Comments for Critical Theory & the Study of Popular Culture http://comm326.popacademy.org COMM326 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:12:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Comment on Blog Assignment 1: Dissecting Popular Celebrity by Robert Hill http://comm326.popacademy.org/blog-assignment-1-dissecting-popular-celebrity/#comment-13 Robert Hill Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:12:55 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=294#comment-13 Marshall Mathers a.k.a. Eminem is a man with a deeply trouble past that he uses to connect with his audience in a stocking way through his music and public persona. Eminem’s music tells a very dark story but in a somewhat comical way, rather then a gangster, through his use of background effects and wordplay. However true this may be the fact is he is truly a cold-hearted hateful person with no room for humor, as can be seen in his interviews and public appearances. He is one the celebrities that has crossed from stardom into true celebrity status. O’Shaugnessy & Stadler state that a star is characterized by an individuals personal achievement, for Eminem this cannot be more obvious provided that the individual has some basic knowledge of the rapper’s offensive and obscene lyrics he resonates in his songs. His background consists of being raised in a father-less home with his mother who had a lack of parenting skills and an abusive drug habit, but it is his triumph over these circumstances that have brought him into the star spotlight. It is what he has done since his first LP was released that brought Em into the celebrity status he has achieved today. This could not be proven more with the release of his newest appearance in funny people soon after his release from rehab. In the pop-culture world Eminem has become a very vibrant person for the media, one who’s public and private life have now attracted the attention of millions as his celebrity status only grows (O’Shaugnessy & Stadler). Eminem has reached this status because of what Collins refers to as the audiences is “interpellated” into “a discourse of care” as they engage in the commodification of Eminem. In Em’s case the audience is interpellated through his lyrics and music because of the ability for some to relate to his message. Which establishes the “discourse of care” because they are now sharing emotions with the rapper. This would not be possible without the industry’s commodification of the rapper by selling Eminem to the public through the social media outlets, such as iTunes, MTV, and another outlets of the industry. The accomplishment of this comes through his record sales, memorabilia, and public appearances that construct the man which are aimed at the fan’s ability to identify with Eminem’s hard, tough lifestyle. All of this is what Ellcessor defines as the audience’s ability to create intimacy with the rapper even though they may not know him on a personal level. This is the goal of the agencies in control of a celebrity’s image and the better this goal is achieved the more successful the “job” was completed. Marshall Mathers a.k.a. Eminem is a man with a deeply trouble past that he uses to connect with his audience in a stocking way through his music and public persona. Eminem’s music tells a very dark story but in a somewhat comical way, rather then a gangster, through his use of background effects and wordplay. However true this may be the fact is he is truly a cold-hearted hateful person with no room for humor, as can be seen in his interviews and public appearances. He is one the celebrities that has crossed from stardom into true celebrity status. O’Shaugnessy & Stadler state that a star is characterized by an individuals personal achievement, for Eminem this cannot be more obvious provided that the individual has some basic knowledge of the rapper’s offensive and obscene lyrics he resonates in his songs. His background consists of being raised in a father-less home with his mother who had a lack of parenting skills and an abusive drug habit, but it is his triumph over these circumstances that have brought him into the star spotlight. It is what he has done since his first LP was released that brought Em into the celebrity status he has achieved today. This could not be proven more with the release of his newest appearance in funny people soon after his release from rehab. In the pop-culture world Eminem has become a very vibrant person for the media, one who’s public and private life have now attracted the attention of millions as his celebrity status only grows (O’Shaugnessy & Stadler). Eminem has reached this status because of what Collins refers to as the audiences is “interpellated” into “a discourse of care” as they engage in the commodification of Eminem. In Em’s case the audience is interpellated through his lyrics and music because of the ability for some to relate to his message. Which establishes the “discourse of care” because they are now sharing emotions with the rapper. This would not be possible without the industry’s commodification of the rapper by selling Eminem to the public through the social media outlets, such as iTunes, MTV, and another outlets of the industry. The accomplishment of this comes through his record sales, memorabilia, and public appearances that construct the man which are aimed at the fan’s ability to identify with Eminem’s hard, tough lifestyle. All of this is what Ellcessor defines as the audience’s ability to create intimacy with the rapper even though they may not know him on a personal level. This is the goal of the agencies in control of a celebrity’s image and the better this goal is achieved the more successful the “job” was completed.

