Abstract This paper focuses on the 'physical arts' found in the popularculture of the Caribbean. Specifically, this paper argues that pop culture was and is a form of transgression against external control - specifically European control. Of especial interest, the paper looks at Haiti, for in Haiti - thanks to Aime Cesaire - an appreciation developed for how culture could used as a means of breaking the shackles of European control.
From the Paper "When one assesses popular culture in a Caribbean nation such as Haiti, what becomes apparent is that popular culture is far more than a means of cultural expression; it is, in a very real sense, a tool of defiance - a mode of transgression. This paper will focus upon the use of popular culture throughout the Caribbean as a way of breaking the shackles of European, colonial oppression. In particular, special emphasis will be placed upon Haiti, for this small nation is an especially good example of how a vigorous popular culture can work to ensure freedom and the perpetuation of racial and cultural distinctness."
Abstract This essay will examine this radical metamorphosis in the representation of Asia and Asians in Canadian context. Through an ideological and mythological analysis, the historic racist representations of Asia/Asians in Canadianpopularculture will be interrogated.
Abstract The paper defines popularculture as referring to cultural forms of interest and entertainment common only to the masses or the majority of people. The paper explains how popularculture was seen as being somehow inferior to 'higher', more elitist, forms of culture during the nineteenth century. The paper discusses, however, how the Internet has achieved the distribution of a world wide popularculture that is shared within and between countries. The paper looks at cyber-culture today and concludes that the future shape and forms of popularculture will be influenced by the Internet and its emerging modes of communication.
From the Paper "The view of popular culture as being somehow inferior to 'higher' forms of culture can be traced back through history and to the sense of elitism and divisions in society between the rich and poor, the powerful and the less-powerful. The foundations of the term "popular culture' and its definition in a contemporary context, can be related to influential thinkers like Mathew Arnold and the Nineteenth Century in Britain. "The idea of popular culture, as we know it, only came about in the second half of the nineteenth century and for the first fifty years or so was viewed very negatively by those who dared to acknowledge its existence." (Popular culture)"
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses the popularculture that is prevalent globally. Some light is also shed upon the role that media, both electronic and print, has played in spreading this culture and thus converting the popularculture into a global culture that has more or less established its roots in countries all over the world, ranging from those in America to those in Africa and Asia. The effect that this popularculture is having on the youth of today that blindly embraces it is also taken into consideration.
From the Paper "The popular culture is being embraced by the youth the world over as it creates a sense of belonging and community amongst them. The McDonald's and Coca-cola culture is what the youth of today takes pride in. It is quite a commodity-oriented tradition where the latest hairstyle, shoes, clothes, food and music make the youth of one place in-sync with the youths worldwide. It is apparently "hip" to engage in illicit activities such as sniffing drugs or possessing un-licensed weapons. The pop-culture is basically feeding off the insecurities of the youth; their desire to develop an identity either individually or collectively, they place their souls in their possessions such as cars, hi-fi gadgets, clothes or in the kind of shoes they wear. It is this parameter by which the young judge or are judged. In their attempt to keep up with the modern world as they see it each tries to out shine, the other which usually results in hostility and animosity."
Abstract This paper explains and defines popularculture in terms of its historical development and social meaning. The idea of a qualitative content analysis is also explained and a qualitative content analysis of sport and certain overlapping forms of popularculture is then conducted.
Outline:
Introduction
PopularCulture Historical Development
Defining PopularCulture Qualitative Content Analysis
Sport
Qualitative Content Analysis Of Sport
Contextualisation
Social Context
Political Context
Economic Context
Historical Context
Conceptual Analysis
Ideology
Hegemony
Representation
Globalisation
Interrelatedness
Conclusion
Sources Consulted
From the Paper "The wealthy corporations of the world mostly produce modern day popular culture in bulk, whereas in the past, popular culture was produced and used by individual people. This idea of bulk selling can be seen in the television and film cultures specifically. In this way, modern popular culture is produced to be used as a product for consumption of the masses. In the past, all societies have had forms of popular culture (Gitlin, 1981). Since the early part of mans history, people have begun to spontaneously create forms of popular culture. Early man created artistic expressions of meaning in the form of cave art, which served as art, as well as a primitive form of writing. In ancient Rome, the people were accustomed to seeing street shows and singers in travelling carnivals. These examples translate into forms of high culture in modern times."
