What is this, I don't even...
June 18, 2011 1:14 PM Subscribe
Mr. Ghetto's New Orleans Bounce (Wal-Mart rap) has created quite a stir. Others comment that at least the Wal-Mart that the video takes place in is clean, and well-stocked. New Orleans bounce music has been mentioned previously.
I spent the first two minutes waiting for the song to start, and the last two minutes realizing it wasn't going to.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 1:23 PM on June 18, 2011 [19 favorites]
posted by BitterOldPunk at 1:23 PM on June 18, 2011 [19 favorites]
Louisiana Purchase Card? Who says bureaucrats don't have a sense of humor?
posted by The White Hat at 1:25 PM on June 18, 2011 [11 favorites]
posted by The White Hat at 1:25 PM on June 18, 2011 [11 favorites]
Somebody teach me to dance like that, already. I mean, I don't think I could get away with doing that in public. But I would still like to know how. ENQUIRING MIND, HERE.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 1:31 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by evidenceofabsence at 1:31 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
I couldn't watch the orignal video unless I make a youtube account to tell them I'm 18, but it
's posted on the second link. That bouncing is ... mesmerising. Those women must have killer abs.
posted by shelleycat at 1:38 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
's posted on the second link. That bouncing is ... mesmerising. Those women must have killer abs.
posted by shelleycat at 1:38 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
If this is Wal-Mart, I wanna know what the hell is going on over at Target.
posted by Chipmazing at 1:40 PM on June 18, 2011 [7 favorites]
posted by Chipmazing at 1:40 PM on June 18, 2011 [7 favorites]
I saw this a couple weeks ago when Rufio Jones did a reaction video to it. I was appalled, but not surprised.
Then just an hour ago I told a friend "if you come across a song by mr. ghetto, called walmart, do not listen to it. It's awful. And as a joke, my friend said "wallywallywally!" in a lil jon voice and we both proceeded to laugh hysterically as I pointed out that is exactly how the song goes.
posted by cashman at 1:41 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Then just an hour ago I told a friend "if you come across a song by mr. ghetto, called walmart, do not listen to it. It's awful. And as a joke, my friend said "wallywallywally!" in a lil jon voice and we both proceeded to laugh hysterically as I pointed out that is exactly how the song goes.
posted by cashman at 1:41 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
My takeaway from this is that there's such a thing as a Louisiana Purchase card. I can't decide if that's really awful or really awesome.
posted by EatTheWeek at 1:43 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by EatTheWeek at 1:43 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
evidenceofabsence, the booty shake is called "twerking" and the shake your ass while you move backward move is called "crawfishing", if that helps. The Google turns up nothing particularly helpful for either, though.
posted by domo at 1:47 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by domo at 1:47 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Funny comment from the "quite a stir" link:
Ladies please don’t buy any unpackaged underwear from Walmart. You don’t know whose cooch been “twerkin” in it while shooting an ABOMINATION of a video at Walmart.
Lmao
posted by jayder at 1:50 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ladies please don’t buy any unpackaged underwear from Walmart. You don’t know whose cooch been “twerkin” in it while shooting an ABOMINATION of a video at Walmart.
Lmao
posted by jayder at 1:50 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
If this is Wal-Mart, I wanna know what the hell is going on over at Target.
Same thing, but with higher production values and a shout-out to Starbucks.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 1:51 PM on June 18, 2011 [8 favorites]
Same thing, but with higher production values and a shout-out to Starbucks.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 1:51 PM on June 18, 2011 [8 favorites]
Chipmazing: If this is Wal-Mart, I wanna know what the hell is going on over at Target.
The Whole Foods version was posted here recently.
posted by gman at 1:56 PM on June 18, 2011 [6 favorites]
The Whole Foods version was posted here recently.
posted by gman at 1:56 PM on June 18, 2011 [6 favorites]
I can no longer differentiate between legitimate cultural products and Republican attack ads.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 1:59 PM on June 18, 2011 [27 favorites]
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 1:59 PM on June 18, 2011 [27 favorites]
My favorite comment is (paraphrased) "Stop saying you're ashamed of being black because of shit like this. White people don't say they're ashamed of being white when Charlie Sheen goes bonkers."
The song is terrible, the booty-popping is mesmerizing. But I'm uncomfortable with some of the stir, because a lot of it seems to be "They're poor! They're black and they're poor! OMG how dare they be black and poor and on YouTube!" I watched the whole thing through waiting for the content so much more offensive than what's featured in the videos of dozens of mainstream acts, and it just isn't there.
also if I could do that with my bottom, I would do it ALL THE TIME
posted by KathrynT at 2:00 PM on June 18, 2011 [39 favorites]
The song is terrible, the booty-popping is mesmerizing. But I'm uncomfortable with some of the stir, because a lot of it seems to be "They're poor! They're black and they're poor! OMG how dare they be black and poor and on YouTube!" I watched the whole thing through waiting for the content so much more offensive than what's featured in the videos of dozens of mainstream acts, and it just isn't there.
also if I could do that with my bottom, I would do it ALL THE TIME
posted by KathrynT at 2:00 PM on June 18, 2011 [39 favorites]
And the one comment on bestofneworleans.com says:
Basically these are fertility dances.posted by dominik at 2:02 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
"Basically these are fertility dances."
