Abstract
The paper begins by introducing Adorno's theories on mass culture and commoditization, which were one of the fundamentals of post-modernism as it appeared in the 20th century. It then looks at how the tango dance is one of the most representative forms of manifestation of the Argentinean spirit and people. Born in the mid-1800s, tango was quickly exported to Europe and became a true success story, until its downfall in 1955. It was reborn in 1983 and has been a success ever since. This paper investigates Adorno's theories and applies them in the case of tango, and looks at whether this is the best example we may choose to argument the truth in Adorno's statements. It explains that, while on one hand, tango can be considered an element of mass culture because, in many ways, it has partly embraced the mercantile character of mass culture that Adorno insists upon, in many other ways, tango is still something in its own, a form of art, a form of expression.

Paper Outline:
Introduction
Adorno's Theory of Mass Culture
History of Tango
History of Tango
Adorno's Theories applied to Tango
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Tango is still too imaginative and too expressive to be assimilated as a product of mass culture and classified as a commodity. If we were to pursue on this theoretical path, we would tragically arrive to the conclusion that feelings, emotions and passion are all for sale. However, there were inspired people, like in any other forms of cultural manifestation, that were keen to partly transform tango into a form of entertainment. As any for of entertainment, it could be sold and profit could be obtained by promoting something that was well received in its audience and segment of consumers. Passion sells, many might say. While this argumentation may work in some occasions, passion isn't always understood and passion only addresses a certain category of people. Passion is not a mass culture product."

Tags:commoditization, expression

Abstract
This paper outlines the opposing standpoints of Adorno and Benjamin on popular music, with specific reference to their view of the consumer. The value of these theories are then discussed with reference to the later theories of David Riesman and Henry Pleasants, Andrew Chester, Simon Frith, Richard Middleton and Max Paddison.

From the Paper
"Yet, even if the consumer's perceptive capacity is limited, there is still scope for individual choice, and thus for varying levels of the self-reflective in popular music. If consumers use their music to construct their identity, there will always be a market for these varying levels. As Frith suggests, 'the question should be 'how can popular music construct people?'' A reflection of the person behind the consumer in popular music rejects Adorno's claim that the industry invalidates the individual. Longhurst and Shuker explore this further in their analysis of the industry's sub-cultures, which allow mass identity to segregate and the potential for the individual to find their own route."

Tags:chester, frith, paddison, passivity, pleasants, pseudo, riesman

Abstract
This essay answers the question: how does America figure in the creation and propagation of 'mass culture'? It uses works by notable cultural theorists and media scholars, and explains the intertwining cultural and economic systems that allow US goods, ideas, and information to become a part of the cultures of all industrialized, and many 'third world' nations.

Tags:america, mass, culture

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the theory of neo-Marxism and its significance for mass culture, using Bollywood as an example.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this assignment is to employ neo-Marxist theory concerning the significance of mass culture and the culture industry in modern capitalist society along with Herbert Marcuse's notion of one-dimensional man to a specific topic identified in a Lexis-Nexis database search. Attached to this report is an article written by Fareed Zakaria that explores the significance of India's indigenous mass culture conceptually located within the productions of Bollywood, the center of that country's film industry in which Zakaria ..."

Tags:Neo-Marxism, culture, Herbert Marcuse, Bollywood

Abstract
The question, What is popular culture 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 popular culture and an attempt to distinguish it from other cultural forms such as high culture and mass culture. The thesis is argued that popular culture 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.

Tags:pop, culture, asia

Abstract
This paper discusses how mass media and in particular the television show "American Idol" is a study in people and culture from both a mass media and a sociological standpoint. The series promotes social interaction, shows cultural diversity and is an example of various social systems. In particular, the paper examines how "American Idol" holds various sociological concepts such as social pragmatism, macrosociology and symbolic interactionism. The paper also discusses how "American Idol" crosses all social boundaries and can sometimes result in a homogenization of classes through mass culture.

From the Paper
"American idol holds various sociological concepts dating back as early as those by sociologist George Herbert Mead. The contestants are products of society in which their true selves arise out of social experience as objects of socially symbolic gestures and interactions (an antipositivistic view). The experience of auditioning, and getting selected for the show, can bring out and propel a singer's true self and talent to end up with eventual stardom. This social pragmatism that Mead explored also finds the development of an individual's inner self as purposive and creative and they develop and exist in relation to other minds with shared meanings. (Blumer, Morrione 2004). Although the singers use their creativity and talent to shape their futures, their success depends largely on what the judges opinions are (their constructive criticism) and how the mass audience votes."

