Forum week 8

This weeks was part two of the theme of 'Gender in music technology'. I was up first and presented my views on 'non-gender' specific trends in music technology, then presented another view of taking this non-gender view further by suggesting that bands such as 'Kraftwerk' are in a way taking the human element out of their music, (cyborg like in a sense)[1].

Laura Gadd presented her views on equality, similar to that of Amy Sincock in the previous week. In addition she suggested that there are signs of male/female differences in the lyrics that are produced by both.[2] I thought this to be an interesting angle but unfortunately she only put forward a couple of examples.

Ben Cakebread presented his views on performer Freddie Mercury, the gay front man of Queen. He gave a few examples of Mercury's sexuality being an issue, the most prominent being the example of Queen performing in Australia early on in their career and being booed off. Then after finding success, returning to Australia with the status of being one of the biggest bands in the world and finding at this point Mercury's sexuality wasn't an issue.[3]

Peter Kelly was the last presenter and put forward the argument of genetic influence/cultural influence may be a factor in why there aren't many women in music technology (he used the Hindu cast system as his example). He suggested affirmative action as a way to address this imbalance.[4]

[1]Leffler, B. "Forum week 8", at University of Adelaide, 03/05/07
[2]Gadd, L. "Forum week 8", at University of Adelaide, 03/05/07
[3]Cakebread, B. "Forum week 8", at University of Adelaide, 03/05/07
[4]Kelly, P. "Forum week 8", at University of Adelaide, 03/05/07