Shiquita Jones 6/5/08 Expository Essay Every culture has some form of music they practice or enjoy listening to. Music can have a huge impact around the world. Music has important themes or meanings that can be positive or negative. Music originated around the globe. Music is created for all ages to listen to; however it can be harmful to certain people for various reasons. Some cultures musical styles are similar; however many are also different. African Americans have quite different musical rhythms and instruments from the musical traditions of Native Americans. In this essay I will explain the differences and similarities between Iroquois, a Native American tribe and African American music. Music is used for various reasons between Iroquois and African Americans. It is used for recreation, rituals and ceremonies, story telling, and language. For example, African Americans sung spiritual songs to help one another during slavery, so the master wouldn't know what they were talking about. Music was also used in Iroquois and Africans Americans society by communicating with others parts of the world. Music was used as an early sign of general cultural diffusion. (Plantinga, p.6) Music is used to help expand our world and cultures. Music is a part of most activities that African Americans and Iroquois tribes enjoy. Music is taught and learned orally by both cultures. This means that they are sung and played together easily; working together as a team. Alternation between a leader and the group is a common way of call and response. For instance, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is a call response song, that's sung by African Americans. Music can be taught within every culture the same, but different at the same time. Iroquois and African Americans have different types of music they listen to. Iroquois listen to Earth songs and African Americans listen to a lot of music. Earth Songs were basically songs that had some type of connection with the earth. One type of earth song was called Standing Quiver. This song is sung by women of the Iroquois tribe in the short syllables that required a response from the men. Also, Sharpened Stick is a earth song that Iroquois sung in their culture. This song changes beats, and the men and women switch places by the sound of the beat. Blue Ragtime Music was sung by African Americans. Ragtime music was originated in the 1800's. Ragtime music is a style of jazz. (Plantinga, p.10) It was the first truly American musical genre. The Minstrel shows Songs were a part f African American cultures. White men would initiate black musicals. The minstrel was popular in the 1840's. Music has its own style that's why people enjoy it. Musicals were performed in different places for Iroquois and African Americans, so that people would come to enjoy it. Both would also perform in special places to present a message to their people. Iroquois would have special musicals in their longhouses. Longhouses were large enough to hold 60 to 70 people. Iroquois loved when it was time to go to the longhouse, some even lived their. (Bial, p.3) Vandeville Theater was used for African Americans to have performances. This theater attracted everyone attention. African Americans performed most of their musical to reinforce racist stereotypes. (Danzer, p.2) Music can be performed anywhere, but what matter is the message the performer is given to the audience. Music had an large impact on both societies. African American music was an integral part of mainstream American culture. African American slaves began performing a wide variety of spirituals and other Christian music. Many of these songs were coded messages against slaveholders. Iroquois consider the effects of music as personal and communal decisions. Iroquois also believed that songs honoring the covenant between human beings and nature with riveting music will get them to heaven. Music has In conclusion, music is a part of every society. Some cultures have musical styles in common, but some have different. Most music is a way for people to enjoy themselves. Music can lead people to see differently from others. Music can take people on journals around the globe. Music has huge on people effects whether good or bad. Music has an influence on every individual, so chose your music wisely.