Searching for Sugar Man

        The documentary Searching for Sugar Man was one big metaphor; there was so much symbolism to be found in almost every scene, and between the lines throughout the film. Sixto Rodriguez, aka “Sugar Man” was known as an “inner-city poet,” (the streets were Rodriguez’s natural habitat, he could always be found on a corner). He was frequently compared to Jimi Hendrix and cited as a “legend,” and at his “everyday job,” noted as a man who wore a tuxedo to do construction work. His entire life seemed to be a series of symbolic events, and his song lyrics portrayed real-life situations – in the midst of all this, he became hero-like in the way he spoke to the people through the art of song.

        One of the most fascinating and unbelievable facts (at least to this writer) about Rodriguez is that no one had ever heard his music, which was also reminiscent of the state of the music industry –bad. To that point, what’s even more remarkable is the completion of the metaphor; nobody bought his albums- similar to the subjects of his songs who were “invisible and forgotten.” Another almost eerie truth came from his song “Cause,” which spoke about him losing his job two weeks before Christmas, and in fact, two weeks before Christmas his label dropped him. The story came true. That song was the last one he ever recorded. One of the characteristics of the symbolic frame is the idea of stories and fairy tales. According to our textbook, “effective organizations are full of good stories. They often focus on the legendary exploits of corporate heroes” (Bolman & Deal, 2013). Rodriguez was a legend and a hero, and the documentary told us his story. He spoke to people, and through song, relayed the message that “there is a way out.” The significance of heroes in the symbolic frame is explained in our textbook: “exploits of heroes and heroines are lodged in our psyches. We call on their examples in times of uncertainty and stress” (Bolman & Deal, 2013). This is a prime example of how Rodriguez was a hero to those who listened to his music- he gave them hope.

        Although his albums didn’t sell in the U.S., in the 1970’s his album Cold Fact was a best seller in South Africa, a nation that was going through hell from the government. Story says that someone a copy of the album from America to South Africa and shared copies with others. The album quickly spread and his popularity grew. Due to the political crisis at the time, his lyrics seemed to “set the oppressed people” free. In a sense, his album gave people the permission to free their minds and speak up for what they believed in, and gave them comfort that “it’s ok to protest and be angry with your society.” So in an attempt to find out more about their “Elvis,” the youth in South Africa were shocked to find out that he had committed suicide (and different kinds of suicide, at that). So this songwriter’s death now made the metaphor and myth even stronger, and gave the lyrics to those songs more meaning, as he seemingly died for his music to keep them alive.

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