HUM FPX 1150 Assessment 1

Cultural Artifact Analysis

Chosen Artifact

The chosen artifact is the “If I Can Dream” song by Walter Earl Brown and performed by Elvis Presley in 1968. My childhood is preceded by my stepdad’s constant devotion to hearing Elvis’s music, and I recall distinctly singing along. Recently, after seeing a movie, I was captivated by Elvis’s performance of “If I Can Dream.” To my surprise, this reflective and moving song, as opposed to his more up-tempo songs like “Hound Dog” or “Burning Love,” now speaks to me on a deeper level. As an adult, I began to understand the lyrical meaning and its importance.

Historical and Artistic Contexts of the Artifact

Elvis Presley was shocked beyond belief with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which occurred on April 4, 1968, only a few months before the song was released. The historical context of the song is the civil rights address by Dr. King Jr., in which he demanded equal treatment of everyone regardless of their color, as eloquently put in his 1963 address (King Jr., 1963). In the tumultuous year of 1968, when society saw massive upheaval and the assassinations of Dr. King and Senator Robert Kennedy, Elvis’s hometown city of Memphis was in the spotlight.

HUM FPX 1150 Assessment 1 Cultural Artifact Analysis

The song “If I Can Dream” by Walter Brown was composed based on Elvis’s intense emotions regarding these events. Elvis reportedly said, “I’m never going to sing another song I don’t believe in. I’m never going to make another picture I don’t believe in” (Genius, 2022) when he heard the song for the first time. The performance of the song was also made with emotion, incorporating jazz and percussion instruments and backup singers, which made its impact more powerful.

Cultural Values Conveyed Through the Artifact

The artifact passes cultural values in accordance with the importance of human rights. Elvis was brought up in a black-dominated community and was greatly influenced by African American blues. He became an outspoken advocate for breaking down racial barriers. His belief in equality is portrayed in the song. The cultural value of social awareness is another built into the artifact, as Elvis tries to say what he knows about civil rights concerns and wanting equality. As an individual, I resonate to such values, as there have been episodes of biased dialogue in my family. Elvis’ commitment to equality resonates with my own belief, despite my own privileged avoiding the harsh racism of my childhood.

Shaping Perspectives

Cultural artifacts play a pivotal role in shaping perspectives, influencing our understanding and attitudes. Actively listening, deciphering meanings, and delving into historical contexts contribute to social awareness and the development of cultural values. Different individuals may derive distinct perspectives from the same artifact based on their upbringing and values. Prior to exploring this artifact, it was merely another Elvis song to me. But it is today a strong symbol, strongly impacting my perception and increasing my admiration for Elvis and Walter Brown for creating such an influential piece of work during challenging times for the black community.