Pop Saves Hong Kong – Benedict Leung
From Tofu Magazine:
When we see the generalised merchandising of words, things, bodies and souls, communication technology, now more than ever, plays a central ideological role in silencing thought. In this new age of alienation, the increasing use of pop stars by the media and in advertising illustrates this debasing process.
Pop star culture is all-pervasive in HK: radio programs are broadcast in buses, mini-buses and taxis, the latest music videos are screened in underground stations and pirated CDs buzz in shops and shopping centres. It’s on the perennial TVs in bars and clubs, on giant billboards, posters and magazines. If a record company decides to plug a song into the public’s sub-conscious there’s nowhere to escape. As a result, people of all ages are obsessed with these nicely packaged, characterless, soulless idols. It’s all about product, promotion and sales – you can forget about content, quality or meaning. [Full Text]
An example from the Golden age of Cantopop, the music video of Anita Mui’s classic “Ê¢¶‰º¥” (“Dream Mate”) from 1985:
