Origins
The first apparent use of the term 'bling bling' in mainstream culture was in reference to the L-3 badge (real gold) and also a hip hop track of the same title, by rapper B.G., along with Baby Birdman, Juvenile et al [1], celebrating their wealth (as many of their tracks do).
"Bling Bling," released in 1999, led to the term proliferating through mainstream hip hop and eventually spilling over into popular culture as a sarcastic term used to mock the perceived vacuousness of hip hop culture. Comedians such as Ali G in the UK, exploited this for humour.
In 2005, the rapper B.G. remarked that he 'wished he'd patented the term' [2] so that he would have profited from its extensive use. In interviews, he has stated that the term refers to the imaginary sound that light makes when it hits a diamond.
The culture of ostentatious display of wealth was ingrained in street culture long before the 90's, however: it is thought that wearing expensive jewellery was the one way in which young previously impoverished men, who had acquired riches through crime, could be sure of holding on to their wealth by keeping it about their person. This marks out the wearer of such jewellery as a person with ghetto roots, as it shows that the source of their wealth or their personal prejudices prevent them from investing in more stable assets such as cash in the bank or property. Hence 'bling bling', while widely regarded as a faddish slang phrase, has been seen by some as manifestation of a deeper socioeconomic problem in the US, trivialised by mainstream media and hip hop. For comparison, see chav.
Criticism
Although the origins of the term "bling bling" are generally credited to African American hip hop artists, the term actually originates from Jamaican patois. Mainstream hip hop music's fixation on bling bling and other material and luxury goods has led to much criticism from media pundits and musical critics. They charge that the phenomenon promotes conspicuous consumption, and strengthens racist arguments that young African American men are supposedly incapable of higher or more virtuous or spiritual goals than material gain, reinforcing the hood rich stereotype. Some of the most vocal critics of "bling bling"-oriented music are alternative hip hop artists.
The short film "Bling: Consequences and Repercussions" shot by Kareem Adouard and narrated by former Public Enemy frontman Chuck D explains how diamonds, a staple of bling fashion, often ironically originate as conflict diamonds, fueling wars, poverty, and killings in Africa.
In a 2004 television interview, rapper Missy Elliot spoke out against 'bling bling' culture, saying that it encouraged young African American men and women to spend their money irresponsibly. Missy stated that she believed it was important for hip hop artists to act as role models in this respect, and encourage young people to invest responsibly and sensibly in stable, long term assets such as real estate. Some observers found this hypocritical in that she herself owns several expensive luxury cars and a gaudy-style decorated condo that was featured on MTV's Cribs, and has been seen with expensive luxury clothes.
Well, Bling may not be your thing, around Thailand and SE Asia you will see many things that glitter which is great if you like shiny and bright. The markets are full of necklaces, phone accessories, t-shirts and really anything you like adorned with silver or gold!
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