As far as those go, I'd pick bounce over the more traditional stuff.
posted by The White Hat at 2:06 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
so much more offensive than what's featured in the videos of dozens of mainstream acts
It's offensive there too, to me. I like the spirit of the "charlie sheen" comment/idea, which I've heard for years, but it isn't that simple. For the most part, some black american isn't going to come across charlie sheen news and then apply anything from that encounter to an encounter with a white male. The reverse isn't really true.
posted by cashman at 2:09 PM on June 18, 2011
It's offensive there too, to me. I like the spirit of the "charlie sheen" comment/idea, which I've heard for years, but it isn't that simple. For the most part, some black american isn't going to come across charlie sheen news and then apply anything from that encounter to an encounter with a white male. The reverse isn't really true.
posted by cashman at 2:09 PM on June 18, 2011
Cultural Louisiana note: People in Louisiana refer to grocery shopping as "making groceries." As in, "I'm going to Wally World to make groceries." This is a direct translation from the French faire les courses. You don't find this usage very much outside of Louisiana.
posted by ColdChef at 2:12 PM on June 18, 2011 [29 favorites]
posted by ColdChef at 2:12 PM on June 18, 2011 [29 favorites]
Also: They totally missed an opportunity to combine "Panty Panty Pantyhose" with "Panty Panty Panty Hos". To me, this is a gross oversight and inexcusable.
posted by ColdChef at 2:13 PM on June 18, 2011 [9 favorites]
posted by ColdChef at 2:13 PM on June 18, 2011 [9 favorites]
Also also: do other people call it "Wally World" or is this a Louisiana thing as well?
posted by ColdChef at 2:14 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by ColdChef at 2:14 PM on June 18, 2011
I used to have an obnoxious city bus driver in western Massachusetts who did indeed call Wal-Mart Wally World.
posted by to sir with millipedes at 2:16 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by to sir with millipedes at 2:16 PM on June 18, 2011
Cashman: wrt Charlie Sheen, I know exactly what you mean, and I agree, but i still think it's appropriate to hang a lampshade on the double standard, you know? And it seems a little disingenuous for people to say "THIS! This is the line, RIGHT HERE!" when the video for "Back That Ass Up" came out twelve years ago.
posted by KathrynT at 2:17 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by KathrynT at 2:17 PM on June 18, 2011
I've heard Wally World on the East Coast now and again. Mostly from older people.
posted by codacorolla at 2:18 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by codacorolla at 2:18 PM on June 18, 2011
"people call it "Wally World" or is this a Louisiana thing as well?"
Finally, I can find out where's Wally!
posted by greenhornet at 2:22 PM on June 18, 2011
Finally, I can find out where's Wally!
posted by greenhornet at 2:22 PM on June 18, 2011
whole foods parking lot- hilarious, wal mart- not so much. I do think it's funny that the second link was to "best of new orleans." If I lived in new orleans, I'd be pretty ashamed of this.
posted by TheBones at 2:22 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by TheBones at 2:22 PM on June 18, 2011
What do we compare this to? It seems to me that this video's peers are Rebecca Black's Friday and Nyan Cat.
Is it that people today are looking for the opportunity to feel superior? Maybe we are all so insecure that in order to let our hair down and relax we need everyone else's assurance that "this other thing over here is something we can look down on"?
My only real objection here would be the promoting of the douching meme, even in jest. It's bad for women's bodies and we really shouldn't be promoting that kind of thing. But the whole thing is clearly tongue in cheek.
posted by idiopath at 2:26 PM on June 18, 2011
Is it that people today are looking for the opportunity to feel superior? Maybe we are all so insecure that in order to let our hair down and relax we need everyone else's assurance that "this other thing over here is something we can look down on"?
My only real objection here would be the promoting of the douching meme, even in jest. It's bad for women's bodies and we really shouldn't be promoting that kind of thing. But the whole thing is clearly tongue in cheek.
posted by idiopath at 2:26 PM on June 18, 2011
Metafilter: Unable to differentiate between legitimate cultural products and Republican attack ads.
posted by alby at 2:29 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by alby at 2:29 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Re: the bootyshaking, I can never quite figure out if I'm aroused or kind of creeped out or a queasy mixture of both.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 2:30 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 2:30 PM on June 18, 2011
I'm almost certain that the Walmart in the video is the one where I make groceries.
There's usually slightly less booty-shaking when I go there, though.
posted by honeydew at 2:31 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
There's usually slightly less booty-shaking when I go there, though.
posted by honeydew at 2:31 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
You can dress it up, tweak it up or hang it with a 'don't-diss-my-culture' sign ... it is still stupid women thinking they are cute/cool when they become disposable play-objects for a stupid man. (Give them playboy ears and put them in stilettos.)
posted by Surfurrus at 2:32 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by Surfurrus at 2:32 PM on June 18, 2011
It's weird to me when people say "I am/would be ashamed to be a [member of group" based on something like this. Seriously? It reminds me of, like, bad old sci-fi. Like when Star Trek would visit The Roman Planet or something. Or like how all dwarfs in fantasy novels are one way. Really, all dwarfs love ale and honorable combat with axes? All of them? I can't get six people to agree on pizza toppings.
The existence of a video says nothing fundamental or incontrovertible about the US, Louisiana, New Orleans, black people, black people in New Orleans who go to Wal-Mart, or even the actual individuals in the video itself.
posted by penduluum at 2:36 PM on June 18, 2011 [19 favorites]
The existence of a video says nothing fundamental or incontrovertible about the US, Louisiana, New Orleans, black people, black people in New Orleans who go to Wal-Mart, or even the actual individuals in the video itself.
posted by penduluum at 2:36 PM on June 18, 2011 [19 favorites]
Surfurrus, the women in the video belong to a local dance group. They are not "play-objects", they are not sexually available to the men in the video. They were hired to do a sexually suggestive dance for a video. Keep your projections to yourself. Women can decide what they want to do with their bodies. Do you think you know what is "best" for them? If you can't respect them after watching them dance, that says a lot more about you than them, honestly.
posted by domo at 2:40 PM on June 18, 2011 [19 favorites]
posted by domo at 2:40 PM on June 18, 2011 [19 favorites]
ColdChef - in arkansas, oklahoma, and texas lots of people, young and old, say wally world. it's at least as popular as "the walmarts."
posted by nadawi at 2:45 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by nadawi at 2:45 PM on June 18, 2011
The worst thing about this video is probably that it perpetuates the practice of douching as still being a good idea.
posted by penduluum at 2:50 PM on June 18, 2011 [9 favorites]
posted by penduluum at 2:50 PM on June 18, 2011 [9 favorites]
Racist pricks: all black people are on welfare.
