful women and a dance beat that do not make it anywhere near the success of this song. It has something that speaks to people on a primal level. Sometimes a pop song (not considered high art by many) hits just the right blend of voice, melody beat and visuals. I think that's called serendipity. Just enjoy it.
But you fail to recognize its incredible achievements within that genre. There are arguably thousands of videos annually with beautiful women and a dance beat that do not make it anywhere near the success of this song. It has something that speaks to people on a primal level. Sometimes a pop song (not considered high art by many) hits just the right blend of voice, melody beat and visuals. I think that's called serendipity. Just enjoy it.
2
There's a woman who played a huge part in the birth of this song - Ms. Erika Ender from Panama. As the story goes, Luis Fonsi (the main singer) approached her with only the rudiments of a song, and Ms. Ender developed it into a masterpiece.
I know most people who listen to the song don't care about the Spanish lyrics, but it turns out they're very high quality, and this can be traced back to Ms. Ender's talent as a songwriter.
I guess the fact that Ms. Ender if from Panama would also throw a bit of a wrench into the narrative of a Puerto Rican song making it in mainstream America.
I know most people who listen to the song don't care about the Spanish lyrics, but it turns out they're very high quality, and this can be traced back to Ms. Ender's talent as a songwriter.
I guess the fact that Ms. Ender if from Panama would also throw a bit of a wrench into the narrative of a Puerto Rican song making it in mainstream America.
25
They should try and make some more music like this.
I didn't see this until after I added my own comment... thanks for mentioning her too. my Panamanian student brought this to my attention
Would like a reference for this claim:
"Puerto Rican guitar called the cuatro, which most likely descended from an instrument brought to Spain from North Africa by Moors."
Which instrument might this be descended from? Or is this just a way to get in the obligatory mention of the Moors?
Borders have always been fluid... nothing new... and Americans have always hated immigrants, no matter where they come from (even when they mostly came from Europe, certainly more hateful than they are today)... And America has historically imagined its European roots to be quite narrowly defined as from England (and of course England has historically imagined itself to be other than the continent). Genetics is all irrelevant hooey... migrations of old! Distant pasts. Meaningless.
Little by little understandings change. Despite the hatred of Trump, we are in a far more excepting place as a nation than we were in 1917, when we were on the eve of adopting the 1924 National Origins Quota Act... the wonderful work of eugenicists, Ivy league professors, elected officials, and that wonderful American public.
Anyway, the tune is nice, but we will forget about it come winter.
What Americans really need is a good history lesson about immigration and the peopling of the nation. We know next to nothing of it.
"Puerto Rican guitar called the cuatro, which most likely descended from an instrument brought to Spain from North Africa by Moors."
Which instrument might this be descended from? Or is this just a way to get in the obligatory mention of the Moors?
Borders have always been fluid... nothing new... and Americans have always hated immigrants, no matter where they come from (even when they mostly came from Europe, certainly more hateful than they are today)... And America has historically imagined its European roots to be quite narrowly defined as from England (and of course England has historically imagined itself to be other than the continent). Genetics is all irrelevant hooey... migrations of old! Distant pasts. Meaningless.
Little by little understandings change. Despite the hatred of Trump, we are in a far more excepting place as a nation than we were in 1917, when we were on the eve of adopting the 1924 National Origins Quota Act... the wonderful work of eugenicists, Ivy league professors, elected officials, and that wonderful American public.
Anyway, the tune is nice, but we will forget about it come winter.
What Americans really need is a good history lesson about immigration and the peopling of the nation. We know next to nothing of it.
8
"What Americans really need is a good history lesson about immigration"
Yeah I know. What Americans forget is that it was Spain, not Italy, who opened up the New World after Ferdinand and Isabela financed the first voyage of discovery. We forget how Spain established New Spain with Mexico subsequently carved out of the Native American occupied areas that preceded it.
Spanish immigrants occupied the West Coast giving us California and brought Catholicism to the native inhabitants.
Spanish speaking folks should take pride in their fundamental role in opening up the New World!
Yeah I know. What Americans forget is that it was Spain, not Italy, who opened up the New World after Ferdinand and Isabela financed the first voyage of discovery. We forget how Spain established New Spain with Mexico subsequently carved out of the Native American occupied areas that preceded it.
Spanish immigrants occupied the West Coast giving us California and brought Catholicism to the native inhabitants.
Spanish speaking folks should take pride in their fundamental role in opening up the New World!
6
Which instrument? How about the oud?
2
Nice writing! Energy and information, great combination.
