Take a good look at this image:
The famous "Grumpy Cat" feline "phenom" has over 1.3 MILLION likes on his own Facebook page, and the original UTube posting of his debut has been seen by over 14,217,713 people. The question really is why...why did this cat create the world-wide type of media coverage that it did?
The fact is, even I don't know. Pop culture and those images that translate to our avidity on certain aspects, are hard to define. In that respect, the definition of what pop culture really means is different for different people. It may possibly be that types of information have such a visceral effect that we are then compelled to share and discuss. Whether it's the Breaking Bad Finale, the Kardashian clan, or the Miley Cyrus twerks head 'round the world, there are those cultural artifacts that we at time feel transcend certain societal and/or economic barriers to be analyzed and commented on.
I believe that pop culture is best defined in the sense that certain events, images, and icons help to create, shape, and define the period in which we live. It is this sense of shared collectiveness that we use to navigate our personal and professional lives. Let me give you a couple of examples:
"Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke was one of the biggest hits of 2013-
http://youtu.be/RA01pdI0jng
It's clearly a misogynistic type of song, but it also is widely known because of Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus' performance of it at the American Music Awards. This trainwreck of a performance was discussed ad nauseum days and weeks after the event. And Miley Cyrus' dance moves to Robin Thicke's rendition made "twerking" a topic of pop culture.
In the same respect, have a listen to this song:
http://youtu.be/1HRa4X07jdE
"Over the Rainbow", performed by Judy Garland, evokes a different sense of pop culture. Who can honestly say they have never seen the "Wizard of Oz" or the meaning of what the ruby slippers meant in terms of the story? For myself, this movie evokes a sense of the wonder of being a child, and the ruby slippers simply means home. And this, my dear bloggets, is the real meaning and magic of pop culture: it allows someone to connect on an emotional level with others, regardless of circumstance.
It's all relative.
Nancy, I love the pictures and references you chose to focus on! You totally embodied what I would consider to be the pop culture for teen and young adult children! It is interesting also that you chose Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland as I can remember singing this over and over when I was a "tween" and wanting those ruby red slippers terribly :-) Your writing style feels like I am listening to an old girlfriend thanks for the trip down memory lane :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't know who you are, mrsp, but thanks for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteNancy Jane
Nancy, I believe you have captured today's pop culture very well. What technology has opened up is incredible, but at the same time frightening. As a young woman, I find the "twerk era" to be offensive. I believe that it is degrading, not liberating. It goes against everything that was fought for with women's rights. Women are treated as sexual beings and objectified. We are teaching young women that to gain attention they must be scandalously dressed and throwing themselves at men. I honestly feel like going from "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to "Blurred Lines" is taking many steps back and it is sad.
ReplyDeleteAshley:
DeleteI so agree! I believe we, as an American society, has become so desensitized by the words and images of "Blurred Lines" or the antics of say, Miley Cyrus, that we respond regarding the absurdity of it without understanding how much of a backward step we are taking.
Nancy Jane