Ian Farwell (Core Post #3) - "ELVIS and the PELVIS"

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE READINGS:
I must say, after reading the three assigned articles on Elvis, I surprised to learn about the extent of the Elvis Craze. I always knew that he was super famous and had a cult like following, but I never really understood the historical context and just how wide spread it really was.

In the reading, all three authors seem to touch on similar aspects of what Elvis represents. Much of the interest seems to have been motivated by detailed analysis of the impersonator. Also, many other areas were discussed. Specifically, how Elvis came to be know has a religious figure, sex symbol, working class hero, and cultural symbol. Elvis and his similarity with traditionally African American moves and style was also a hot topic in the readings.

Elvis was certainly and interesting figure. I really appreciated the whole piece on Nixon, Elvis, and the DEA relationship against bands like the Beatles. Fascinating stuff. Also some of the comparisons between Bill Clinton, Jesus, and other "White Trash" notions were interesting.

As far as the impersonators go, it was also interesting to look at Russ Howe, and also at the first black and female Elvis impersonators. One interesting point about Elvis and his "Black Style" was made by one of the authors. The recognitions of his black style with a "blackless" face indicates that the music is more cultural than racial. Its not "black music", but influenced by the "black culture". Similarly, crossing-referencing another one of our readings, the first Black Elvis was met with disdain and anger by many. Interesting how a man like elvis who was accused of stealing "Black Style" would later be held to such a high standard that a black impersonator could not reclaim what was at least thought by some to originally stolen. In other words, many agree that Elvis was clearly influenced by traditional African American styles of the time, yet ironically the black Elvis impersonator is shunned half a century later.

The White trash ideas of our reading were very interesting. Especially, the whole piece on Bill Clinton. But, more seriously, "white trash" (as mentioned) does seem to represent a contradiction. The dominating class (White) is reduced to second class citizenry in poor white trash neighborhoods. Again this gets at the idea illustrated in my last paragraph. Did Elvis really steal Black Music? Or was Elvis himself a product of the similar low SES neighborhoods like many traditionally black neighborhoods. It begs the question of whether stereotypical black culture is a product of skin color or cultural oppression? What was Elvis saying with his hips? In American capitalist culture, the dollar speaks louder than race. He who hold the capital hold the power. All things being equal would a white oppressed culture have eventually established funk, or is it truly something inherently different or more creative within the genetic code of those with darker skin? In other words, did Elvis have "soul" or did he steal "style"?

Questions:
1) Did Elvis have "soul" or did he steal "style"?
2) What's the difference between Jesus and Elvis?
3) Did Elvis really represent religious morality or did he just want to reclaim #1 from the Beatles?