So to the extent that this is true - the author wisely says it is one truth set alongside others - there is a treasure trove of music in Spanish waiting to be loved by the world. Starting with some people from nearly a century ago in that motherland of brilliant music, Cuba, called the Sexteto Habanero.
Those musicians come together in another dimension, you don't know how, each of them so much doing his own thing, sailing his own boat over the Caribbean sea; and all somehow together. What that music lacked in sexual explosiveness it made up in bigheartedness, cadence, mystery. Don't miss it.
So to the extent that this is true - the author wisely says it is one truth set alongside others - there is a treasure trove of music in Spanish waiting to be loved by the world. Starting with some people from nearly a century ago in that motherland of brilliant music, Cuba, called the Sexteto Habanero.
Those musicians come together in another dimension, you don't know how, each of them so much doing his own thing, sailing his own boat over the Caribbean sea; and all somehow together. What that music lacked in sexual explosiveness it made up in bigheartedness, cadence, mystery. Don't miss it.
Despacito is hardly the first song sung mostly in Spanish to make it to the top of the American Top 40. So you really should not attach larger meaning to it than it is a catchy tune. As for the debate surrounding immigration, this is much less about tribalism or racism than the author and other pro-immigration people would have you believe. This is about job insecurity. Latinos are coming in and taking low-skilled jobs and Indians are immigrating to take the high-skilled ones. You can't blame native born people for looking at this with fear. It is also about a fetishism of "other" that goes on now. In an effort to understand and acknowledge everybody's differences we are getting perilously close to a balkanization that will tear apart this country.
5
Catchy. Fun. Not exactly a giant leap forward for feminism.
103
this is wonderful. i am in tears from knowing all my life MUSIC unites. always has always will.
3
I agree with Mr. Velasquez-Manoff's point, but I would also point out many nativists have a very selective and distorted view of "American culture" and "Western culture." They talk about Christian identity and White identity, but completely ignore America's identity as a nation of immigrants, refugees, and religious dissidents. They ignore longstanding values of mutual tolerance and freedom to live as one chooses. They ignore Western ideas of humanism and enlightenment.
In other words, when modern day nativists talk about their values, they do not mean the values enshrined in this country's founding documents: The Constitution, including of Bill of Rights. They are talking about something far uglier. Their idea of American culture echo that of groups such as the KKK, and their notion of Western culture echo that of movements like Fascism and Nazism.
In other words, when modern day nativists talk about their values, they do not mean the values enshrined in this country's founding documents: The Constitution, including of Bill of Rights. They are talking about something far uglier. Their idea of American culture echo that of groups such as the KKK, and their notion of Western culture echo that of movements like Fascism and Nazism.
3
Poetry in prose, with the universal language of music, a communion of the human spirit, a rich and passionate diversity we ought to celebrate by including all and any individual with on open mind, and heart, willing to transcend Trumpism's racism and xenophobia, stupidity personalized and only skin-deep in appearance...but very petty and spiteful deep down, shameful and vicious, that tries to build walls where bridges should be. "Despacito" is a beauty to behold, pure feeling and passion to spare. Not for swines though, as they may not like it, or even be offended.
2
Oye! Thank you, Moises Velasquez-Manoff, for this inspiring ode to joyous and embodied multiculturalism, which I firmly believe will ultimately win the day in our beautiful though troubled country... thank you also for naming the complexity of European American heritage - my German and Irish ancestors were variously considered not American or non-white when they first landed on these shores; they joined the "white" middle class and got its privileges when they agreed to disparage others who didn't look or act like them - but I hope the times are changing. Let's keep speaking up for the creative innovation, willingness to learn from our neighbors, and multilayered cultural richness that makes this country great. We have nothing to lose but our puritanical husks! De-centering the "white" experience is a welcome relief to many of us who embrace leadership of progressive people of color, whether in the world of pop culture, in Congress, or in the White House.
5
Thanks for a beautiful column, Moises Velasquez-Manoff!
Good article, but maybe Despacito has all of the views because of this beautiful woman that is featured in the video. That's my opinion. And its a good song.
7
Might it be worth mentioning that when Bieber takes the song on tour he mumbles through the Spanish section of his parts of the song?
Ok, it's a really catchy pop song/dance tune. But please spare me the social/political analysis and kumbaya celebration of multiculturalism. What I see is another male fantasy video with vapidly willing Barbie doll figures playing the role of sex objects. When the women are real and representative of the multiplicity that implies then I'll celebrate.