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by Megan http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-12 Megan Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:51:12 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-12 I think one of the most fascinating things about pop culture is the way that things can move from low culture to high culture over the course of generations. Shakespeare, though written for the ruling class, was just as much for the uneducated masses. Now most people are intimidated by his writing and think it is out of their reach. Even dances like the Charleston that were once considered incredibly sexy and risqué are now something that is relegated to ballroom dance class. So no matter how shocking some aspects of our current low-brow culture may seem, they will one day bore our children the way that KISS and Rocky Horror Picture Show seem blasé to us. I think one of the most fascinating things about pop culture is the way that things can move from low culture to high culture over the course of generations. Shakespeare, though written for the ruling class, was just as much for the uneducated masses. Now most people are intimidated by his writing and think it is out of their reach. Even dances like the Charleston that were once considered incredibly sexy and risqué are now something that is relegated to ballroom dance class. So no matter how shocking some aspects of our current low-brow culture may seem, they will one day bore our children the way that KISS and Rocky Horror Picture Show seem blasé to us.

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by Samantha http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-11 Samantha Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:23:19 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-11 Danesi's article was a great first read for the course. Pop culture is constantly changing and very complex, but this article breaks it down in a way that makes it understandable. It also provides some consistencies that help with the study of pop culture. Many people don't realize that we really are shaped by our culture from birth, including our culturally defined gender stereotypes (A perfect example is how baby girls are immediately wrapped in pink blankets and boys in blue ones right at birth). I agree with Danesi's placement of things in the high, mid, and low culture categories. Mozart, Shakespeare, etc. are all what he would call "great works of art" that will be known and present in our culture for a long time (maybe even forever!). Tabloids, American Idol, and Jerry Springer are just current trends that will eventually fade out and live what he calls a "short self life," which is why I feel it is appropriate to keep them in the low culture category. Danesi’s article was a great first read for the course. Pop culture is constantly changing and very complex, but this article breaks it down in a way that makes it understandable. It also provides some consistencies that help with the study of pop culture. Many people don’t realize that we really are shaped by our culture from birth, including our culturally defined gender stereotypes (A perfect example is how baby girls are immediately wrapped in pink blankets and boys in blue ones right at birth). I agree with Danesi’s placement of things in the high, mid, and low culture categories. Mozart, Shakespeare, etc. are all what he would call “great works of art” that will be known and present in our culture for a long time (maybe even forever!). Tabloids, American Idol, and Jerry Springer are just current trends that will eventually fade out and live what he calls a “short self life,” which is why I feel it is appropriate to keep them in the low culture category.

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by marissaacker http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-9 marissaacker Tue, 25 May 2010 15:06:42 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-9 This article was a great introduction to the course. It helped to define what popular culture is and keep us aware that it is not a static element, yet dynamic, because it is constantly changing. I was also very interested in the idea of cultural relativism. Generational differences seems to the root of many misunderstandings in our culture today. For example, in regards to jobs and ageism, the younger generation often dismiss advice and guidelines from those of older generations and vice versa. It is important to be open minded to each individual opinion regardless of age. This article was a great introduction to the course. It helped to define what popular culture is and keep us aware that it is not a static element, yet dynamic, because it is constantly changing. I was also very interested in the idea of cultural relativism. Generational differences seems to the root of many misunderstandings in our culture today. For example, in regards to jobs and ageism, the younger generation often dismiss advice and guidelines from those of older generations and vice versa. It is important to be open minded to each individual opinion regardless of age.

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by Dr. Stern http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-8 Dr. Stern Tue, 25 May 2010 12:53:02 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-8 Great points here! Great points here!