Left-wing snobby Northeastern elites: No, they are not. In fact, more white people are ...
Mr. Ghetto: SHE GOT LOUISIANA PURCHASE. [the Louisiana welfare benefit card]
Thanks a lot Mr. Ghetto.
posted by 1adam12 at 2:57 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Left-wing snobby Northeastern elites: No, they are not. In fact, more white people are ...
Mr. Ghetto: SHE GOT LOUISIANA PURCHASE. [the Louisiana welfare benefit card]
Thanks a lot Mr. Ghetto.
posted by 1adam12 at 2:57 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
SHE GOT LOUISIANA PURCHASE. [the Louisiana welfare benefit card]
I still don't know if that's brilliant naming or what. I didn't know it was really a "thing" until this thread, i just thought it might have been funny word play in the video. Could just be named that because of the state, but i doubt it.
I guess that's my only take away from the video. ;)
posted by usagizero at 3:02 PM on June 18, 2011
I still don't know if that's brilliant naming or what. I didn't know it was really a "thing" until this thread, i just thought it might have been funny word play in the video. Could just be named that because of the state, but i doubt it.
I guess that's my only take away from the video. ;)
posted by usagizero at 3:02 PM on June 18, 2011
If you can't respect them after watching them dance, that says a lot more about you than them, honestly. - domo
Oh, pulll-eeease. I can respect artistry, dance and, yes, erotic dance. I can respect the skill of this dance. I cannot respect their choice of being eye-candy and orgiastic bookends for the man's 'song'. And I certainly can't respect anyone who says they liked this video for the "artistic merit."
Yes, stupid is the right word.
posted by Surfurrus at 3:08 PM on June 18, 2011
Oh, pulll-eeease. I can respect artistry, dance and, yes, erotic dance. I can respect the skill of this dance. I cannot respect their choice of being eye-candy and orgiastic bookends for the man's 'song'. And I certainly can't respect anyone who says they liked this video for the "artistic merit."
Yes, stupid is the right word.
posted by Surfurrus at 3:08 PM on June 18, 2011
I actually love this song and the video, despite its flaws. I recognize it's not a great bounce song really, and the video doesn't have amazing camerawork or anything, but I like that he wrote the song, recorded it, and decided to go film the video at a Wal-Mart. The dancing is seriously mesmerizing. I dunno, for me, it rests at this intersection of amateur and silly and unself-conscious that's refreshing. Not everything needs to be flawless and serious to be enjoyable, and I like that they just said "why the fuck not" and went for it. The past couple weeks I've been randomly bursting out into "Wally Wally Wally Wally Wally Wally world!" and taking my best shot at the dancing whenever I'm around the house.
Re: the term "Wally world"
I'm from the lower middle class of Texas, and I and my relatives have called it that for some time. We also call Target "tar-jay" (think fake French accent) to emphasize how upscale it is in comparison to Wal-Mart; that's been around for a while to my knowledge.
I think that's partly why I don't find the video embarrassing or troubling or whatever; I've always been used to people having a self-deprecating sense of humor about shopping at Wal-Mart. It's not like people don't know you're supposed to be ashamed of shopping there, it's just that after a while joking about it you know everyone else feels self-conscious about it too, and you collectively stop caring about hiding it. I can't know the motivations behind the video, but it strikes me as a "yeah I shop at Wal-Mart, whatever, I'll pick up girls there." I guess if someone is self-conscious or really does judge people for shopping there, it might strike them as embarrassing or lacking in self-awareness. To me, though, it seems totally self-aware, and the appeal is that it's not self-conscious.
posted by Nattie at 3:17 PM on June 18, 2011 [9 favorites]
Re: the term "Wally world"
I'm from the lower middle class of Texas, and I and my relatives have called it that for some time. We also call Target "tar-jay" (think fake French accent) to emphasize how upscale it is in comparison to Wal-Mart; that's been around for a while to my knowledge.
I think that's partly why I don't find the video embarrassing or troubling or whatever; I've always been used to people having a self-deprecating sense of humor about shopping at Wal-Mart. It's not like people don't know you're supposed to be ashamed of shopping there, it's just that after a while joking about it you know everyone else feels self-conscious about it too, and you collectively stop caring about hiding it. I can't know the motivations behind the video, but it strikes me as a "yeah I shop at Wal-Mart, whatever, I'll pick up girls there." I guess if someone is self-conscious or really does judge people for shopping there, it might strike them as embarrassing or lacking in self-awareness. To me, though, it seems totally self-aware, and the appeal is that it's not self-conscious.
posted by Nattie at 3:17 PM on June 18, 2011 [9 favorites]
i am amazed at how formally isolating bounce can be, jow minimal the beat is, like that jasper johns line, expect you know, not doing something else to it.
posted by PinkMoose at 3:17 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by PinkMoose at 3:17 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Surfurrus, I never mentioned the word "art". I just don't understand why your vitriol is directed first at the women, and that you'd call them stupid when it was just a paying gig. They did not write the song, direct the video, or agree to do anything but perform a specific dance. Their troupe has gained notoriety from this, and whether or not you think the performance was embarrassing doesn't change the fact that they are now making more money because of the controversy. Mr, Ghetto wrote the lyrics, came up with the idea for the video, and his production company financed the operation. If they had not taken the job, someone else would have. You're misplacing blame for the objectification of women on the women.
posted by domo at 3:21 PM on June 18, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by domo at 3:21 PM on June 18, 2011 [3 favorites]
So some people like to watch other people jiggle their asses...? Is that what I am to understand?
posted by salvia at 3:27 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by salvia at 3:27 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
You're misplacing blame for the objectification of women on the women.