Abstract The question, What is popularculture and how does it relate to Eastern and Western societies? is an apparently simple query that conceals a complex range of social cultural and economic aspects. This essay examines this question, beginning with a provisional definition of popularculture and an attempt to distinguish it from other cultural forms such as high culture and mass culture. The thesis is argued that popularculture is, in its fundamental elements, a commercial culture that is dependent to an extraordinary degree upon the mass media as a technological vehicle for its messages and products.
Abstract This paper investigates the effect that popularculture in America has had on attitudes, in terms of concepts of wealth and power. The paper focuses on the visual media, with special attention given to the film and advertising industry. The central point that this paper makes is that the modern media can distort values and the truth through the creation of popularculture.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Influence Of PopularCulture: The Visual Media And Advertising
Conclusion
From the Paper "The central point that this paper wishes to make is that the modern media can distort values and the "truth" through the creation of popular culture. On the one hand the idea of freedom and material success are relatively positive aspects within the message of democracy in popular culture; but on the other hand it also leads to expectation and unrealistic views of life. This aspect is even more serious when American popular culture is exported to other counties where the images of wealth and power can even be less realistic and can create psychological and social confusion."
This paper discusses the distorted image of women based on the unrealistic portrayal of women in popularculture as depicted in fashion magazines and advertisements.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 16 sources, 2005, $ 142.95
Abstract This paper reviews the troubling issue of eating disorders and low self-image among women who are constantly inundated with unrealistic portrayals of 'western' beauty in popularculture. The author points out the dynamic nature of the 'ideal female form' over time. The paper explores the effects of this western image upon non-western cultures that have been inundated with western advertising in the global age.
From the Paper "The issue of how women are portrayed in the mass-media of contemporary society is an exceedingly interesting one; it is also vitally important. For the professional anthropologist, understanding this complex phenomenon is a major first step towards understanding the gender stereotypes and assumptions that have, in large measure, defined our society. Put another way, to understand the treatment of women in popular magazines and advertisements is to understand their treatment in our homes, offices and even schools. This paper will examine how the 'ideal female form' - at least as it is depicted in our popular culture - vitiates the health of women, re-affirms traditional gender roles, and impresses upon non-western cultures a western conception of female physical beauty that is inherently unhealthy. To buttress this contention, a number of steps are obviously in order."
Abstract The paper relates that music, television and media in general are part of American popularculture, with each one impacting the evolution of the cultural environment. The paper discusses how there are beneficial trends, such as the information capability and the perspective of relaxation and leisure time, but there is also the major trend of the media manipulating and influencing the social and personal behavior of individuals.
From the Paper "The notion of culture is a relative term in most periods of the time. Its definition varies according to the selection criteria and the point of reference. In this sense, for instance, while the French culture is considered to be one of the most important proofs of the civilized world from the point of view of the traditional art critic, there are those that see in the American manifestations of culture the most obvious signs of development of the evolution scale. However, the American culture, to those that decide to accept its existence, differs in terms of components from the rest of the traditional cultural values. Thus, music, television, media in general are part of what can today be described as the American popular culture."
Abstract This research paper discusses whether we export a popularculture that promotes escapism, consumerism, violence and greed. The author takes the position that this is indeed true and cites examples from the book "Can't Buy My Love" by Jean Kilbourne.
Abstract Apple Computer, Inc., is recognized worldwide for creating powerful solutions that are based on user-friendly personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal digital assistants, and Internet content. This paper shows how Apple has had a profound influence on popularculture as well. It explains how Macintosh users are not just users, they are devotees who use the computer to express their beliefs on the relationship between technology and society; they believe the Mac is not simply an object by which to think, it is a spiritual path to a future where technology and humans co-exist in harmony.
