Workhorse

Music, Movies and Videogames – America’s Best Exports!

By Phil/Kords | Published 13 March 2021 | No Comments

We all know what the ‘US of A’ exports to the world. They have some of the best-trading partners – Japan, the UK, India, the EU and many more. However, trade isn’t the subject of this blog post. It is export and three things in particular, which does not involve trade. They are Music, movies and videogames.

I am going to talk about those things that have made America not only a superpower but also Soft Super Power. There are three things that the USA exports that have become staple for other countries.

Here are those three things which I will talk about in detail:

Music:

I chose music as number one on my list on purpose. The best bands may be a subject matter of dispute. Let us come to a common ground starting with a few names: Michael Jackson, Chester Bennington, Adam Levine, Amy Lee, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, etc. I am sure at some point in time you may have listened to at least one of them.

Amongst bands, let’s admit Linkin Park, Maroon 5, Creed, Disturbed, Bon Jovi, Gun n Roses, Snap! etc. This list could go on forever for compiling.

Music is a common language we all listen to and speak. Some musicians focus on the genre and then set-a-trend to follow. Others become legends becoming a root cause of inspiration among the new generation. They become a source of inspiration that culminates into an even better music creation process.

Among some of the best American bands and singers out there, I admire Chester Bennington – he had a far-reaching influence on the music scene. Eagles and their unplugged rendition of Hotel California – the guitar cover has been a repetitive occurrence for all strummers! If you play the guitar, how many times have you attempted the most memorable riff?

Unfortunately, I do not play any musical instruments. No regrets.

Other music came in the form of original soundtracks for films. The most iconic, according to me, has to be John Williams’ work on Star Wars, Jaws and Indiana Jones. The soundtrack for Terminator 2 – Judgement Day is good too.

The most recent ones I remember are The Avengers theme, Back Panther theme. Who would’ve thought that orchestral or epic music can also be equally captivating to the ears!

Movies:

Who on earth is not aware of Hollywood and the movie magic they create? I was fascinated with Holywood movie magic ever since I saw Star Wars and subsequent films after that.

Movies that change the way you think, create a franchise, stunts that leave you spellbound and CGI that brings the imagination to life.

I will segregate movies into two genres here – Cinema and films. Cinema is a different genre of films in the form of art. Quintin Tarantino creates art. Yes, his films are violent, but not all of them.

Some actors and directors are artists in their own right where they don’t just act but paint a picture of the character they portray. Cinema means explosive performances by the actors, a well-written script and storyline and superb direction. Cinema is films that do not necessarily win an Oscar or even get nominated for one. They could be Oscar-worthy!

The point I am trying to make? Cinema like Inglorious Bastards come to my mind. Director Quintin Tarantino’s films are drama oriented and slow to build up tense moments. Take the bar scene as an example where Michael Fassbender blows his cover by showing ‘three fingers’. Any other director may have cut short the moment. But not Tarantino.

He has maintained that style of direction since Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fictions.

Let me sum it up by saying – the US is the Entertainment capital of the world!

Videogames:

Being a gamer myself, how can you expect me to leave videogames out from my list? America makes some of the best games and Japan is next.

With the dawn of mobile games, it has now expanded vastly and isn’t confined to one geographic location. The games are made wholesome but I digress.

My favourite games from the strategy genre are the Warhammer 40,000 series, Age of Empire and Rise of Nations. I still play Warhammer – Soulstorm on my PC.

I will not go deeper into video gaming since its a huge topic to cover. But if you are a gamer, you know exactly what I mean.

To summarize what I have said, Movies, Music and Gaming are America’s greatest, biggest and best exports. If you dispute what I have said, you are welcome to post your counter view in the comments.

Latest posts