Resisting Popular Culture
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| This add goes against how most women are portrayed in popular culture |
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| Black market DVDs is just one of the many ways of resisting. |
Within
the past half century, an interesting shift has occurred in the realm of
popular culture. Whereas, years
before cultural imperialism of
American popular culture seemed to be the end all to all other popular cultures
of other countries, but New York Times reports this may not be the case
anymore. Some countries may in
fact, remain resistant to American popular culture. India and China have booming economies and their own
form of popular culture. Their
booming economies correlate with the fact that they have their own form of
popular culture that they consume (Cowen, 2007). Recording a CD is relatively
cheaper than making a movie so the record industry is often seen as the
strongest of popular culture. But resistance to American made movies is often harder
to come by. Since much of the
world is getting poorer and American’s are getting richer we are making more
movies than many other countries simply because poorer countries can’t afford
to make movies (Cowen, 2007). Overall, “The complaint of
“cultural imperialism” is looking increasingly implausible” (Cowen, 2007).
The American popular culture
will continue to make money in the 21st century but it seems like
there will be no clear world popular culture leader.
While
I may not have covered all the forms of resisting popular culture, I think looking at the New York Times
article has made me realize with the decline of American Popular culture on a
global scale we will see new forms of resistance against popular culture of all
countries. I think just
understanding different forms of resistance will allow me to be less judgmental
of someone who is resisting popular culture. Popular Culture is complex and someone may be resisting it
for social reasons that are dear to their heart.
Works Cited
Cowen, T. (2007, February 22). Some Countries Remain Resistant to American Cultural Exports .
Retrieved March 19, 2012, from New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/business/22scene.html
Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K.
(2009). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (5th Edition ed.). New
York, NY: McGraww-Hill.
Nice blog. One way I can relate to resisting popular culture is through novels. I read the Hunger Games trilogy, before it became a relation to Twilight. Now, I find myself resisting the connection to the Hunger Games series, because it has become so popular.
ReplyDeletePopular culture is one of the most interesting intercultural topics I studied in Chapter 9. It is such an interesting topic because it is something that has become a huge part of society and our lives that we live today. I have not had many occasions where I have wanted to resist popular culture but I can definitely see why some people would want to resist certain things, just as Geoffrey pointed out. Great post Katie!
ReplyDeleteGood blog. I like the pictures you chose to represent your topic. Looks like your format got a little messed up but no big deal I don't think.
ReplyDeleteI found it really interesting that making black market DVDs and CDs is considered resisting popular culture, even though this allows for the dispersion of pop culture music and movies. This form of resistance is really creative and effective. The shift in popular culture that Cowen describes is also very interesting to think about and I wonder if access to the internet has something to do with it.
ReplyDelete