64
Oh, dear JS. If you could sing and grind like that, women might be willing. I found the video to be a celebration of people celebrating with others (male and female) who are good at celebrating!
1
The meaning of "Despacito" not only in the age of Trump, but in this day and age and before Trump, it means everyone loves music. The success of "Despacito" shows how music can bring people together. One song has gone around the world and back, it has penetrated almost every country in the world. I saw a video showing people singing "Despacito" in 15 different languages. It is amazing to me how in far away countries young people are singing this song that came from Puerto Rican artists, who come from a tiny island in the Caribbean. Who would have imagined that.
Music doesn't have a language barrier, there are no walls that can stop music, music is universal and it brings people together. In this day and age we need more music to break barriers, bring peace and stop racism. That is why I think music in schools is important. Too bad politicians do not realized its importance. Maybe they should listen to "Despacito" more often.
Music doesn't have a language barrier, there are no walls that can stop music, music is universal and it brings people together. In this day and age we need more music to break barriers, bring peace and stop racism. That is why I think music in schools is important. Too bad politicians do not realized its importance. Maybe they should listen to "Despacito" more often.
5
Well written and well put. America's strength has been its openness to immigrants most of whom couldn't speak English and had few skills except a will to make a better life for themselves. My grandparents included and all of my mother's children went to university. So President Trump has got it all wrong as usual. A pity for America's future.
Trump seems to rewrite the famous poem as follows:
Give me your rich, English speaking, well-educated
Yearning to make even more money on these golden shores
Send them, the well-endowed, spoiled and endowed,
I lift by hedge fund beacon beside the dollar door
Trump seems to rewrite the famous poem as follows:
Give me your rich, English speaking, well-educated
Yearning to make even more money on these golden shores
Send them, the well-endowed, spoiled and endowed,
I lift by hedge fund beacon beside the dollar door
12
Lee Atwater loved Chuck Berry and the Blues. Just sayin'
9
Well, how nice to hear a song that makes me want to get up and dance and brings a smile to my lips! As your piece points out, that mix of Moorish Spain, Jamaica, and West Africa fuses intimately these three cultures, each geographically far apart but still so humanly connected.
Music pleasing to the ear, like visual art, is curative. It is allegorical to the possibilities of cultures capable of coming together, living peacefully together, while advancing society together. How much happier we would all be if we assimilated a little bit of each other's cultural traits and, yes, gifts.
Music pleasing to the ear, like visual art, is curative. It is allegorical to the possibilities of cultures capable of coming together, living peacefully together, while advancing society together. How much happier we would all be if we assimilated a little bit of each other's cultural traits and, yes, gifts.
13
Thank you Moises Velasquez-Manoff for this thoughtful, smart essay, and to the Times for publishing it!
27
Thanks for mentioning the cuatro.
For a taste of how great it can sound in the hands of a master, give a listen to Yomo Toro, a Puerto Rican by way of The Bronx. He's gone, but his music lives on.
For a taste of how great it can sound in the hands of a master, give a listen to Yomo Toro, a Puerto Rican by way of The Bronx. He's gone, but his music lives on.
16
One of the saddest elements of this administration is its effort-thus far unsuccessful-to stifle the diversity that has made this nation so extraordinary and unique in the world. What it has done, at least to many of us, is to have revived our appreciation for our differences and to go out of our way to welcome newcomers-especially Muslims and other religious folks from the Middle East and to let them know they're welcome here and that this country it theirs as much as anyone's.
Recently I needed dental surgery. The practice is made up of three surgeons: one born in France, a second of Asian ancestry and the third, my surgeon, is from Puerto Rico. Often, I can tell who's in residence by the music that's being played. It's great to live in America when we can celebrate, enjoy and learn from our differences. I hope that America returns to us in very near future. It's who we've been from the beginning.
Recently I needed dental surgery. The practice is made up of three surgeons: one born in France, a second of Asian ancestry and the third, my surgeon, is from Puerto Rico. Often, I can tell who's in residence by the music that's being played. It's great to live in America when we can celebrate, enjoy and learn from our differences. I hope that America returns to us in very near future. It's who we've been from the beginning.
90
How nice of to welcome "especially Muslims" from the Middle East with such open arms. Because I can tell you that as a non-Muslim, you would be expeditiously expelled from those nations (if not first stoned to death) for being an infidel.
3
Love the song and I don't even know any Spanish. Although the video seems to have a Bollywood flavor, so there's even more fusion than you thought!
27
Bollywood flavor? Not at all...
