WHAT IS POP CULTURE? [AUDIO]

Summary

This lesson delves into the concept of pop culture as mass culture, tracing its roots back to historical debates and the Roman Empire's 'bread and circuses.' It discusses the evolution of pop culture from being seen as inferior to its modern interpretation as widely liked by many. Key themes include the origins of pop culture, the impact of commercialization, and its ideological role in society. The script raises questions about whether pop culture is a genuine expression of the masses or a tool for social control, and how it interacts with political regimes and mass media.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Pop culture is a mass culture that has evolved over time and is not a contemporary phenomenon, with roots traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
• 🎪 The term 'bread and circuses' from the Roman Empire describes extravagant entertainment used to divert attention from social issues, reflecting early forms of mass culture.
• 🏙️ Modern pop culture is often associated with national consciousness, as seen in the Philippines where beauty pageants contribute to a sense of national identity.
• 🔄 The perception of 'popular' has shifted from being seen from the elite's perspective to that of the common people, indicating a cultural shift in what is considered popular.
• 📚 Early definitions of popular culture were often associated with inferior or low-quality works, contrasting with 'quality' literature or journalism.
• 🎭 Pop culture can be seen as a deliberate attempt to win favor, with examples such as pop journalism being viewed as less intellectually rigorous than its democratic counterpart.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the origins of pop culture, whether it emerges from the people or is imposed from above as a form of social control.
• 💰 The influence of commercialization and industrialization on pop culture is highlighted, questioning whether profitability takes precedence over quality and artistry.
• 🛍️ The mass production of pop culture raises concerns about whether popular products are genuinely desired by the public or are manufactured to create a sense of need.
• 🧠 The ideological role of pop culture is examined, questioning whether it serves to indoctrinate people with values that maintain the dominance of the privileged.
• 🚫 The script discusses the potential dangers of mass media in transmitting and inculcating official ideologies, such as those seen in fascist regimes, and the risk of mass propaganda.

Q & A

What is the definition of pop culture according to the script?

Pop culture is defined as mass culture, which has evolved from being associated with inferior or vulgar works to being well-liked by many people and is often a reflection of national consciousness.

How does the script trace the origins of debates over mass culture?

The script traces the origins of debates over mass culture back to the writings of Pascal and Montaign in the 16th and 17th centuries, and even further to the 'bread and circuses' of the Roman Empire.

What is the term 'bread and circuses' used to describe in the context of the script?

The term 'bread and circuses' refers to extravagant and expensive events or entertainment provided by the Roman Empire to divert attention from discontent and issues among the common people.

How is pop culture associated with national consciousness, as per the script?

Pop culture is associated with national consciousness through examples like the Philippines, where the success of Filipinas in beauty pageants is tied to a sense of Filipino identity and pride.

What shift in perspective regarding the term 'popular' occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries according to the script?

The shift in perspective was that 'popular' began to be seen from the point of view of the common people rather than the rich, elite, or upper class, indicating that the definition of popular was coming from the masses themselves.

What are the two older meanings of 'popular' culture mentioned in the script?

The two older meanings of 'popular' culture are: 1) inferior or vulgar kinds of works, such as popular literature compared to quality press, and 2) works that deliberately set out to win favor, such as pop journalism versus democratic journalism.

What are the three related themes to consider when discussing the development of the idea of pop culture?

The three themes are: 1) determining what or who defines popular culture, 2) the influence of commercialization and industrialization on popular culture, and 3) the ideological role of popular culture in society.

What questions should be asked regarding the source of pop culture?

Questions to ask include whether pop culture emerges from the people as an autonomous expression of their interests and experiences, or if it is imposed from above as a form of social control, and whether it arises from the lower class, the upper class, or a combination of both.

How does commercialization and industrialization influence the quality of popular culture?

Commercialization and industrialization may lead to a focus on profitability and marketability over quality, artistry, integrity, and intellectual challenge, raising questions about the true popularity and value of mass-produced cultural products.

What role does modern mass media play in the context of pop culture and political regimes?

Modern mass media can be used for mass propaganda by political regimes, transmitting and inculcating official ideologies, and potentially repressing alternative ideas or opposition if there are no countervailing political organizations.