Perhaps my 'vitrol' is more toward this dance form 'bounce'. It seems that these performances are in fact, based on women participating in their own objectification. Women who agree to that are stupid.
The dance itself is not objectifying -- I would have enjoyed the video IF it were not aggrandizing 'Mr. Ghetto'. I have known - and respected - many erotic dancers and none would have done their dances with a male 'star' -- and, heaven knows those women liked their money (if not notoriety).
posted by Surfurrus at 3:34 PM on June 18, 2011
Perhaps my 'vitrol' is more toward this dance form 'bounce'. It seems that these performances are in fact, based on women participating in their own objectification. Women who agree to that are stupid.
The dance itself is not objectifying -- I would have enjoyed the video IF it were not aggrandizing 'Mr. Ghetto'. I have known - and respected - many erotic dancers and none would have done their dances with a male 'star' -- and, heaven knows those women liked their money (if not notoriety).
posted by Surfurrus at 3:34 PM on June 18, 2011
i do a version of that dance, but with more hips and sort of belly dancing/hula swirls for my husband, sometimes while i'm doing the dishes barefoot. i'm sure i'm a failure to the cause or something, but it's a lot of fun.
posted by nadawi at 3:47 PM on June 18, 2011 [7 favorites]
posted by nadawi at 3:47 PM on June 18, 2011 [7 favorites]
Perhaps my 'vitrol' is more toward this dance form 'bounce'.
No it isn't. Go back and read your comment again. You've said that these women (first just these dancers, then all women who dance in this style) are "stupid" three times, and you've expressed virtually no contempt towards Mr. Ghetto specifically or any of the men who are after "disposable play-objects." Sounds to me like it's the women you have a problem with, not the dynamic.
posted by KathrynT at 4:01 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
No it isn't. Go back and read your comment again. You've said that these women (first just these dancers, then all women who dance in this style) are "stupid" three times, and you've expressed virtually no contempt towards Mr. Ghetto specifically or any of the men who are after "disposable play-objects." Sounds to me like it's the women you have a problem with, not the dynamic.
posted by KathrynT at 4:01 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
Women who agree to that are stupid.
Okay. What sorts of things to smart women agree to?
posted by EatTheWeek at 4:04 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Okay. What sorts of things to smart women agree to?
posted by EatTheWeek at 4:04 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Oh, and it's "vitriol". "Vitrol" is not a word. You look really stupid when you correct someone's proper spelling with a made-up word.
posted by domo at 4:09 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by domo at 4:09 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Women who agree to be 'accessories' to men are stupid. Their CHOICE to do this video for Mr Ghetto was stupid. Becoming "become disposable play-objects for a stupid man" is stupid.
I never said the dancing was stupid.
Typos are stupid, domo, thanks for the heads up.
posted by Surfurrus at 4:14 PM on June 18, 2011
I never said the dancing was stupid.
Typos are stupid, domo, thanks for the heads up.
posted by Surfurrus at 4:14 PM on June 18, 2011
That's not an answer to my question. Since you've appointed yourself the value judge and intelligence arbiter of women's decisions, I'd like to hear some examples of things that smart women do. Considering your acumen for spotting the actions of stupid women, I imagine the choices you deem intelligent will be most illuminating.
posted by EatTheWeek at 4:19 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by EatTheWeek at 4:19 PM on June 18, 2011
So all back-up dancers are stupid now? And I could argue that they are not the accessories in the video. The reason why it became viral is definitely not Mr. Ghetto's musical talent. Dancers are by definition decorative. It is a visual art. There is another reason why you dislike this video so much, and I think you should examine it.
posted by domo at 4:21 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by domo at 4:21 PM on June 18, 2011
Derail, eattheweek, derail. I've said what I think. If you need any further clarification, feel free to memail me.
posted by Surfurrus at 4:21 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by Surfurrus at 4:21 PM on June 18, 2011
Not a derail in the slightest. And you still haven't answered.
posted by EatTheWeek at 4:23 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by EatTheWeek at 4:23 PM on June 18, 2011
Bounce rules.
Lady Freeda has played Seattle twice in the past year at high profile concert venues. Everybody tries to do the dance. The crowds are SO diverse and all the booties are poppin. This track is certainly not the best though. I think the mix is shit, even for such a lo-fi genre. But seriously, how can you not love the hyper beat and the booty booty booty booty booty everywhere?
posted by kittensofthenight at 4:28 PM on June 18, 2011 [3 favorites]
Lady Freeda has played Seattle twice in the past year at high profile concert venues. Everybody tries to do the dance. The crowds are SO diverse and all the booties are poppin. This track is certainly not the best though. I think the mix is shit, even for such a lo-fi genre. But seriously, how can you not love the hyper beat and the booty booty booty booty booty everywhere?
posted by kittensofthenight at 4:28 PM on June 18, 2011 [3 favorites]
The number one reason why this is awesome for me: I keep getting Wocka Flocka Flame stuck in my head (which I say in the Dhalsim voice), and Wally Wally Wally Wally Wally World! will fit instead.
posted by klangklangston at 4:34 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by klangklangston at 4:34 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Also, those women are obviously dancing for the camera, not Mr. Ghetto. He is also performing for the camera, come on it's awesome. Bounce music totally unifies by metal and indie friends. Manowar? naw... Eliot Smith? naw... Sissy Noby? FUCK YEAH.
posted by kittensofthenight at 4:35 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by kittensofthenight at 4:35 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
Perhaps my 'vitrol' is more toward this dance form 'bounce'. It seems that these performances are in fact, based on women participating in their own objectification. Women who agree to that are stupid.
