Representation and exoticism in music

Music is powerful not only because it moves us emotionally, but also because it shapes how we see and understand the world. One key way it does this is through representation: music portrays identities, cultures, and places, creating vivid images and emotional connections. However, representation can easily become problematic when it relies on stereotypes, simplifies complex cultures, or presents people as exotic, distant, or “other.” This module explores these themes, focusing specifically on how video game music illustrates the complicated relationships between exoticism and representation.

In video games serve as an excellent entry point here in part because they often focus on world building: designers create entire new spaces and peoples to animate a game. In these new worlds, music often evokes specific cultural settings or identities. Even when the worlds are imaginary, though, the musical references can be very real, and they’re often blatant stereotypes: they might represent cultures in inaccurate or unethical ways that play off of and build on real-life prejudices. What happens when diverse musical traditions are blended together to create something perceived as exotic, for example? In examining these contexts, you’ll deepen your understanding of how music can shape—and distort—our perceptions of people, places, and cultures around the world.

Required reading

Your main reading by Tim Summers explores how video games use music to represent exotic or unfamiliar places and peoples. Summers examines the complexities involved in representing cultures musically, raising important questions about authenticity, stereotype, and ethical responsibility. He introduces several examples from well-known games, discussing how their music portrays cultures as exotic, distant, and often simplified. Pay close attention to his discussion of exoticism and otherness, how representation works, and how we might think about cultural appropriation. This reading has two parts, so be sure to read them both (the second is a pair of case studies, accessible through a link on the same page).

Tim Summers, “Video Game Music: Exoticism, Representation, and Two Case Studies”

Assignment: Reflecting on musical representation and exoticism

In your discussion post (around 300 words), reflect on how representation, exoticism, or globalization influences your experience of music—whether in video games or elsewhere. Choose one of the following prompts:

Option 1: Exoticism and your listening experience

Think of a time you encountered music that represented a culture different from your own—perhaps in a game, film, or another medium. Did this musical representation shape how you understood or felt about that culture? Did you notice any stereotypes, simplifications, or distortions? How did your experience connect to the issues of exoticism discussed by Summers?

Option 2: Authenticity and ethical representation

Drawing directly on the Summers reading, reflect on the responsibilities composers and media creators have when representing different cultures through music. Can you think of examples—whether positive or problematic—from your own gaming or media experiences? What made these examples effective or troubling?

Option 3: Globalization and musical blending

Summers discusses how globalized media like video games often blend musical traditions, creating new, hybrid soundscapes. Reflect on this process. Do you think such blending is enriching or problematic—or both? Use specific examples from games or other media you’ve encountered to illustrate your points.

Explicitly connect your insights to ideas or examples from the reading. Be specific!

An important note

When responding to classmates, thoughtfully engage with their experiences and observations. Ask meaningful questions, share your own experiences, or highlight differences and similarities in how you each perceive issues of representation and exoticism.

Clearly reference and engage with the Summers reading to demonstrate your understanding. Without explicit connections to the reading, you won’t be able to earn full credit. Review the discussion grading rubric for details, and ask if you have any questions!