How did the concept of mass society influence the perception of mass media and mass culture in capitalist societies?

The concept of mass society led to fears and anxieties among intellectuals about the rise of mass culture, which in turn informed debates and discussions about the role and impact of mass media and culture in society.

Outlines

00:00

🎪 Origins and Debates of Pop Culture

This paragraph delves into the historical roots of pop culture, tracing debates back to the 16th and 17th centuries with references to Pascal and Montan. It discusses the emergence of pop culture during the rise of the market economy and its relation to the 'bread and circuses' of the Roman Empire, which served to distract the populace from social issues. The modern concept of pop culture is tied to national consciousness, exemplified by the Filipino pride in beauty pageants. The paragraph also highlights a shift in perspective during the 18th and 19th centuries, where 'popular' began to be seen from the viewpoint of the masses rather than the elite, and touches on the early meanings of 'popular' as inferior or deliberately favor-winning, such as in the comparison between 'Twilight' and 'The Great Gatsby'.

05:01

🤔 The Source and Influence of Pop Culture

The second paragraph explores the origins of pop culture, questioning whether it arises autonomously from the people or is imposed by those in power as a form of social control. It examines the influence of commercialization and industrialization on the quality and integrity of cultural products, pondering whether profitability takes precedence over artistry. The paragraph also contemplates whether popular culture is genuinely desired by the masses or manufactured by capitalists to create a sense of need. Lastly, it raises the question of whether mass-produced pop culture can maintain its quality and intellectual value.

10:05

🏛 The Ideological Role of Pop Culture

This paragraph examines the ideological role of pop culture, questioning whether it serves to indoctrinate people with ideas and values that ensure the continued dominance of the privileged. It explores whether pop culture is a form of rebellion or if it reinforces the status quo. The discussion includes the role of modern mass media in propagating official ideologies and the potential dangers of mass media's ability to control and broadcast messages to large audiences. The paragraph also touches on historical examples, such as the Nazi regime's use of culture and art for propaganda, and the fear of commercialization and mass media's potential for repression.

15:06

📻 The Impact of Mass Media on Pop Culture

The fourth paragraph discusses the impact of mass media on pop culture, focusing on how modern media like cinema, radio, and the internet have been used for mass propaganda by political regimes. It highlights the concerns about the commercialization of culture and the potential for media to transmit and inculcate official ideologies, such as fascist ideologies characterized by authoritarian control. The paragraph also addresses the role of mass media in the absence of countervailing political organizations, leading to mass propaganda and repression, as illustrated by the Nazi regime's control over cultural and artistic expressions during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

20:06

🌐 The Continued Dominance of American Pop Culture

In the final paragraph, the discussion turns to the continued dominance of American pop culture and its impact on mass culture. It raises questions about the nature of mass culture and reflects on the historical and ongoing influence of American pop culture globally. The paragraph suggests that despite the emergence of new cultural phenomena, such as the Beatles and One Direction, the overarching influence of American pop culture persists, indicating a complex interplay between cultural dominance and global reception.

Keywords

💡Pop Culture

Pop culture, short for popular culture, refers to the ideas, perspectives, attitudes, and cultural objects that are widely consumed by the general public. In the video, pop culture is discussed as a mass culture that has evolved over time and is deeply intertwined with commercialization and media. It is exemplified by phenomena like beauty pageants in the Philippines, linking national identity with pop culture figures.

💡Mass Media

Mass media is the means of communication that reaches a large audience, such as television, radio, cinema, and the internet. The script discusses the role of mass media in the propagation of pop culture and its potential for both commercialization and ideological influence, such as during the rise of fascism in the 1930s.

💡Commercialization

Commercialization is the process by which culture and art become products that are produced and sold for profit. The video script addresses the impact of commercialization on pop culture, questioning whether profitability takes precedence over quality and artistry, and how it shapes the cultural products we consume.

💡Ideological Role

The ideological role of pop culture pertains to the way it can influence people's beliefs, values, and behaviors. The script explores whether pop culture serves to reinforce the dominance of the privileged or if it can act as a form of resistance or rebellion against prevailing social orders.