1
Large groups of young men and women dancing, in colorful attire, at times (somewhat) in unison. Definitely has parallels to Bollywood at various points in the video, although I would question if it is derivative or just similar by nature.
@lagomorfa: "Bollywood flavor? Not at all..."
Aw c'mon go with the flow. The author can say whatever he wants. It's all free-flow, multi-cultural no borders kinda of feeling. Hope the author was feeling ok the morning after he wrote this piece.
Aw c'mon go with the flow. The author can say whatever he wants. It's all free-flow, multi-cultural no borders kinda of feeling. Hope the author was feeling ok the morning after he wrote this piece.
Americans are wholly capable of enjoying multi-cultural products and neighbors. That doesn't mean the US should have open borders and a social safety net that pays for illegal immigrants' wants and needs.
Rising up against that liberalism is not rooted in any bigotry or racism or tribalism. It is rooted in the understanding that we are a nation of laws and finite resources. Ignoring some laws and not others is a path toward anarchy and will eventually bankrupt the nation when the burden gets too heavy.
Furthermore, I deride the idea that the US (or any nation) needs diversity for the sake of diversity. Look only to Japan and South Korea both of which are culturally homogeneous. They are democratic, enjoy economic success, their citizens live long healthy lives and endure far less crime all while having scant ethnic diversity. How does that happen?
Rising up against that liberalism is not rooted in any bigotry or racism or tribalism. It is rooted in the understanding that we are a nation of laws and finite resources. Ignoring some laws and not others is a path toward anarchy and will eventually bankrupt the nation when the burden gets too heavy.
Furthermore, I deride the idea that the US (or any nation) needs diversity for the sake of diversity. Look only to Japan and South Korea both of which are culturally homogeneous. They are democratic, enjoy economic success, their citizens live long healthy lives and endure far less crime all while having scant ethnic diversity. How does that happen?
18
Actually, considerable research shows that much of the support for Trump IS based in racism.
17
Japan is culturally homogeneous because it's racist (including against Koreans, who don't enjoy equal rights in Japan as one of its most populous minority groups). South Korea is becoming more multiracial as it's become more prosperous, and is doing so with a great deal of aplomb. See the show _My Neighbor Charles_ on youtube, a popular show there featuring refugees and new immigrants that embraces racial heterogeneity. People should stop using East Asia as an indirect reference to push white supremacy.
16
For starters, countries like Japan and South Korea were not founded by colonial settlers who established "their" country on someone else's territory. The Americas have always been multicultural––and for those who object, take it up with European colonists.
18
A ninety seven year old like myself
Ready to be folded, placed on the shelf
No xenophobe it seems
Shares Despacito's dreams
Takes pleasure in its themes not yearns for pelf.
Ready to be folded, placed on the shelf
No xenophobe it seems
Shares Despacito's dreams
Takes pleasure in its themes not yearns for pelf.
115
@Larry Eisenberg: You sir- just get better with age.
6
Thanks, Larry. I learned a new word!
4
I wish you many more healthy years, Larry.
3
My six year old granddaughter is in love with this song and after listening to it many many times now, she sings along with it. I thought it was some obscure Puerto Rican song that her father who is Dominican, introduced her to. At first I wanted to keep her from the video because it is so sexual, but the lure of the music was so compelling for her that I have given in. It seems like she is not only falling in love with the song, but with the beauty and sensuality of the language. I can feel how she loves pronouncing the words, how they flow through her, how it feels to speak in a different voice. Now, reading this piece makes me feel better about my granddaughter's obsession with this song. I want the beauty of Spanish for her, I want her to feel the thrill of her own multicultural and multiracial being. I want her to love it enough to learn it some day so she can communicate more fully with her father's side of the family. Just some thoughts regarding my surprise at seeing the song discussed in the NY Times.
114
Seriously? You should read the lyrics carefully before you think a little girl singing that is o.k. Maybe ask an educated female relative of her father's what she thinks of the message she is singing about.
Didn't parents say the same things about the lyrics of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles when they first came onto the scene? And lyrics and gyrations Elvis? And Chuck Berry? The "Twist?" The lyrics found in some rap songs?
Not excusing it, just observing that incendiary and offensive lyrics and incendiary and offensive "movement" has existed as long as rock 'n roll and pop music has. As has the outrage of people who don't like it.
Not excusing it, just observing that incendiary and offensive lyrics and incendiary and offensive "movement" has existed as long as rock 'n roll and pop music has. As has the outrage of people who don't like it.
