If one is to look up the definition of pop culture, they will see how it is meant to be the collection of ideas, opinions, perspectives and thoughts that are considered ‘main-stream’, agreed by the majority of our society. A “shared bond” between us, a “universal language” that we can all understand and appreciate. A means to unite us, provide us with joy and entertainment, and even a tool through which one can“[bring] to light various social issues that run rampant but are ignored”.
For instance, one great example of the potential of pop-culture to be used for good is the ‘ice bucket challenge’, a challenge gone viral that supported the ALS Association which raises money for research and patient service.
However, for the most part, today’s ‘pop culture’, is far from the idealistic description above. Often times it is propagated by just a few social influencers that are seen as being ‘cool’ and ‘popular’. Picked up by teens in order to look ‘trendy’, it is spread, often through peer pressure with others feeling the need to ‘fit in’.
This, in turn, may have negative consequences, such as encouraging the concept of following an opinion without critically thinking about it.
A brilliant analogy that sums this up is one made by Jim Taylor, a psychologist who states that it may be compared to junk food, stating that it is “delicious, fills us up, and makes us feel good”, becoming the “opiate” of the masses.
Thus, I believe that while the concept of pop culture may be positive, in its current state, it has far more cons then it does pros.
Your post contains quite an interesting perspective on pop culture especially regarding its purpose and potential which is something that is not quite so apparent in the world today. Do you think, perhaps, that pop culture not being used to propagate messages on social issues, however, might in itself be representative of the views and priorities of the general public? This could mean that it does, in fact, fulfill that idealistic definition above.
I like how you quoted someone, also how you weighed both the sides, saying the pop culture was good but now it may not be bad but it is not the old definition. Though maybe you can say if the pop culture today is something you think is okay, like if using pop culture to be trendy is a worsen from the collection of ideas that it used to be.
I like how you have given many links and examples about pop culture. How you have linked direct quotes from officials. I think you should give a slightly more descriptive introduction.
I think that this is a very good explanation of popular culture, and some of the advantages and disadvantages of it. Something that you did well was to name a person that held a perspective that you wrote about. However, I would have liked for more clarification on certain negative aspects, for example, how popular culture can peer pressure teens.
I like how you quoted someone, also how you weighed both the sides, saying the pop culture was good but now it may not be bad but it is not the old definition. Though maybe you can say if the pop culture today is something you think is okay, like if using pop culture to be trendy is a worsen from the collection of ideas that it used to be. To add to that I really like how you talked about the ALS ice bucket challenge as it was a big trend a while ago and it was for a good cause, a good example on how recent pop culture is good.
I think that you have brought up some very valid points, for example, the ALS challenge that gained popularity through social media, which had a really positive outcome. You said that there is pressure to fit in but why do you think that is? Do people fear being left behind? Have you thought of any other positive influences that pop culture has had on generations?