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by callistasmall http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-7 callistasmall Tue, 25 May 2010 01:10:16 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-7 In agreement with the posts above, I believe that Danesi’s article is a great introduction to this course. The fact that popular culture is always changing is indeed what makes it a difficult subject but it is also what makes it interesting. Unlike many other studies, pop culture changes every single day. The idea of cultural relativism is what interests me the most. It is imperative to understand that culture changes with every generation. Also, generations will likely not understand other generation’s forms of pop culture. Just like I would not understand my dad’s love for his Atari, he wouldn’t understand my obsession with Facebook. In agreement with the posts above, I believe that Danesi’s article is a great introduction to this course. The fact that popular culture is always changing is indeed what makes it a difficult subject but it is also what makes it interesting. Unlike many other studies, pop culture changes every single day. The idea of cultural relativism is what interests me the most. It is imperative to understand that culture changes with every generation. Also, generations will likely not understand other generation’s forms of pop culture. Just like I would not understand my dad’s love for his Atari, he wouldn’t understand my obsession with Facebook.

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by Nicole http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-6 Nicole Mon, 24 May 2010 23:44:48 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-6 I liked Danesi's article as well. Due to the popularity of something always changing, I think that the placement of things in our culture in the categories of hi, mid, and lo are completely up to the discretion of the individual and the era it is from. If pop culture cannot be based on current standards, then wouldn't Mozart no longer be considered high culture? It seems that it is the class system of the time that gets to decided the distinction of hi, mid, and lo. (ex. high society listens to Mozart, mostly middle class watches Oprah, people with lower incomes drink beer) After reading Danesi's article and learning that youth culture's trends are the beginnings of pop culture, I came to the conclusion that I don't agree with certain things being placed in certain categories. Due to ever changing trends shouldn't the chart in Danesi's article be different every year? From Storey's introduction I took ideology to mean how a certain group of people come to understand the world around them. With the different social groups, these ideologies will probably be different though. Not everyone will place things in the same category or have the same view. I liked Danesi’s article as well. Due to the popularity of something always changing, I think that the placement of things in our culture in the categories of hi, mid, and lo are completely up to the discretion of the individual and the era it is from. If pop culture cannot be based on current standards, then wouldn’t Mozart no longer be considered high culture? It seems that it is the class system of the time that gets to decided the distinction of hi, mid, and lo. (ex. high society listens to Mozart, mostly middle class watches Oprah, people with lower incomes drink beer) After reading Danesi’s article and learning that youth culture’s trends are the beginnings of pop culture, I came to the conclusion that I don’t agree with certain things being placed in certain categories. Due to ever changing trends shouldn’t the chart in Danesi’s article be different every year?

From Storey’s introduction I took ideology to mean how a certain group of people come to understand the world around them. With the different social groups, these ideologies will probably be different though. Not everyone will place things in the same category or have the same view.

]]> Comment on Why Pop Culture? by deeyuro http://comm326.popacademy.org/first-day-of-class/#comment-5 deeyuro Mon, 24 May 2010 22:56:07 +0000 http://comm326.popacademy.org/?p=288#comment-5 I really enjoed Danesi's article. It was a good start to trying to understand pop culture. I think pop culture is definitely one of the harder topics to study because it is always changing. What makes something popular one day makes it unpopular the next. I like how Danesi went through the growth of pop culture, starting with the "Roaring Twenties" and going through the difference between high and low culture and where we are today. As a result, pop culture is always changing and it is the youth of that generation that decides what is culture for them while everyone else takes what was culture while they were growing up with them. I really enjoed Danesi’s article. It was a good start to trying to understand pop culture. I think pop culture is definitely one of the harder topics to study because it is always changing. What makes something popular one day makes it unpopular the next. I like how Danesi went through the growth of pop culture, starting with the “Roaring Twenties” and going through the difference between high and low culture and where we are today. As a result, pop culture is always changing and it is the youth of that generation that decides what is culture for them while everyone else takes what was culture while they were growing up with them.

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