💡Market Economy

A market economy is an economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are determined by supply and demand, with minimal government intervention. The video script traces the origins of pop culture debates back to the rise of the market economy, suggesting a historical context for the commodification of culture.

💡Folk Culture

Folk culture refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, and practices of a community that are passed down through generations. The script contrasts folk culture with modern pop culture, indicating a shift from culture as an organic expression of a community to one that is mass-produced and widely disseminated.

💡National Consciousness

National consciousness is the awareness and identification of one's own nation and its cultural identity. The video uses the example of Filipino beauty pageant winners to illustrate how pop culture can become a part of national consciousness, reflecting a country's pride and identity on the global stage.

💡Industrialization

Industrialization is the period of social and economic change that follows the development of the ability to use machinery to produce goods on a large scale. The script discusses how industrialization has transformed the production of cultural goods, making them commodities that can be mass-produced and sold for profit.

💡Cultural Products

Cultural products are items that have cultural significance or are used to express cultural values and ideas. The video script examines the transformation of cultural products into commodities in the context of pop culture, raising questions about the balance between commercial viability and artistic integrity.

💡Social Control

Social control refers to the mechanisms by which society influences and directs individual behavior to conform to societal norms and values. The script suggests that pop culture could be a tool of social control, potentially used by those in power to shape the attitudes and behaviors of the masses.

💡Mass Propaganda

Mass propaganda is the dissemination of information, ideas, or rumors to influence the attitudes of a large group of people, often for political purposes. The video discusses the role of mass media in propagating ideologies, such as during the Nazi regime in Germany, where cultural and artistic expressions were used to promote and sustain fascist ideologies.

Highlights

Pop culture is defined as mass culture, emerging from the commercialization of culture and leisure.

Debate over mass culture dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, traced to writings of Pascal and Montan.

The term 'bread and circuses' from the Roman Empire refers to extravagant entertainment to divert public attention from discontent.

Modern pop culture is associated with national consciousness, exemplified by Filipinos' pride in beauty pageants.

The shift in perspective in the 18th and 19th centuries saw 'popular' as defined by the masses rather than the elite.

Early meanings of 'popular' were associated with inferior or vulgar works, contrasting with 'quality' literature.

Pop culture was also viewed as a deliberate attempt to win favor, such as pop journalism versus democratic journalism.

Today, 'popular' is understood as well-liked by many, distinct from past definitions focusing on inferiority or deliberate favor-winning.

Three key themes in the development of pop culture include determining what constitutes pop culture, its sources, and reasons behind its production.

Questions about whether pop culture emerges autonomously from the people or is imposed as a form of social control are central to its study.

The influence of commercialization and industrialization on pop culture raises concerns about the precedence of profitability over quality.

The ideological role of pop culture is examined, questioning whether it indoctrinates people to accept dominant ideas and values.

Turning points in pop culture from the 1920s to 1930s include the advent of cinema, radio, and the rise of fascism.

Modern mass media's role in transmitting and inculcating official ideologies, such as fascist ideologies, is highlighted.

The potential for mass media to serve as a tool for mass propaganda in the absence of countervailing political organizations is discussed.

The concept of mass society has been a significant perspective on the role of mass media and culture in modern capitalist societies.

The dominance of American pop culture and its impact on global mass culture, from the Beatles to contemporary artists, is noted.

