How would you reply to this post?

This is not the post I need to reply to this is just the overview.

Reflect upon your personal exposure to cultural traditions. Wri-te a brief background of your personal heritage that you identify with, and then post a YouTube video of a piece of music or folk song that represents this cultural tradition. Discuss why you chose this song.

In response to your peers: comment on how it compares to the music or song that you chose to represent yourself. Choose one music element to compare the two music examples.

My Post

Born in the United States of America, I come from a diverse background, including Native American, French, and Italian ancestry. The Native American side of my ancestry has a unique relevance for me, mainly because of its focus on a deep spiritual connection with the environment and community. While I value all elements of my past, I find that the Native American side is significant to me. The music of Native Americans is an essential component of this culture. Rituals often use it to honor the soil and ancestors, fostering unity and spiritual well-being. It is a cultural connection expressed through rhythm, religion, and nature, primarily through music.

Since "Yeha-Noha" is sung in the Navajo language and captures the reverence that Native cultures have for custom, the land, and spiritual well-being, I have chosen it. The persistent drumming, chanting voices, and ambient backdrop cre-ate an emotionally intense reflective experience. Repetitive rhythms and chants form the foundation of Native American music, which is used for ceremonial and spiritual purposes (Hoffer & Bailey, 2016). "Yeha-Noha" falls under these categories, offering a bridge between traditional tribal music and modern production, making it accessible but genuine. I chose this song because it speaks to the human soul and the land, two fundamental tenets of Native American culture. It makes me think about the stories my family has told me and the value of living in balance with the environment. In addition, this song reminds me of the resilience and pride of Native American cultures despite decades of hardship. Being Native helps me stay rooted in my cultural heritage and resiliency, especially at times when I feel cut off from my roots.

The use of rhythm and melody recurrence is one aspect of "Yeha-Noha" that stands out in particular. Native American music commonly employs this technique to evoke contemplative or trance-like states during ceremonies. The mesmerizing, ethereal mood that permeates many traditional ceremonies is created by the drum's rhythmic pulse and the repeated cycles of chanting.

Hoffer, C. & Bailey, D. (2016).Music Listening Today. Cengage Learning.

Sacred SpiritTopic. (2016). Yeha-Noha (Wishes Of Happiness and Prosperity). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaGvr33X_zo&list=RDiaGvr33X_zo&start_radio=1

BELOW IS THE POST I NEED TO REPLY TO!!

Growing up in Kentucky shaped not only who I am, but also how I see the world. Our culture is built on tradition. Strong family bonds, faith, pride in hard work, and a deep appreciation for music that tells a story. Whether it was played at a church revival, on the front porch during summer evenings, or over the radio in a pickup truck on a gravel road, music was always present. It wasn't just for entertainment; it was a way to process emotions, celebrate, and survive. That's the heritage I identify with: Southern resilience and strength.

A song that captures that for me is "Country Strong" by Gwyneth Paltrow. While Gwyneth Paltrow is better known as an actress, her performance in the film Country Strong and this title song resonated with a lot of people from rural areas like where I grew up. The lyrics speak of enduring pain, facing criticism, and still showing strength and dignity. It's about being tough on the outside, even when you're breaking on the inside, a sentiment many in small-town, working-class communities can relate to. That kind of strength isn't loud or flashy; it's quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in faith and perseverance.

"Country Strong" reminds me of the women in my familymothers, grandmothers, and auntswho carried entire households on their shoulders without ever complaining. It's a reminder that being 'country strong' isn't about perfection; it's about grit, grace, and standing tall through the storms. This song connects me back to those Kentucky values and serves as a musical reminder of where I come from and what's important: staying humble, staying true, and never giving up even when life gets hard.

https://youtu.be/YN4tTY7SOvc?si=cGDIWUG7p11qmrZi