Grunge Counterculture

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Application Paper Throughout history, many genres of music have been linked to different counterculture movements that criticize the current state of affairs. In the 60s, America had bands like The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan who sang about the atrocities of war with a free spirit mentality. Currently, popular culture has been overtaken by hip hop music and the glamorization of what it means to be a true thug (Heath). Between these two time periods, another go at a counterculture rebellion stands out. The artists and listeners of 90s grunge/alternative music wanted everyone to feel their angst. This specific counterculture was marked by anti-capitalism ideals and a “fight the man” war cry exclaimed through a new type of hardcore, underground …show more content…

In order to explore this idea in relation to visual arts, one must narrow the genre down to a specific art form. This paper will address whether or not music videos released by grunge artists in the 90s fueled their counterculture movement or if they ultimately perpetuated the very ideals they were fighting against. Simply put; did these music videos fight the man or did they feed the man? Specifically, three music videos will be dissected in order to formulate an answer to this counterculture debate. First, arguably the music video that mainstreamed the ideals of grunge, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. Secondly, Pearl Jam’s chart-topping song “Jeremy” from their album Ten. Lastly, “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog whose front man Chris Cornell formed multiple grunge bands. By exploring the book The Rebel Sell: Why culture can’t be jammed by philosopher Joseph Heath and researcher Andrew Potter, one can decide whether or not these music videos successfully aided the grunge …show more content…

Something that also gained attention was the style of the band. Like most grunge artists, the members of Pearl Jam were outfitted in mismatched clothing usually marked by some sort of flannel, leather or distressed jean. In The Rebel Sell, Potter and Heath outline why rebel styles are “potentially infinite.” Brands can easily produce items that mimic artists associated with the grunge movement. When one finds a rule breaker, one has marketing potential (Heath). These rebels provide a change in current fashion. Once a viewer sees this music video and decides they want to embody the movement they must go out and buy all new clothes as nothing in their current closet is as alternative as what they see on television. Additionally, these counterculture movements appear somewhat exclusive and this only heightens the sense of urgency to make these purchases. These music videos helped sell this grunge look and therefore contributed to the profit of any store selling this look. Not only did these stores make a profit on this movement but they also have the potential to make even more money once a new fad comes along and the demand for a different style increases. This cycle not only feeds consumerism but strengthens

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