music blog i guess 0_0

  As the end of the year closes in, I begin reflecting on my past memories. I remember in elementary and early middle school, all I did was read. My mom got angry because I’d stay up too late to finish a good book or wake up early full of nervous energy to one that I fell asleep reading. But 12AP has really brought me back to that time when all I ever thought about was reading. It’s really brought something that I used to love back, and I find myself reading more outside of class. Whether it’s the independent reading selection or just enjoying a short story, I’ve definitely begun to read more than I did in the beginning of high school. And as a result, I think I’m pretty satisfied with my writing too. Now, it’s not so hard to come up with words for me to describe the things I want to talk about. And by trying to make every blog post I have about music has really allowed me to grab the thinnest of branches to reach. I’m satisfied with the work I’ve done with past semester with my blog,

               The American Dream is a myth. And yet, though the majority who seek it are aware of its superficiality, they continue their pursuit, distracted by the smoke and mirror illusion of the successful few shrouding the millions who’ve failed. As Anne Marie Hacht eloquently points out, “Ironically, The Great Gatsby actually predated the term “American dream”...[and] marks the birth of a myth, one that shaped the definition of success for future American society” (Literary Themes for Students: The American Dream). Beginning to flourish in the same time period as the fast-paced atmosphere and ideals that birthed The Great Gatsby , the music industry has always banked on the flimsy belief of the American Dream. Commercial music in America has constantly embodied these corrupt ideals, tempting artists to sacrifice everything for stardom and wealth or condemn themselves to a life of dissatisfaction and violence. ACT 1 It’s the Faustian bargain that every musician makes when they cho