It is objectification. It is also dance that literally deforms human flesh, and seems to defy the laws of physics. And is difficult on a purely athletic level. Seriously, try it. You'll start feeling sore in muscles you didn't even know you had.
Look, women can be sexual beings without degrading themselves or leaving themselves merely beholden to the gaze of others. Women don't have to be stupid to shake their asses. They can shake their asses while being fully brilliant and empowered. Further, bounce music might be gendered a little differently than you think it is. This isn't "everyone touch the booth babe." Some of the most popular performers are queer; Big Freedia bills herself as "The Queen Diva" of bounce. Boys shake their asses too. I get the impression that you can shake your ass at a Big Freedia or Sissy Noby show without being groped or attracting unwanted attention because everyone in the crowd is doing the same thing.
I mean, fuck it, I didn't ask for a big ol' ass. It just happened (thanks, puberty). It has taken me years to get over having an ass, and realize that maybe, instead of being ashamed or trying to hide it, I can just chill out about how I look and try to have fun instead.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 5:03 PM on June 18, 2011 [16 favorites]
It is objectification. It is also dance that literally deforms human flesh, and seems to defy the laws of physics. And is difficult on a purely athletic level. Seriously, try it. You'll start feeling sore in muscles you didn't even know you had.
Look, women can be sexual beings without degrading themselves or leaving themselves merely beholden to the gaze of others. Women don't have to be stupid to shake their asses. They can shake their asses while being fully brilliant and empowered. Further, bounce music might be gendered a little differently than you think it is. This isn't "everyone touch the booth babe." Some of the most popular performers are queer; Big Freedia bills herself as "The Queen Diva" of bounce. Boys shake their asses too. I get the impression that you can shake your ass at a Big Freedia or Sissy Noby show without being groped or attracting unwanted attention because everyone in the crowd is doing the same thing.
I mean, fuck it, I didn't ask for a big ol' ass. It just happened (thanks, puberty). It has taken me years to get over having an ass, and realize that maybe, instead of being ashamed or trying to hide it, I can just chill out about how I look and try to have fun instead.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 5:03 PM on June 18, 2011 [16 favorites]
We call it wallyworld here in NC. (Or sometimes I call it hellmart but that hasn't caught on with the masses. Yet.)
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:03 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:03 PM on June 18, 2011
I agree with eoa. In the sissy nobby video I posted there are men, women, boys and girls shaking their booties and just laughing their asses off. It's certainly not a meant as a sexual display but as a crazy fun skill. The WallyWallywallywallywally song veers into more mainstream territory with the women dancing and the man presenting them to the viewer, but it's still not disempowering. I'm much more offended by, let's say, Sexy Chick/Bitch by David Guetta, which is somehow still in rotation. At least the women in this song are taking care of their errands and having fun, to boot!
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:18 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:18 PM on June 18, 2011
I never really thought about this until this discussion (even previous bounce posts on MeFi didn't bring it to mind) but all this talk about the sexual politics of the video got me to thinking about Miami bass and the way people reacted to 2 Live Crew / Luke Campbell videos back in the day. Comparing the videos New Orleans bounce generates to the images and language generated by Miami bass back a few years ago seems ... illustrative.
Look at a Big Freedia or a Sissy Nobby video, or that Hammertime video posted at the top of the thread. Now go search for a 2 Live Crew video, or even late-stage Miami bass like 95 South or anything Jay Ski was involved in. A couple things pop out.
(1) In all these examples across the board, there's an overwhelming sense of humor to the thing that gets largely overlooked by cultural outsiders looking in at them (which we all are, at least in the context of Metafilter; let's not fuck around). I don't think that should be ignored. People like these videos partially because they think they're funny. I don't know why the humor never seems to get translated to the discussion.
(2) Much more importantly -- the bounce videos evince an attitude towards women, sex and gender that's totally different than the Miami bass ones. It's less predatory, it's less aggressive, and it's less uni-directional. In bounce, the sexualized nature of the dance has become almost formal. These videos are more about dancing proficiency than sex. Not so with the Miami bass videos. Note also that the lyrics of bounce songs, to the extent that they're about anything, are frequently about the dancing, too. In bass songs, and granted that lyrics are more towards the forefront in bass, they're typically about sex. From a male perspective, directed at women.
(2a) Mostly I guess because of point (2), the bounce videos feel incredibly "now". You never really forget that you're looking at a cultural product that for any number of reasons would have been impossible to even imagine a few years ago. It's thrilling for that reason alone.
(3) Jesus Christ but bounce is so much better than Miami bass. Musically, I mean. It's stunning. What the fuck were we thinking.
posted by penduluum at 5:30 PM on June 18, 2011 [10 favorites]
Look at a Big Freedia or a Sissy Nobby video, or that Hammertime video posted at the top of the thread. Now go search for a 2 Live Crew video, or even late-stage Miami bass like 95 South or anything Jay Ski was involved in. A couple things pop out.
(1) In all these examples across the board, there's an overwhelming sense of humor to the thing that gets largely overlooked by cultural outsiders looking in at them (which we all are, at least in the context of Metafilter; let's not fuck around). I don't think that should be ignored. People like these videos partially because they think they're funny. I don't know why the humor never seems to get translated to the discussion.