3
Love the song bro, but the video is incredibly sexist, and I say this as a woman of color from the Caribbean, where sexism and homophobia are pretty much on par with sexism and homophobia in the U.S.--some might say worse actually, since at least the killing of LGBTQ people in this country would at least be classified as murder.
I suspect the video (scantily-clad, skinny girls, none of whom do the singing, gyrating while the musicians rub up against them) has something to with the song's progress too.
Yeah, we're all one under the sign of misogyny--what a relief!
I suspect the video (scantily-clad, skinny girls, none of whom do the singing, gyrating while the musicians rub up against them) has something to with the song's progress too.
Yeah, we're all one under the sign of misogyny--what a relief!
227
In a world where Donald Trump, fiscal conservatives and the religious right have found common ground, the left can't even get behind a hit pop song without devolving into arguments about moral purity.
4
Did anyone force those women to participate in the making of the video? If nothing else, it shows that you don't speak for all Caribbean women.
2
I love the songs sound, although I don't know what the lyrics mean. This is the first I saw the video.
I see your point about the video.However, the women are overtly sexual. However, so are the men. The women all seem to be part of the overall joy of the community. Nobody in the video shows a lack of respect for anybody else in the video--at least not that I see. Indeed, everyone seems to be having a great time in a poor, but beautiful setting.
I see your point about the video.However, the women are overtly sexual. However, so are the men. The women all seem to be part of the overall joy of the community. Nobody in the video shows a lack of respect for anybody else in the video--at least not that I see. Indeed, everyone seems to be having a great time in a poor, but beautiful setting.
2
Is the author forgetting that Puerto Rico is in the United States? Despacito celebrates diversity inside our own country. Spanish-language hits going mainstream hasn't really happened since Enrique Iglesias, and I hope we see more of it!
9
Matt B. the author does mention that -
"Plenty of people might be willing to watch a video by Puerto Rican artists and still not want a Spanish-speaking neighbor next door. (Although Puerto Rico is a United States territory, so if you’re American, get over it.)"
"Plenty of people might be willing to watch a video by Puerto Rican artists and still not want a Spanish-speaking neighbor next door. (Although Puerto Rico is a United States territory, so if you’re American, get over it.)"
24
The reality is that there are two parallel pop cultures that exist side-by-side in the U.S. Matt B -- what you refer to as "mainstream" pop culture and Latin pop culture. Latin pop culture is huge and has many megastars that never cross over to mainstream pop and most do not even try. They make a killing in their own realm and, as Despacito demonstrates, the cultural roots these artists draw on are deep, varied and vibrant. Their audience is not limited to the U.S. either, it extends throughout Latin America and the world.
So you have someone like J Balvin, who many Americans have never heard of, but whose videos have had literally billions of views on Youtube. Or Ricky Martin -- many Americans might believe his career ended after "Livin' la vida loca" but he is perhaps the most popular pop-star today in the Latin world, cranking out hit after hit and album after album.
So you have someone like J Balvin, who many Americans have never heard of, but whose videos have had literally billions of views on Youtube. Or Ricky Martin -- many Americans might believe his career ended after "Livin' la vida loca" but he is perhaps the most popular pop-star today in the Latin world, cranking out hit after hit and album after album.
3
Nope. Author mentions it's in the U.S. and tells haters to therefore "Get over it."
7
You forgot the influence of calypso and the soca beat....pouting - Have to give a shout out to Trinidad:))
25
Thanks for reminding us about the transcultural nature of music, especially pop. And let us not forget that those medieval Spanish troubadours emerged from the rich intermingling of three distinct groups who shared the Iberian Peninsula for centuries: Christians, Muslims, and Jews. As a Sephardic Jew who can trace my family's exile to the Edict of Expulsion by Queen Isabella (last Tuesday was its 525th anniversary), I can tell you that nothing good comes from imagining that a single group are the only heirs of a nation. Spain has come to regret that expulsion and even created a path for the descendants of the Sephardim to return - lets hope our nation does not have to wait over 500 years to revise its current anti-multicultural, anti-difference, anti-immigrant stance.
79
Does that mean folks in the New World with Spanish ancestry can return to Spain?
1
Finally, a political take with a bit of hope. Most groupings humans employ are illusory as this op-ed points out - race, nationality, sect. The real differences lie in our values. But even there there is a surprising commonality - we all want our communities to be healthy, engaged, and free. The question becomes how big is your community? Pop music, as a shared communal language, is one of the largest in our current digital age. Mash it up! Dance. Love. Enjoy. Be healthy, engaged, and free.
49