Diamonds are Forever

I think that Kanye West's video for Diamonds from Sierra Leone was a great example of cultural hegemony.  Cultural hegemony proves that most everything benefits those with power.  This music video portrayed that perfectly.  The whole blood diamond situation is a devastating side of cultural hegemony.  Those in power wanted diamonds and they didn't care where they came from as long as the receiver of the diamond was happy.  The music video showed young kids sifting for diamonds in caves surrounded by armed soldiers.  On the other hand the video also showed the wealthy white people enjoying diamonds that cost the blood and lives of innocent children.  Those in power don't care what it takes to receive what they want, and they will exploit any group in order to attain what they desire. This is an extreme version of cultural hegemony, however we are effected by cultural hegemony everyday.  Using the example of designer clothes is another great point because those who are not in power technically lose out, where the rich profit.  I think it's important to recognize cultural hegemony, because often times it can have devastating effects on certain groups, and those in power typically don't recognize this or care.