Tags:symbolic, interactionism, pragmatism, macrosociology

Abstract
During the fifties, America experienced tremendous growth in many aspects of society. As a result, technological advancements led to sophisticated aspects of American life. Media and advertising became mass media and the invention of the television paved the way to a new generation of communication. The paper shows that a result of this growth, which continues to have an impact on society, was the rise of the "popular" or mass culture - a movement that utilizes the imagery and techniques of consumerism. This paper focuses on the negative aspects of popular culture on high culture (and therefore, on society), pointing out more than anything, that it devalues all the finer aspects of society.

From the Paper
"Architecture has also been influenced by what is considered to be modern or pop movements. Buildings constructed in geometric forms "sheathed in glass and steel" startled people in the fifties. However, the most striking buildings earned a well-deserved reputation for innovation and beauty, such as the United Nations complex in New York City. Jackson Polluck, a painter who initially rejected the idea of abstract pop art, became famous for dripping and spattering paint on buildings as opposed to brushing them on. Examples of the outlandish types of buildings created in the name of popular art in the early fifties is a restaurant built in the shape of a hamburger and gas stations built to look like they were flying in the wind (Davidson 1150)."

Tags:Abstract, Expressionism, Edouard, M?trailler, MTV, A, Clockwork, Orange.

Abstract
This paper shows that although Tango music symbolizes the idealized sophistication of high society, with men in trendy suits and women in sparkling gowns, its origin lies within the dark corners of Argentine society. It discusses its overwhelming impact on Argentina's cultural identity, society, and economy is irrefutable; and explains how it is used to channel artistic expression and to share cultural customs.

From the Paper
"Music historians have traced the word "Tango" to European lineage; it is allegedly from the Spanish "Ta'ir", or a deformation of the word "tambo" used by the (Spanish) colonizers." Some believe the word was borrowed from the Portuguese "and that it would have reappeared at the slave plantations." (http://www.traveltango.com.ar/) Pronunciation of Tango is said to have an African origin. It "is a phonetic deformation of the name Shango, black God of the tempets who eats fire, wears lightening bolts and speaks with thunder." (http://www.traveltango.com.ar/)
In the Nigerian language of Nago, the name of that God is written Sango. The "S" sound is not as the French CH or the English SH. Opposite to what it is usually assumed, it is similar to a Spanish S, whistling sound, so that the articulation from SANGO to TANGO is made with a minimum degree of difficulty." (http://www.traveltango.com.ar/)
While there is no definitive birth of Tango music, there are many theories about its beginnings. It is speculated that Tango began in turn-of-the-century brothels. Valente suggests its origins lie in the dances and music of the African slave communities in the Rio de la Plata region. (Valente)"

Tags:african, music, culture, identity

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in today's world, the mass media has an impact in almost all we do as people. The writer notes that media affects everything from what clothes we wear to what television programs we watch. The writer discusses that James Lull, in his book 'Media, Communication, Culture' explains how media interacts and affects the communication among people and how culture changes with advances in media and technology. The writer concludes that 'Media, Communication, and Culture' informs an audience of how the mass media and modern forms of communication have affected the development of culture and the ways of society. Further, the writer maintains that James Lull uses a distinctive style and a logical structure in order to properly educate his audience about the influence mass media has on today's world.

From the Paper
"Within each chapter, he inserts an article on a real life example of events where mass media, human communication, and culture were involved and had an effect. Such events as the Chinese student rebellion at Tiananmen Square in 1989 and the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal in the mid-1990's are included along with explanations of how media, communication, and culture had an effect on these historical events. Along with modern events, Lull includes historical changes in media and communication to emphasize his argument that mass media and technological advances have had major effects on societies across the world. His structure also allows for any member of his audience to follow and understand what he puts forth. Lull avoids implication and instead tells the audience what he wants them to know to avoid letting them infer it on their own. An informed audience will also understand an author's purpose more readily than an audience which inferred the author's intentions. Lull also tends to end discussions by putting more emphasis on his own ideas and support of others that follows what he believes about media, communication, and culture."

Tags:communicate, social, technological, advances, cultural, mass, technology, human, interaction, development, social, events