Mexican Rock N Roll Movement Essay

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On the other end of the spectrum, the Mexican rock movement originated from outside the country, specifically from the US and UK, with roots in jazz and African rhythms (Zolov 17–18). Rock music was performed more by bands such as Los Locos del Ritmo and Los Dug Dugs during both its initial stage and counterculture movement, so the general standard for instruments was a guitar, bass, drums, and piano (Zolov 95). Another distinguishing feature of rock n’ roll was that it wasn’t simply meant for listening, but its vibrant, upbeat rhythms also lent themselves to dancing. One of the most popular moves was the twist, a swiveling motion of the hips that many adults considered too scandalous and provocative (Zolov 77). Though rock was influenced from abroad, with the onset of La Onda came the influence of the US hippie movement, which had selectively appropriated aboriginal culture …show more content…

One of the defining characteristics of rock was the principle of desmadre, a challenge of traditional social hierarchies and family values that placed the mother in charge of instilling morals in her children and the father as the authority figure (Zolov 27). This was one of the principal reasons rock generated so much controversy, especially among older generations: it defied the established social order, and inspired others to do the same (Zolov 28). In imitating the international rock style, the youth not only aimed to belong to a global movement, but also to rebel against a government that was restricting access to foreign rock (Zolov 95). With Mexican counterculture, youth began to use the music to express their cynicism towards the prohibition of democratic expression and freedoms (Zolov 132). In rejecting the nationalism promoted by the government, the youth presented a new notion of national consciousness that was rooted in a fusion of US and Mexican

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