Transcripts

welcome to lesson 1.1

introduction to pop culture

pop culture is mass culture

the rise of mass media commercialization

of culture and leisure gave birth to

many issues

interests and debates but

these issues interests and debates

are not very contemporary they have

actually started way back

years ago and this debate is

not new anymore if we talk about debates

over mass culture

in fact according to lavendal

he has traced arguments back to the

writings of pascal and montan in the

16th

and 17th centuries it has emerged

during the rise of market economy

and it has always been with us

he traced it and related to the bread

and circuses

during the time of the roman empire this

bread and circuses

is a term to refer to a very extravagant

and expensive event or entertainment

as provided by the roman empire in order

to divert the attention or to cover up

some discontent and issues

us and the satisfaction felt

by the common people in the empire

and it has also been traced

way back in the late 18th century

and the modern idea of pop culture is

always associated with a national

consciousness

wherein popular culture is

turned into a national culture

for example in the philippines the

weaning of

beauty pageants by filipinas in

prestigious

and popular beauty pageants such as miss

universe

a lot of filipinos would always

associate there being a filipino

the consciousness of being a filipino

to the popularity of these filipinas

who won in beauty pageants

so issues about mass culture

is not just today it has started

way back however

there was this shift in perspective in

the 18th

and 19th century popular meant

being seen from the point of view of the

people

rather than being seen from the point of

view of

the rich the elite or the upper class

so the definition of popular is already

coming from the masses

or the common people however

its early and earlier sense have

remained

popular culture was not identified by

the people

but by others there were two

older meanings the first one is

inferior kinds of vulgar such as popular

literature

popular press versus quality press

such as for example if we compare

the popular literature twilight and the

quality

kind of literature the great gatsby

they would always associate popular

culture to inferior kinds of work

such as popular literature

second it works deliberately

setting out to win favor so they would

always associate

pop culture as a way to deliberately

set out to win faber such as

pop journalism versus democratic

journalism or popular entertainment

[Music]