(2) Much more importantly -- the bounce videos evince an attitude towards women, sex and gender that's totally different than the Miami bass ones. It's less predatory, it's less aggressive, and it's less uni-directional. In bounce, the sexualized nature of the dance has become almost formal. These videos are more about dancing proficiency than sex. Not so with the Miami bass videos. Note also that the lyrics of bounce songs, to the extent that they're about anything, are frequently about the dancing, too. In bass songs, and granted that lyrics are more towards the forefront in bass, they're typically about sex. From a male perspective, directed at women.
(2a) Mostly I guess because of point (2), the bounce videos feel incredibly "now". You never really forget that you're looking at a cultural product that for any number of reasons would have been impossible to even imagine a few years ago. It's thrilling for that reason alone.
(3) Jesus Christ but bounce is so much better than Miami bass. Musically, I mean. It's stunning. What the fuck were we thinking.
posted by penduluum at 5:30 PM on June 18, 2011 [10 favorites]
Much more importantly -- the bounce videos evince an attitude towards women, sex and gender that's totally different than the Miami bass ones. It's less predatory, it's less aggressive, and it's less uni-directional.
This! It's all the awesomeness of dancehall dancing, but without all the homophobia (Beenie Man, I am looking at you), or the creepy, leg-humpy, ladies'-night vibe.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 5:56 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
This! It's all the awesomeness of dancehall dancing, but without all the homophobia (Beenie Man, I am looking at you), or the creepy, leg-humpy, ladies'-night vibe.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 5:56 PM on June 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
I always called it wallyworld untill I saw this bumper sticker on the ad on the back of the Funny Times. Forever more shall it be Mallwart. For the record, Wally world is in the urban dictionary
posted by Redhush at 6:00 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by Redhush at 6:00 PM on June 18, 2011
Two things; first if that's derived from a fertility dance, IT'S TOTALLY WORKING. Second, if you are sitting around wondering if you are a middle aged white male or not, ask yourself this; Did you already know what New Orleans Bounce was from watching Treme on HBO? If so, welcome to what I call the dad years.
posted by Keith Talent at 6:03 PM on June 18, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by Keith Talent at 6:03 PM on June 18, 2011 [6 favorites]
I will say that I found the DIY esthetic -- hacking the shopping carts and fences and porches -- in both the Wally World and Sissy Nobby videos interesting. And at least the latter wasn't entirely based on the male gaze -- but I don't think that changes my judgement that the gender division in the former means it is, pretty much.
posted by dhartung at 6:17 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by dhartung at 6:17 PM on June 18, 2011
I guess I must be the only one who feels these guys may be parodying their own culture. I mean, I think they are aware that pantypantypantyhose is funny.
posted by Foam Pants at 6:24 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by Foam Pants at 6:24 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
Yes, let's not lose sight of the fact that bounce need not gender-discriminate.
Now somebody fetch me my smelling salts, I fear I have swoon coming on.
posted by wreckingball at 7:13 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Now somebody fetch me my smelling salts, I fear I have swoon coming on.
posted by wreckingball at 7:13 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
wheres a good place to get more of this
posted by PinkMoose at 7:16 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by PinkMoose at 7:16 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Well, this horrible example has led me to some great music
posted by Mick at 7:17 PM on June 18, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by Mick at 7:17 PM on June 18, 2011 [5 favorites]
While watching this video, I attempted to replicate the dance. I've come to the conclusion that whatever those girls have, I just don't have it. I try to shake it and NOTHING HAPPENS.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:35 PM on June 18, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:35 PM on June 18, 2011 [5 favorites]
Truly, feats that I did not know the human booty was capable of.
posted by sonika at 7:49 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by sonika at 7:49 PM on June 18, 2011
I don't think that changes my judgement that the gender division in the former means it is, pretty much.
No, yeah, it is. It definitely is. But the tenor of the male gaze is different. Or it's not as aggressive and possessive as the reactions make it seem to be, or something.
I guess I must be the only one who feels these guys may be parodying their own culture.
Totally.
posted by penduluum at 7:50 PM on June 18, 2011
No, yeah, it is. It definitely is. But the tenor of the male gaze is different. Or it's not as aggressive and possessive as the reactions make it seem to be, or something.
I guess I must be the only one who feels these guys may be parodying their own culture.
Totally.
posted by penduluum at 7:50 PM on June 18, 2011
Ah. I see the co-option of gay culture into hetero sexual objectification continues apace. It has the bonus of racist stereotyping! Louisiana Purchase Card! Lol! She is a brood mare for the black buck, churning out pickaninnies decent white folk must support with high taxes! Haw-haw, it is funny because Republicans say it is true! And such masterful "bounce" dancing, and totally not strip-club exhibitionism on display at every Halloween Parade through the French Quarter since the mid-'90s!
This is about the most loathsome thing I've seen posted to the blue, ever. It needs all the exposure it can get, because it needs to be vilified and condemned as forcefully as possible. Just because it features black people on-camera does not mean it represents New Orleans black culture in any. meaningful. way.
Don't trust straight bounce. Demand gay culture get its due.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:09 PM on June 18, 2011
This is about the most loathsome thing I've seen posted to the blue, ever. It needs all the exposure it can get, because it needs to be vilified and condemned as forcefully as possible. Just because it features black people on-camera does not mean it represents New Orleans black culture in any. meaningful. way.
Don't trust straight bounce. Demand gay culture get its due.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:09 PM on June 18, 2011
Double posted for emphasis:
Don't trust straight bounce!
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:14 PM on June 18, 2011
Don't trust straight bounce!
