Category Archives: History and Culture

Why “I Used to Love H.E.R,” Why I Still Love H.E.R: Hip Hop THEN, Hip Hop NOW

While Hip Hop’s socio-political consciousness has faded, the examples in this post denote that it is not dead. However, even as some employ its ethos to confront material realities, others invest only it its promise of wealth, power and pleasure. Thus the reason why the time is ripe for this reminder: Hip Hop wields much power, but with that power comes responsibility.

Performing History, Class and Gender in Billy Elliot: The Musical

Billy Elliot: The Musical’s overarching historical context – the British mining strike of 1984-1985 – serves as the backdrop to examine issues of class and gender through the story of a struggling community and one very talented boy. Yet what happens to those who lacked the opportunity to leave town like Billy?