journalism about popular people popular

events social events or

popular gatherings are always being

frowned upon by some people

or being looked down by some people as

something an intellectual or of

lower there's discourse as compared to

journalisms that are actually

discussing social issues or serious

issues for that matter

however today the modern sense

of popular culture or

popular means well liked

by many people so the recent sense of

popular culture

as the culture actually made by people

for themselves is different from all of

these

it is often displaced to the past as

folk culture

but it is also an important modern

emphasis

so we have already departed from the

traditional definition of

pop culture although some

ideas about it remain but

it has evolved already into this

definition

which is well liked by many people

but if we talk about pop culture we have

to consider

various concepts or themes

such as these three related themes

that we have to consider if we talk

about the development

of the idea of pop culture what are

these three

first we have to know

what or who determines popular culture

we have to ask where does

pop culture come from

who provides pop culture who is the

source

and why why do they

produce these popular cultural products

we have to ask and reflect on certain

questions

such as does popular culture emerge

from the people themselves as an

autonomous expression of their interests

and modes of experience

do you think it comes from the people

themselves because they just wanted to

express

their ideas what they are interested

and what their experiences are or

is it imposed from above

from someone in power from someone in

authority

as a type of social control

do they produce popular culture in order

to control the minds

of others or of the common people

another is this popular culture rise up

from the people below from the lower

class

from the masses or does it come from the

elites

on high or from

the educated ones or is it

rather a question of an interaction

between the two

so where does pop culture come from from

below

from the lower class from the upper

class

or is it a combination of both an

interaction a product of the interaction

of the lower class and

the upper class so we have to consider

these things

when we discuss or talk about pop

culture

another the influence of

commercialization

and industrialization upon popular

culture

we have to ask these questions does the

emergence of

culture in commodity forms mean

that the criteria of profitability and

marketability

take precedence over quality artistry

integrity and intellectual challenge

so do we prefer profit

and trading over the quality artistry

integrity and intellectual aspect of a

particular product

thus the increasingly universal market

for pop culture

ensure that it is truly popular

because it makes available commodities

people actually want are the popular

products that you know today

anything that you can think of anything

that is popular

is it produced or is it increasingly

becoming popular because

this is what the people really wanted

do we really want these popular products

around us

or is it something that

the capitalists are providing us

and making us feel that we want it

or we need it

another question is what wins out when

popular culture is manufactured

industrially

and sold according to the criteria of

marketability and profitability

what wins is it commerce or quality

is it trading is it the buying or

selling

or the durability

the quality of the product what wins

when popular culture is manufactured

when there is a mass production of

popular culture

so we have to consider these questions

and lastly

we have to look at the ideological role

of popular culture

we have to ask ourselves is popular

culture there

to indoctrinate the people to get them

to accept

and adhere to ideas and values which

ensure the continued dominance of those

in more privileged positions

who this exercise power over them

so are we given

this popular culture are are these

being imposed upon us in order for us to

accept these

and adhere to these ideas and values

just so the dominant

idea of those who are in power

is being sustained

what do you think so that they can

continue to exert their dominance over

us

is popular culture about rebellion and

opposition to the prevailing social

order

or status quo but what is the status quo

anyway

what is the prevailing social order

anyway

why is pop culture somehow a form of a

rebellion or opposition

or is it even a rebellion or an

opposition

does pop culture express in however

an imperceptible subtle and rudimentary

manner

resistance to those in power is pop

culture a resistance

to those in power is pop culture

as a version of dominant ways of

thinking and acting

does it undermine those who are in power

does it question those who are in power

so we have to consider these questions

when we discuss or think or talk about

pop culture why

pop culture has a role to play in the

society

it was born because something

is present in the society that has to be

addressed

it was not just born out of nothing

it it gave rise it includes plenty of

issues it includes plenty of

ideological ideas it includes

trading commerce profitability

market so it does not come out of

nowhere

it has certain value

the existence of pop culture and our

society

means something and we have to locate

and point that out

but of course there are also turning

points if we talk about pop culture

in the 1920s to 1930s the turning points

in the study and evaluation of pop

culture

started in the coming of cinema

radio mass production and consumption

of culture the rise of fascism

and the maturing of liberal democracies

in western societies

these ideas set the agendas

of debates

culture became infinitely reproducible

via industrial production according to

benjamin

it posed problems for traditional ideas

so the birth of popular culture

threatened traditional ideas

about the role particularly about the

role of culture and art in society

so there were changes in the positioning

of culture and art in society

when pop culture was born

cultural products from cars to films

became commercial products

again these are originally cultural

products

but because of mass production

industrialization they became commercial

products

but if we think about it if we go back

to

the birth of cinema radio if you think

about it

it will lead us into asking

what is the role of modern mass media

if we talk about pop culture

well modern mass media such as the

popular press

cinema and radio they tend to fuel

fears about the commercialization of

culture

and also they raised concerns about the

potential

they conferred upon the political

regimes of

for mass propaganda you know popular

press

the cinema radio and of course

television

today we have the internet we have the

social media

they were being used by political

regimes

for mass propaganda

and also there was a fear about

the commercialization of culture because

of these

media aside from that

this modern mass media transmits

and inculcates the official ideology

what are these ideologies example

fascist ideologies

what do you mean by fascist ideologies

those

are those which are authoritarian

dictatorial powers those

that suppress us or silences

the regime that suppresses or silences

the opposition

forcibly suppressing them

because they could be controlled

centrally

and broadcast to the population at large

the thing about

mass media is that there could only be

one person one journalist

one broadcaster in one

tv station or radio station or

newspaper for example but let's take

for example television one person

one tv station and that person

could broadcast could transmit and could

inculcate

certain ideologies to

millions of filipinos that's how it

works

that's why this is dangerous

and that is one of the role that modern

mass media

play if we talk about pop culture

and its relation to political regimes

another is that the absence of

countervailing political organizations

if nobody questions if nobody

opposes if nobody counters

a certain ideology or a certain idea

mass media

becomes a mass propaganda and it becomes

mass repression for example

in the 1930s in nazi

regime in germany they established

official nazi ideology in

all areas of culture and art

and they eradicate alternative political

and aesthetic ideologies just like

during the olympics in berlin in 1936

everything all the cultural

and artistic displays were all

emblems or are all symbols of the nazi

why the aim was to enlist the help of

intellectuals

writers novelists poets painters

sculptors musicians academicians

architects etc

those who are educated or who are

equipped with

talents they were used by the nazi to

ensure

that the nazi ideology prevailed as nazi

aesthetics

so there was only nazi poster

nothing else nazi paintings

nazi sculptures

nazi music everything

is inspired by the nazi ideology the

concept of mass society has formed one

important perspective

on the role of mass media and mass

culture in modern capitalist societies

such as in the uk i mean the popularity

of the beatles

in hollywood being the source of

many films

it has been the fears and anxieties of

intellectuals

in society such as britain and america

about the rise of what they have seen as

a mass society and a mass culture

which have served to organize and inform

the debates about these developments

but even that after the beatles there

was there

was still one direction and if you think

about it there is still a continued

dominance of

american pop culture until today

in the past and until today it has never

actually stopped

but if we think about it if we talk

about

pop culture as mass culture

it leads us into asking

what is mass culture anyway