Do We Need Pop Culture More Than Food?
In the Module 1 presentation, there are a number of different suggestions of what exactly popular culture is. Out of all of the definitions presented, the most fascinating one is by Welsh writer and professor Raymond Williams, who suggested that pop culture was a culture that sustained and nourished us on a social level to a point where he believed that it was needed more than real nourishment, such as food. Now, of course, this is only a metaphor. Obviously, food is much more important than entertainment. But it does bring up an interesting question about where pop culture stands in our priorities in life and how the pop culture that we consume has allowed us to connect with other people.
Think back to the last time you hung out with your friends, what were some of the things that you talked about? You probably mentioned a movie that you saw recently or a video game that you enjoyed. Perhaps you started watching a TV show that your friend recommended, and now the two of you can begin to nerd out about it. Whether we realize it or not, pop culture is interconnected with every other aspect of our lives, to the point where we're all currently taking a class about it. Raymond Williams describes in 'On High and Popular Culture' the difference between high culture and pop culture, saying that the original intention of popular culture was to give those in lower levels of society their own cultures to relate to due to elite classes being very protective of their own culture. However, this began to change in the last hundred years, as all types of culture began to become readily available for all.
Because of this change, pop culture has gone from something meant to divide us to something that unites us. When we try to get to know somebody better, we often turn to our favorite movies and music to find common ground with them. In this sense, it isn't a stretch to say that pop culture is a food for our social lives, giving us a way to bond with people and lead to conversations that help us connect with them on a deeper level.
What are some ways you've used pop culture to connect with others?
Sources:
https://newrepublic.com/article/79269/high-and-popular-culture
Great points, James! Your post had me recalling a chat with my co-workers around the copy machine this past week. Since we are still working hybrid, when we do get together in the office, we typically start the day with the usual pleasantries (good morning, how was your drive in, etc.), but it ALWAYS leads into a conversation about what everyone is streaming on TV. This week, the hot show topic was "Landman", which doesn’t surprise me as we have spent years chatting about "Yellowstone" and with the two shows having the same writer, it makes sense that "Landman" is the shiny new penny right now. I’m in alignment with you and your comment that pop culture unites us. In my situation, pop culture is the common denominator for six individuals of different ages, gender and religion.
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ReplyDeleteRe-commenting to add some additional references!
ReplyDeletePop-culture is one of the only things that makes me feel connected to others, but I'd also argue that it creates division. We all know someone who is really passionate about a TV show, or fixated on whether your team Edward or Jacob. Yes, it's a great opportunity to find common ground with family or co-workers, but I will admit I've also used pop-culture as a tool to identify who I want to surround myself with. If someone at work always referenced Bob's Burgers, we'd probably get along great. But if I knew someone was really passionate about something I didn't have a great experience with (e.g. South Park, Family Guy, etc.), I probably wouldn't make an effort to discuss pop-culture with them. I will admit though, it's always interesting to hear more about why they enjoy it. I highlighted similar thoughts in my own post, but David Jacobsen also writes that this curiosity is what inspired the study of pop-culture in the first place, so great job!