Pop Culture

Plato

• believed that the only PROPER culture is Philosophy.

• loves subjects like math, astronomy, geometry, music, and gymnastics because he thinks they reveal the truth about the universe.

• believed that most people wouldn’t be able to tell from what’s real to what’s fake.

• hated poets and painters because their work was an imitation of reality.

Plato’s Perspective

was all about seeking ultimate truth through philosophy and rigorous study. He felt that art and popular culture were distractions that kept people from understanding the real world.

Pop Culture vs. Philosphy: Heartstrings Over Headspace

• Emotional Connection is Key

• Philosophy challenges our intellect, and pop culture appeals directly to our emotions.

• Emotional Resonance makes pop culture a potent force of influence and change.

• It can motivate us to think differently, act compassionately, and connect with others on a deeper level.

Walter Lippmann

• a sharp-tongued journalist and political thinker who didn't mince words about the general public

• believed that the average person isn't well-informed enough to make big decisions.

• “The Masses are Asses”

• argued that most people lack the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills to participate effectively in the democratic process.

• the "uncultured" should accept the wisdom of those destined to rule—the educated elites and experts who truly understand what's going on.

Friedrich Schiller

• a German philosopher and playwright who believed that education in the fine arts isn't just about pretty pictures

• argued that engaging with fine arts elevates our tastes and sensibilities.

• appreciating beauty and art, people become more refined and thoughtful. This personal growth can ripple out to society at large.

• believed that as individuals evolve through art, they'll contribute to a more cultured, democratic society.

Matthew Arnold

• a British poet and cultural critic who believed that education could cultivate the ideal culture to combat societal disorder.

• argued that culture—fostered through education—is the antidote to anarchy

• believed that education isn't just about cramming facts; it's about nurturing the best in human thought and expression

• his vision places education at the heart of societal well-being, suggesting that the "right" culture can lead to a more orderly and fulfilling life for all

Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky

• Media Monopoly

• Shaping Consent

• The Propaganda Model

Media Monopoly

the ownership of media is concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy elites. It's like a small club where only the richest and most powerful have control over what information gets out

Shaping Consent

the main function of the media is not just to inform but to manufacture consent among the masses. In other words, the media molds public opinion to accept and support the values of capitalism and the agendas of the elite.

Propaganda Model

introduced this model to explain how media selects what to show and how and uses filters—like ownership, advertising, sourcing, flak, and anti-communist ideology—to shape narratives in favor of the status quo. It's like wearing glasses that only show you what someone else wants you to see.

Marshall McLuhan

• the idea that “medium is the message”

• believed that the form of a medium (like TV, radio, or the internet) embeds itself in the message it transmits. So, it's not just what we communicate, but how we communicate that changes us. For example, watching a movie vs. reading a book—same story, different impact!

• argued that technology isn't just something we use; it's an extension of ourselves that transforms our perceptions and society.

Global Village by Marshall McLuhan

predicted that electronic media would shrink the world, connecting everyone 

Picture Superiority Effect

• picture sticks better than words (especially when words and pictures conflict each other)

• Words + Pictures > Words Alone

• Advertising Magic: Marketers use striking visuals to make products unforgettable.

• Social Media Success: Image and Video Platforms capitalize on this tendency

• Learning Boost: Teachers use diagrams and pictures to help students understand and remember complex topics.

Transference Pattern

• a fascinating pattern where youth-driven "low" culture transforms into mainstream culture over time

• Young people introduce new forms of pop culture—be it music, fashion, slang, or dance moves. These are fresh, edgy, and often challenge societal norms.

• As this newly adopted culture settles in, the next generation begins crafting their own forms of expression, and the cycle starts anew. It's the perpetual motion machine of pop culture!

• Real-World Examples:

  • Rock and Roll - Elvis + The Beatles

  • Hip-Hop

  • Street Art

  • Fashion Trends

Minimizing Risk

• where studios bet on familiar formulas—like sequels, spinoffs, and star-studded casts—to ensure box office success

Reasoning on Minimizing Risk

• Financial Security: Making movies is expensive—sometimes costing hundreds of millions of dollars. By investing in proven concepts, studios hedge against potential losses

• Market Competition: With countless entertainment options available, recognizable titles cut through the noise. A sequel or a famous actor grabs attention faster than an unknown indie film

• Global Appeal: : Familiar stories and franchises are easier to market worldwide. A character like James Bond is universally known, making international box office success more attainable

Negative Effects on Minimizing Risks

• Creativity Takes a Hit: Relying on the same formulas can lead to stale storytelling. Fresh ideas might get sidelined in favor of what's safe, limiting innovation in the industry

• Audience Fatigue: Too many sequels or similar movies can wear out even the biggest fans. Not every franchise can sustain endless installments without losing its charm.

Reasoning for Secondary Markets

Companies use this to provide additional income streams, such as soundtracks, merch, and experiences.

Merchandising

• where entertainment leaps off the screen and into our everyday lives through tangible products. Companies promote these items directly to the public, turning fans into collectors and consumers into brand ambassadors

• Toys and Action Figures

• Candy and Food Items

• Clothing and Apparel

• Video Games

Reasoning for Merchandising 

• Brand Extension: keeps the excitement alive between movie sequels or TV seasons. It maintains a connection with the audience, ensuring that the brand stays relevant to people’s minds

• Revenue Generation: Beyond ticket sales and viewership, merchandise is a lucrative income source

• Fan Engagement: Merchandise creates a personal connection between the consumer and the brand. 