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:14 PM on June 18, 2011
@Mick
The whole Galactic album Ya Ka May is absolutely brilliant. The track with Irma Thomas is phenomenal, and to bring it back to this thread (sort of), Katy Vs. Nobby is the soundtrack to my summer.
posted by bayliss at 8:51 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
The whole Galactic album Ya Ka May is absolutely brilliant. The track with Irma Thomas is phenomenal, and to bring it back to this thread (sort of), Katy Vs. Nobby is the soundtrack to my summer.
posted by bayliss at 8:51 PM on June 18, 2011 [4 favorites]
(2a) Mostly I guess because of point (2), the bounce videos feel incredibly "now". You never really forget that you're looking at a cultural product that for any number of reasons would have been impossible to even imagine a few years ago. It's thrilling for that reason alone.
Huh? Bounce has been around for a long time. I first heard it about a decade ago, and I'm not even that deep into hip-hop. And I was living on the other side of the planet at the time.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 10:22 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Huh? Bounce has been around for a long time. I first heard it about a decade ago, and I'm not even that deep into hip-hop. And I was living on the other side of the planet at the time.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 10:22 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Bounce has been around for 10 or 15 years, I guess, but it is still pretty new to me. I did get to know it through sissy bounce, which might be why I find it to be kind of friendly and awesome. (I think I remember Sissy Noby saying something like "I didn't realize that we're our own genre. I just thought we were making bounce music." in this video.)
I will keep Slap*Happy's warning in mind, though I am totally signing up for a bounce dance class.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 11:28 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
I will keep Slap*Happy's warning in mind, though I am totally signing up for a bounce dance class.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 11:28 PM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Did you already know what New Orleans Bounce was from watching Treme on HBO? If so, welcome to what I call the dad years.
What if I knew from watching Treme in the UK via BitTorrent? Is there a complete set of rules for this thing?
posted by i_cola at 2:08 AM on June 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
What if I knew from watching Treme in the UK via BitTorrent? Is there a complete set of rules for this thing?
posted by i_cola at 2:08 AM on June 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
Huh? Bounce has been around for a long time.
Yeah, bounce-as-music has been around for a long time. I was thinking more of the music paired with independently created videos that then spread widely on the internet, some of which affirm some fairly progressive ideas about sex and gender. That's what I meant by "looking at a cultural product". But yeah, you're right that "a few years ago" was probably a misstatement on my part.
posted by penduluum at 6:16 AM on June 19, 2011 [2 favorites]
Yeah, bounce-as-music has been around for a long time. I was thinking more of the music paired with independently created videos that then spread widely on the internet, some of which affirm some fairly progressive ideas about sex and gender. That's what I meant by "looking at a cultural product". But yeah, you're right that "a few years ago" was probably a misstatement on my part.
posted by penduluum at 6:16 AM on June 19, 2011 [2 favorites]
Really, all dwarfs love ale and honorable combat with axes? All of them?
Well, maybe not dwarfs, but definitely Germans.
posted by krinklyfig at 6:31 AM on June 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
Well, maybe not dwarfs, but definitely Germans.
posted by krinklyfig at 6:31 AM on June 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
Goddamn I wish my ass would do that. I need to eat more biscuits and gravy or somethig.
posted by desjardins at 10:27 AM on June 19, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by desjardins at 10:27 AM on June 19, 2011 [2 favorites]
My girlfriend and I were walking home from the bar a few weeks after moving to New Orleans.
It was probably 3am or so, everything was pretty deserted, not many working streetlights, and I was still not so sure about what areas are a bit sketchy.
So I get a little nervous when an old flatbed truck full of drunken young black guys drives past, sees us and stops.
Get a little more nervous as everyone is gets out of the the truck in the middle road.
Nervousness turns to something else entirely when someone turns on the music, and the lights, and everyone jumps up on the back of the truck.
And then the ass shaking.
I like it here.
posted by St. Sorryass at 11:31 AM on June 19, 2011 [2 favorites]
It was probably 3am or so, everything was pretty deserted, not many working streetlights, and I was still not so sure about what areas are a bit sketchy.
So I get a little nervous when an old flatbed truck full of drunken young black guys drives past, sees us and stops.
Get a little more nervous as everyone is gets out of the the truck in the middle road.
Nervousness turns to something else entirely when someone turns on the music, and the lights, and everyone jumps up on the back of the truck.
And then the ass shaking.
I like it here.
posted by St. Sorryass at 11:31 AM on June 19, 2011 [2 favorites]
Really, all dwarfs love ale and honorable combat with axes? All of them?
Most of us do, yeah. Especially the ale. The axes are mostly just decorative these days, though.
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:54 PM on June 19, 2011
Most of us do, yeah. Especially the ale. The axes are mostly just decorative these days, though.
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:54 PM on June 19, 2011
Winner of the Monthly Gibsonian Future award for:
Subversion of Monolithic Multinational(In Walmart, no one cares if you twerk)
Level-Independent use of multimedia and networks("Prosumer" equipment only)
Culture - Jacking (with bonus Hygienic Emphasis),
Ironic Inadvertent Government participation (Louisiana Purchase card? Really??)
It's still 20 minutes into the future, but Max Headroom has been missing for years.
posted by djrock3k at 1:28 PM on June 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
Subversion of Monolithic Multinational(In Walmart, no one cares if you twerk)
Level-Independent use of multimedia and networks("Prosumer" equipment only)
Culture - Jacking (with bonus Hygienic Emphasis),
Ironic Inadvertent Government participation (Louisiana Purchase card? Really??)
It's still 20 minutes into the future, but Max Headroom has been missing for years.
posted by djrock3k at 1:28 PM on June 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
Huh? Bounce has been around for a long time.
