HUM FPX 1150 Assessment 1 Cultural Artifact Analysis

Student Name

Capella University

HUM FPX 1150 Cultural Understanding in a Global World

Prof. Name:

Date

Chosen Artifact

The artifact I selected is the song “If I Can Dream,” written by Walter Earl Brown and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1968. I remember that, as a young girl, my stepfather would frequently play Elvis’s music, and I would often sing along. Recently, I watched a movie and thoroughly enjoyed listening to his performance of “If I Can Dream.” This song never resonated with me during my childhood; I preferred more upbeat tracks like “Hound Dog” or “Burning Love.” However, as an adult, I started to pay attention to the lyrics and interpret their meaning. This song was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and is influenced by African American culture in America.

Historical and Artistic Contexts of the Artifact

Elvis was deeply affected by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which occurred on April 4, 1968, just a few months before the song’s release. The historical context of this song is rooted in Dr. King Jr.’s speech on civil rights, where he advocated for all individuals to be treated equally and “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” (King Jr., 1963). According to a blog post on Graceland, “America was in the midst of an upheaval in 1968. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing, and our world and culture were changing. Within a short span of time, two leaders were assassinated. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis – Elvis’ hometown. Robert Kennedy, a U.S. Senator who strongly supported human rights and social justice, was killed two months later, on June 6” (Graceland, 2018). Walter Brown understood the significance of these events to Elvis and wrote the song based on his strong feelings. After hearing the song for the first time, Elvis stated, “I’m never going to sing another song I don’t believe in. I’m never going to make another picture I don’t believe in” (Genius, 2022). He performed the song with deep emotion, at times nearly shouting certain parts. The inclusion of jazz instruments, percussion, and backup singers enhanced the emotional impact.

Cultural Values Conveyed Through the Artifact

The artifact conveys several cultural values, including the importance of human rights. Elvis grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood and was heavily influenced by African American blues. From a young age, he was exposed to black culture and became a strong advocate for breaking down racial barriers. He believed in equality. Another cultural value he expressed through this song was social awareness. He wanted his listeners to know that he was conscious of civil rights issues and supported equality. I can relate to these values, as my grandfather often spoke negatively about black culture. Although he never directed such comments at me as a child, I overheard conversations. I share Elvis’s cultural values and believe in equality. While I did not experience extreme racism as a child, I can only imagine the pain that Elvis and black communities endured.

Shaping Perspectives

Culture shapes our perspectives and influences our interpretations of cultural artifacts. Actively listening and trying to understand the meaning behind things, as well as learning about history, are crucial for developing social awareness and cultural values. Different people can listen to the same song or view the same artwork and derive entirely different perspectives. The values instilled in us during upbringing contribute to our viewpoints. Before studying this artifact, it was just another Elvis song to me. Now, it holds much deeper significance. It has shaped my perspective and increased my respect for Elvis and Mr. Brown for creating such a beautiful song during a devastating time for the black community.

References

Genius. (2022). Elvis Presley – If I Can Dream. Genius.com. https://genius.com/Elvis-presley-if-i-can-dream-lyrics

Graceland. (2018, March 29). Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream.” Www.graceland.com. https://www.graceland.com/blog/posts/elvis-presleys-if-i-can-dream/