Comments on: América

By: Eduardo Bell

Eduardo Bell — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:40:22 +0000

Lo que escuché aquí de este grupo, nada tiene que ver con una hermosa canción que describe la belleza natural del continente americano, y cuyo estribillo es el mismo, “América, América, esto es América, cuando Dios hizo el Edén, pensó en América” . La música y las palabras de esa canción son armoniosas, nada que ver con lo que este “rap” describe. Me pregunto si en el estribillo, este grupo copió a la canción o si el autor de esa hermosa canción copió a este grupo !

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 21:05:39 +0000

On a lighter note, I didn’t understand much of that but the music video was quite entertaining (not to mention catchy!). So thanks, now I will be saying America all day long. : )

By: Nathan

Nathan — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:25:03 +0000

Let me know if you need DVDs of videos or anything else; I can send them to you. You definitely have my permission. I’d be interested to hear reactions and discussion points that come up.

Colonization and exploitation are undeniably a part of global history, but categorizing it as “natural” isn’t something I’m comfortable with. I realize you didn’t say it quite like that, and I agree that blaming “white imperialists” for ruining the world isn’t exactly useful either. I do see where you’re coming from, because they are saying something like that in the song.

I think this issue is at the heart of identity politics for a lot of people. This song is definitely on one end of the scale. I appreciate your comments on the subject. I’m curious to hear more about your thoughts on how identity is shaped by a particular reading of history.

By: xoloitzquintle

xoloitzquintle — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 18:16:05 +0000

Musically, I like the song. While I have mixed feelings about the content of the lyrics. I do recognize the problems and suffering that stem from colonialism and imperialism. But I see this as a global human condition and not limited to the Americas. Moreover, there was suffering, corruption, and exploitation in the Americas prior to the arrival of the Europeans and many indigenous and mestizos have been complicit ever since.

In any case, thanks for sharing.

Also, I never got around to thanking you and Rosario for a fantastic dinner and fun evening. I am a terrible procrastinator. Also thanks for the links to your projects. I may be in touch with you later about using the actual ideas in my class and I want your permision and to give you credit.

Have a great trip to Europe.