From the Paper "As one computer commentator asserts, "Apple never pretended to be just another Silicon Valley start-up"it sold itself as the great hope of the counterculture? (Lam Pp). When Apple introduced the iMac, it captivated consumers, in fact, approximately one-third of those who bought iMacs had never owned a computer before (Fishman Pp). These first-timers were motivated to purchase their first computer because of the image that the iMac conveyed ? its colors, approachability, and simplicity (Fishman Pp). Apple was the first manufacturer to produce a computer in a rainbow of colors and the iMac instantly won a spot in popular culture and came to represent all turn-of-the-century computers (Fishman Pp)."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that culture has many forms, through which one could define the way one lives, the way one interacts and how one perceives things. Further, the writer maintains that one is molded by cultural elements that evolve as society faces the developments of time. The writer explains that what is considered "pop culture" mostly refers to various elements in society that are most often portrayed in art, music and television. The writer focuses on the trend of reality TV. The writer concludes that one could therefore evaluate that popularculture has given birth to a not general or abstract display of people's beliefs, attitudes and emotions in the modern period. The writer claims that reality TV shows are a representation of the culture of people, a repetition of cultural pattern that may be presented in a modified manner depending on how it is perceived and accepted by the public viewers.
From the Paper "Reality TV was mostly popular beginning 2000. Many shows were created wherein participants compete with each other in real-life situations. Other shows just simply displayed the daily home activities of an individual or group of individuals. Such shows are not scripted and do not involve professional acting. Thus, what the participants portray on the screen is real and spontaneous. Because of this, Reality TV became a hit because it portrays attitudes or behavior and actions that are reflection of what is being practiced in the real world. The fact that viewers patronize the show, it could lead to a conclusion that they can relate to what they see on their television screens. This could be an indicator of the public's familiarization of patterns of culture which is found in these reality television shows."
Abstract This paper examines the role of lawyers in popularculture and relates the themes of "To Kill a Mocking Bird", "Presumed Innocent", "12 Angry Men", and "A Few Good Men" to Steven Vago's theories in his 1997 book "Law and Society".
Abstract This paper examines the upsurge in the production of popularculture for mass audiences, with reference to the transformation of "Asian" subculture in Canada; from racist portrayals only decades ago, to their defining "coolness" today. The paper argues that the social transformation of the popular image of this non-western group reflects how pop culture is closely linked to economic power and globalized cultural production in the post war era. The paper explains that Canadian social historians have argued that the Canadian mass media played a critical role in the shaping of racist ideologies and stereotypes to exclude Asians from Canadian mainstream society. In conclusion, the paper shows that as Asian economic growth continues, it appears likely that Canadian pop culture will assume more and more elements of Asian popularculture in the years to come as the "coolness" of Asian culture becomes ever stronger.
Outline:
Introduction
Images of Asia and Canadian Racism
The Cross-Cultural Origins of Cool
Cross-Cultural Coolness and Economic Power
From the Paper "Today Canada, and in particular its large cities of Toronto and Vancouver, are highly multicultural societies defined by mass media and integrated into the global marketplace. In this highly mediated space, Asian popular culture - from the Hong Kong action movies of John Woo, to the cross-cultural popularity of "bubble tea", anime and manga, to children's television programs such as Sailor Moon and Dragonball Z - has played a significant role in the shaping of our society. This fact is particular ironic given that, only a few decades ago, the popular image of Asian in Canadian society was highly racist."
Tags:popular, images, manga, anime, racist, multicultural, society
Abstract This paper will present hockey as a Canadian myth. The term "myth" however, will have a particular meaning, defined presently. The discussion will include popularCanadianculture as well as the meaning of Hockey stardom for the players, young players emulating them and aspiring to the NHL, and the meaning of hockey myths for the general populace.
