How Does Soul Train Influence Popular Culture

Before watching this documentary, I had no knowledge of the existence of the show called Soul Train. As someone who was born near the end of the show’s run on television, and as an Indian-American, I was never exposed to Soul Train as a kid. I did, however, recognize the term “soul train line.” To my surprise, I already knew some of the segments that were made popular by Soul Train. This dance-music program has had a strong influence on popular culture today so that the newer generation, without even knowing of the show, has already accepted it and has been appreciating it all along.
Before Soul Train’s first season was aired on local television, African-Americans had very limited recognition. Soul Train was the first exclusively African-American …show more content…
Soul Train influenced modern day American pop culture by introducing new genres of music and dance. Soul Train brought light to soul music, which soon became a genre that was not only excusive to African-American artists. Hip hop music illustrated the struggle of African-American youth, and despite Don’s inability to understand the purpose of the hip hop genre, the show shared this genre with the rest of the nation as well. Black music influenced pre-existing genres as well because of Soul Train. Disco records’ sound evolved and began to bear a strong resemblance to black records. The genres of music and dance that were brought into mainstream media are what made Soul Train’s impact on popular culture so significant. In addition to this, elements of the show have weaved themselves into modern day American culture. Many people today know of the “soul train line”, a term that was first introduced on the show and eventually became a common phrase in conversation. Not everyone knows the origin of the phrase, but Soul Train has made enough of a lasting impact that its segments are now popular activities at social