The music video for "American Ride" by Toby Keith addresses many issues in American society today. In one context the video takes some very recent and very controversial topics for our society and almost dismisses them as a part of American culture. This is done with the lyrics "I love this American ride". He is almost saying that all of these things and the controversy surrounding them give our society an identity of sorts.
In another context Keith could be using a satirical voice in relationship to these issues. I do not know if I would go so far as to say he is making fun of Americans, but in a sense he is. He calls out some of the more ridiculous obsessions and intrigues of some people of this country and exploits them. He mentions television shows and scandals. Keith specifically mentions Desperate Housewives and the Trump scandal. People religiously watch some television shows and we all know that the entire nations chomps at the bit to get a glimpse of a good, juicy celebrity scandal.
This song and video made by Toby Keith would not be complete without referencing politics. He takes jabs at both former President George W. Bush and current President Barack Obama. There are many more political references but these two were more controversial and stick out more in the video.
This video is packed with references to current events. I have watched it multiple times and each time I pick up another innuendo or reference to something. While this video was very controversial, I think it is a Great video to take a look at and analyze it. This video is even more interesting if you look at it in multiple contexts like we were asked to. This opened my mind up to things in the video that I had not thought of in that way before. On the surface this song is a feel - good American pride song. However after some thinking, you will find that there is much more to it than that.