Yeah, bounce-as-music has been around for a long time. I was thinking more of the music paired with independently created videos that then spread widely on the internet, some of which affirm some fairly progressive ideas about sex and gender. That's what I meant by "looking at a cultural product". But yeah, you're right that "a few years ago" was probably a misstatement on my part.
I posit that the recent bounce video wave is all a result of the word of mouth / viral success of the Hammertime video, and Da Chaotic Shakaz. this wal mart BS is a pale rip off of that wonderful creation. Chaotic Shakaz didn't write the tune, don't fill clubs like Big Freedia, but that video was the reason that Katy Red and Big Freedia have wonderful new videos.
what makes the hammertime video so great? it marks a break from the ass-shaking video that is solely about ogling women--by taking ass shaking on location, in a multitude of public arenas, and not just the classic, large outdoor party in the housing projects (now destroyed post-Nagin). its surreal humor. the young people doing their joyous thing that is totally unexpected--an ass-shaking dance crew? on top of the mcdonald's bench / push cart / lumber pile / while holding each other's ankles? what! the young people making a video representation (lowe's / home depot setting) of a uniquely post-Katrina bounce track with mass New Orleans appeal--because everyone and anyone is doing DIY home repair these past few years around here.
I, somewhat ridiculously, hate this Walmart video with a consuming passion that is the parallel of my ridiculous love for the Hammertime video. "wal-mart" is exactly the racist, (hetero)sexist, consumerist counterpart, the evil twin, to the Hammertime video.
(Do you know how long we fought that f-ing Wal-Mart ?! gaaah )
thus Mr Ghetto's mass appeal across the US, surely, it swipes the core premise--the surreality of bounce at a big box store, but tries very hard to reaffirm US society's prejudices about [pick something]. so of course it blows up. and the song sucks. sigh.
within the same time frame, lookit how Big Freedia stole the idea in a much better way, took it two steps beyond, and green screened herself shaking ass with all ages and neighborhoods, in the industrial canal, on top of an awesome track.
what we need next is a bounce video for /on top of Charity hospital, or Orleans parish school board. who's down?
posted by eustatic at 11:18 PM on June 19, 2011 [4 favorites]
Yeah, bounce-as-music has been around for a long time. I was thinking more of the music paired with independently created videos that then spread widely on the internet, some of which affirm some fairly progressive ideas about sex and gender. That's what I meant by "looking at a cultural product". But yeah, you're right that "a few years ago" was probably a misstatement on my part.
I posit that the recent bounce video wave is all a result of the word of mouth / viral success of the Hammertime video, and Da Chaotic Shakaz. this wal mart BS is a pale rip off of that wonderful creation. Chaotic Shakaz didn't write the tune, don't fill clubs like Big Freedia, but that video was the reason that Katy Red and Big Freedia have wonderful new videos.
what makes the hammertime video so great? it marks a break from the ass-shaking video that is solely about ogling women--by taking ass shaking on location, in a multitude of public arenas, and not just the classic, large outdoor party in the housing projects (now destroyed post-Nagin). its surreal humor. the young people doing their joyous thing that is totally unexpected--an ass-shaking dance crew? on top of the mcdonald's bench / push cart / lumber pile / while holding each other's ankles? what! the young people making a video representation (lowe's / home depot setting) of a uniquely post-Katrina bounce track with mass New Orleans appeal--because everyone and anyone is doing DIY home repair these past few years around here.
I, somewhat ridiculously, hate this Walmart video with a consuming passion that is the parallel of my ridiculous love for the Hammertime video. "wal-mart" is exactly the racist, (hetero)sexist, consumerist counterpart, the evil twin, to the Hammertime video.
(Do you know how long we fought that f-ing Wal-Mart ?! gaaah )
thus Mr Ghetto's mass appeal across the US, surely, it swipes the core premise--the surreality of bounce at a big box store, but tries very hard to reaffirm US society's prejudices about [pick something]. so of course it blows up. and the song sucks. sigh.
within the same time frame, lookit how Big Freedia stole the idea in a much better way, took it two steps beyond, and green screened herself shaking ass with all ages and neighborhoods, in the industrial canal, on top of an awesome track.
what we need next is a bounce video for /on top of Charity hospital, or Orleans parish school board. who's down?
posted by eustatic at 11:18 PM on June 19, 2011 [4 favorites]
I want to thank a bunch of the posters in here for changing my mind - I looked at the video, pretty quickly dismissed it as a bunch of sexist garbage, and wouldn't have given bounce music a second thought. But, at work and trying to avoid effort, I read the comments, got links to the Hammertime video, the Big Freedia stuff, and read your descriptions & stories. Now I'm downloading a Galactus album or two, it's going on my workout list.
+1 convert, thanks!
posted by Lemurrhea at 6:03 AM on June 20, 2011
+1 convert, thanks!
posted by Lemurrhea at 6:03 AM on June 20, 2011
The dancers in the Wal*Mart video defend the song. Not exactly hard-hitting news, but I thought some good points were raised.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 8:30 AM on June 20, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 8:30 AM on June 20, 2011 [2 favorites]
They really need to just say "It's a booty dance. Sure it's crap, but it's fun, and so what if I am potentially messing shit up, we're young and its fun".
posted by cashman at 10:35 AM on June 20, 2011
posted by cashman at 10:35 AM on June 20, 2011
Yes, me too. I'm with Lemurrhea and also like the distinction that eustatic is making.Thanks!
posted by salvia at 7:09 PM on June 20, 2011
posted by salvia at 7:09 PM on June 20, 2011
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posted by domo at 1:19 PM on June 18, 2011 [6 favorites]