Destructive Desires

Rhythm and Blues Culture and the Politics of Racial Equality

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Jazz & Blues, Soul
Cover of the book Destructive Desires by Robert J. Patterson, Rutgers University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert J. Patterson ISBN: 9781978803602
Publisher: Rutgers University Press Publication: April 5, 2019
Imprint: Rutgers University Press Language: English
Author: Robert J. Patterson
ISBN: 9781978803602
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Publication: April 5, 2019
Imprint: Rutgers University Press
Language: English

Despite rhythm and blues culture’s undeniable role in molding, reflecting, and reshaping black cultural production, consciousness, and politics, it has yet to receive the serious scholarly examination it deserves. Destructive Desires corrects this omission by analyzing how post-Civil Rights era rhythm and blues culture articulates competing and conflicting political, social, familial, and economic desires within and for African American communities. As an important form of black cultural production, rhythm and blues music helps us to understand black political and cultural desires and longings in light of neo-liberalism’s increased codification in America’s racial politics and policies since the 1970s. Robert J. Patterson provides a thorough analysis of four artists—Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Adina Howard, Whitney Houston, and Toni Braxton—to examine black cultural longings by demonstrating how our reading of specific moments in their lives, careers, and performances serve as metacommentaries for broader issues in black culture and politics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Despite rhythm and blues culture’s undeniable role in molding, reflecting, and reshaping black cultural production, consciousness, and politics, it has yet to receive the serious scholarly examination it deserves. Destructive Desires corrects this omission by analyzing how post-Civil Rights era rhythm and blues culture articulates competing and conflicting political, social, familial, and economic desires within and for African American communities. As an important form of black cultural production, rhythm and blues music helps us to understand black political and cultural desires and longings in light of neo-liberalism’s increased codification in America’s racial politics and policies since the 1970s. Robert J. Patterson provides a thorough analysis of four artists—Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Adina Howard, Whitney Houston, and Toni Braxton—to examine black cultural longings by demonstrating how our reading of specific moments in their lives, careers, and performances serve as metacommentaries for broader issues in black culture and politics.

More books from Rutgers University Press

Cover of the book Discriminating Taste by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Embodying the Problem by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Matinee Melodrama by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Labor of Love by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Climate Trauma by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Unveiling Desire by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Trafficked Children and Youth in the United States by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Beautiful Terrible Ruins by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Child's Play by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Monstrous Progeny by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book The Vulnerable Empowered Woman by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Holocaust Memory Reframed by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Zapotecs on the Move by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Daughters and Granddaughters of Farmworkers by Robert J. Patterson
Cover of the book Junctures in Women's Leadership by Robert J. Patterson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy