At the beginning of the paper the British music culture, including the historical development, and the term Britpop will be explained. In the next chapter, the definition of National identity will be in the focus before going on with the role of music, in regard to Britpop, as identity markers will be discussed. Moreover, the role of politics during the rise of the Britpop movement, which must be taken into account, will be mentioned. Due to the fact that certain motives are seen as British and play a key role in helping to create a national identity, this seminar paper will be accompanied by an Oasis song and there will be a short examination regarding lyrics and video performance before coming up with a final conclusion.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction.
- British music culture in the nineteenth century.
- Historical development of Britpop
- Britpop characteristics
- National identity...
- Definition of national identity...
- Problems with national identity in Britain...........
- Britpop as identity marker.........
- Political role of Britpop
- Textual analysis.
- Oasis.
- Form and accent........
- Content.
- Common theme and representation of Britishness..\n
- Conclusion.....
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper examines the connection between national identity and music, specifically focusing on the Britpop movement of the 1990s. The paper aims to analyze the impact of Britpop on British national identity, exploring its political significance, historical development, and its role as an identity marker. The paper will also delve into the musical characteristics of Britpop, using the example of Oasis to examine their lyrics and video performance.
- The role of music in shaping national identity
- The historical development of Britpop
- The political context surrounding Britpop
- The influence of British music culture on Britpop
- The use of music as a tool for identity construction
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The introduction presents the key argument of the paper, which focuses on the significant role Britpop played in shaping a new concept of national identity in the 1990s, particularly through the music of Oasis.
- Chapter 2 provides a historical overview of British music culture, tracing its development from music hall in the 19th century to the influence of American popular music after World War II. This section then delves into the historical development of Britpop, highlighting its origins and its connections to earlier British music movements, including the Beatles.
- Chapter 3 explores the concept of national identity, examining its complexities and challenges in the context of Britain. This section then focuses on the role of music, specifically Britpop, as an identity marker, discussing how it contributed to a sense of Britishness and a renewed national self-image in a post-imperial era.
- Chapter 4 examines the political context surrounding the rise of Britpop, highlighting its significance within a broader sociopolitical landscape. This section explores how the movement was intertwined with political themes and how it reflected broader anxieties and aspirations within British society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this paper include national identity, Britishness, Britpop, music culture, political context, historical development, identity marker, and textual analysis. The focus is on examining the interrelationship between these concepts through the lens of the Britpop movement and its impact on British national identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Britpop and when did it emerge?
Britpop is a mid-1990s British-based music and culture movement that emphasized Britishness and reacted against American grunge music.
How does music act as an "identity marker"?
Music like Britpop uses specific accents, lyrics about British daily life, and visual symbols to create a sense of national belonging and pride.
What was the political role of Britpop?
The movement was closely linked to the "Cool Britannia" era and the rise of the Labour Party under Tony Blair, reflecting a new, optimistic national self-image.
Why is Oasis used as a case study in this paper?
Oasis is considered a paradigmatic Britpop band whose lyrics, working-class background, and public persona strongly represented British identity in the 90s.
What are some characteristics of Britpop music?
Characteristics include catchy melodies influenced by 60s/70s British bands (like the Beatles), the use of regional British accents, and themes of local life.
What problems with national identity existed in Britain at the time?
The paper discusses challenges in a post-imperial era and how Britpop helped redefine what it meant to be British in a modern, globalized world.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Christina Binter (Autor:in), 2018, Britpop and national identity, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1247349
