Karaoke in Culture
The popular entertainment format of karaoke has become an international sensation. People all over the world participate in karaoke contests, and enjoy singing in karaoke bars and clubs. Karaoke has ingrained itself into our culture and it is becoming more and more popular every minute. It has even begun appearing in pop culture as well as not being quite as well-received in some countries as the innocent pastime it is.
For the most part, karaoke is well accepted in the international community, with the exception of Korea. Considering that karaoke originated in that part of the world, it is interesting to see how the Korean government has reacted. Karaoke has been banned in the country of North Korea. Karaoke bars and similar establishments are not allowed in the country. The government sees them as a method of 'enemy scheming' that must be firmly crushed and confronted. The North Korean government is afraid that karaoke singers threaten the socialist system of the country. While the South Korean government has not banned karaoke in the country, there have been 'expressions of dissatisfaction' over the amount of Japanese songs that have been circulating in the karaoke community.
Since karaoke arrived on the cultural scene, it has been showing up all over the place in movies and television shows. "The Cable Guy" with Jim Carrey in 1996 is one of the first instances in which we see a karaoke bar. Other movies in which karaoke has shown up includes but is not limited to: "My Best Friend's Wedding", "Rush Hour 2", and "Duets" which focuses around a father and daughter (Huey Lewis and Gweneth Paltrow) both competing in various karaoke contests has achieved near 'cult status' with karaoke enthusiasts, in spite of being a box office flop.
One of the best instances of karaoke in television comes in the form of the television show "Angel", the popular spin-off of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". Starting around the second season of the show, a karaoke bar called 'Karatas' is one of the many scene settings used. The bar is run by a future seeing demon named Lorne - played by actor/singer Any Hallett - who can read peoples fortunes when they sing - what else? Karaoke! This setting is used quite a few times on the television show and fans have been treated to the 'song styles' of David Boreanaz (Angel), Andy Hallett (Lorne), and Christian Kane (Lindsey McDonald) who is an accomplished singer with his country music band 'Kane'.
In fact, karaoke has become so popular across the international community that many bars now have their own karaoke rooms and 'Karaoke Nights' for anyone who wishes to try their hand at singing with popular and classic songs. Everything from Elvis to Linkin Park can be found on commercially used karaoke machines. There is even an international Karaoke World Championship based out of Finland in which participants compete in regional tournaments to make it to main event and crowned the karaoke champion.
Karaoke is a great party game as well and many people have invested in personal karaoke machines in order to enjoy the fun at home as well. It's a great pastime and anyone can enjoy singing their favorite songs in style.
