http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp-SqZ63Ga8

The link above is a song called 'Leaving Jesusland', by punk band NOFX.

I think that this is a perfect contemporary critique on modern day America as it touches on the topic of religion, which is a touchy topic in America with 77% of Americans claiming Christian faith*.

The song criticises the conservative and seemingly narrow minded views of those in the bible belt, also known as Jesusland, Which can be found in the south and mid western states. Hence the line 'What makes this country great is living on either side', referring to the north east and south west.

I think that the song does a good job of capturing a general overview of American society as the divide between religious and non religious, as well as conservative and liberal is often drastic, and clearly visible. The song also makes reference to nihilism, an idealistic and extremely left wing view of government, or really, non government. One line in the song really sticks out to me, 'Need to punch new holes in the bible belt', i think that this line works well on two levels, firstly, it works well as a tongue in cheek jab at America's obesity problem, while secondly, it suggests that these conservative religious views are spreading further across the country.  







*Taken from 2012 poll by Gallup politics http://www.gallup.com/poll/159548/identify-christian.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njEFkKuRBRY

This is an advertisement for Macy’s department store in America. This advert is promoting the Black Friday sales. The way in which they have prompted the store is by asking One Direction to make an appearance in their video. By bringing in this iconic world wild known band, the department store is attracting viewers whom are huge fans to come to the store. At the end of the advert, though it is spoken very quickly there is an offer on the fragrance and $2 of every purchase of the product goes to charity. This shows Americas good values and the idea of looking after one another.

By having one direction in the video it is making fans think that if one direction will shop and appear in the store it’s more than good enough for me. One Direction affect such a wide fan base therefore Macy’s have thought through their chose of Celebrity to bring in the wider range of fans to come to the store to bring more sales to the store.

Having the multimillion band in the store to promote their fragrance and the store is presenting America to be to some element followers in their values. Could you say to some extent they followed/ copied England centuries ago in terms of settling?

It also shows America’s values in terms of support and commitment as many fans dedicate themselves to idolized celebrities. This compleiments Americans forsage of being a friendly helpful nation.