• Marketing and Promotion: Every T-Shirt won, toy displayed, or game played is free advertising. Fans become brand ambassadors, spreading the word organically. 

Shifting Risk

• media and entertainment industries try to shift financial risks away from themselves and onto creators and workers so they aren’t at fault.

• Internships, Freelancers, 360 Deals

Royalty System

• creators like writers, musicians, and artists get paid a percentage of the sales or profits, only if their work sales

• this system minimizes the company’s financial risk because they don’t have to pay upfront or cover costs if project fails

• the creator also have risk of low or no earnings.

Freelancers instead of Employees

• The Gig Economy: Companies hire freelancers or independent contractors instead of fulltime employees. This means no health insurance, retirement plans, or job security

• Risk Shift: By using freelancers, companies avoid costs and responsibilities of traditional employment. 

360 Deals

• All-Inclusive Contracts: In the music industry, a 360 meal means the record label takes cut from all aspects on a artist’s career.

• Artists sign these because of marketing power and resources that the big deal may have.

• Cons: Company secures multiple income streams without guaranteeing the artist’s success, shifting the financial risk to the artist.

Intern Economy

• Unpaid or Low-Paid Internships: Many media companies offer internships where newbies work for little to no pay to gain experience. This is free/cheap labor for the company

• Interns invest their time and effort without a guaranteed job offer.

• An industry reliant on interns shifts operational costs onto the most vulnerable.

Advertising: Financial Fuel to Pop Culture

• The main way pop culture is paid for is through advertising

• Without Ads, many of the entertainment options might not even exist

• Attention as Currency: Companies invest a lot for their products to be in front of audiences. 

Birth to Campaign Music

• this strategy was used to reach the less uneducated or less politically involved.

• Music made the political message accessible and memorable.

• One of the first times popular culture was harnessed to influence politics.

Democrats Embrace to Pop Culture

• Culture Shift: Starting in the latter half of the 20th century, the democratic party began to adopt pop culture elements in its political strategies. 

• Included appearances on TV shows, collaborations with celebrities, and embracing popular music. 

• Connecting with the masses, democratic politicians  tried to appear more relatable and in touch with the younger generation. 

Rise of Social Media in Politics 

• Politicians have begun to use social media to promote and engage with their audience. 

• Social Media’s importance has amplified political voices but also introduced challenges like misinformation and echo chambers.

The Whistle Stop Tour

• Back in the day politicans campaigned in person by traveling on trains.

• When the whistle blew and the train stopped, crowds gathered at stations to hear candidates speak.

• They were essential for reaching voters across the country before mass media existed.

• Today, TV appearances are the equivalent of whistle stop tours

• Politicians reach millions through televised debates.

Soft Power

• the ability to attract, persuade, and shape the preferences of others through the appeal and attraction rather than coercion, force, or monetary incentives.

• political scientist Joseph Nye.

• Cultural Influence: countries export their culture, in movies, music, fashion, and food, that others find appealing.

• Political values: promoting values like democracy, freedom, and human rights can make a nation more attractive on the global stage.

• Foreign Politics: When a country’s politics are seen as legitimate and having moral authority, it enhances its soft power.

Soft Power in Pop Cultural and Media

• K-Pop and K-Dramas

• Anime and Manga

• British Invasion: The Beatles and shows like Doctor Who

• Barbie

Soft News

• refers to media content that’s more entertainment than serious reporting, such as celebrity gossip, lifestyle tips, or sensational stories

• Anything gossip, nothing informative

Voting Gap

• Those who prefer entertainment over news are less likely to vote. 

Talk Shows and Late-Night Comedies

• Surprising Boost in Engagement: Talk shows and late-night comedies can increase political engagement.

• Shows like “The Daily Show” or “Last Week Tonight” mix humor with serious topics

• Simplifies complex issues

• Relate/Connect with others

Reality TV

• has increasingly intersected with politics

• can shape how we view leadership, success, and social issues

• often emphasizes drama and conflict, which can spill over into how political discourse is conducted.

Altruism and Elevation

• consuming media that offers deep insight and meaning can lead to feelings of altruism and inspiration. 

• can motivate people to embrace moral virtues. 

Essence of Journalism

• gathering information: journalists collect through research, interviews, and observation.

• Verification: They check and double-check information to ensure accuracy

• Reporting: Journalists present information to the public in a clear, unbiased manner; they are storytellers of real life.

Penny Press Significance

• Democratizing Information: By lowering the cost, news became accessible to the masses. Everyone could stay informed about current events, not just the elites.

• Birth of Modern Journalism: The focus shifted to stories that mattered to everyday people

• Shaping Popular Culture: By including entertainment and human-interest stories, the Penny Press played a huge role in shaping what we now call popular culture.

Lifestyle Journalism

• focused on teaching people how to manage their everyday lives. offering guidance from health and wellness to fashion, relationships, and personal development 

• educate readers on social trends and norms, essentially teaching the “right” culture 

• Magazines like Cosmopolitan, Elle, and GQ play a significant role in helping readers craft their own identities. By providing tips, stories, and visuals, they empower you to express your individuality.

Synergy

when different elements combine to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The lifestyle icons use TV, print, and digital media to promote their products in a harmonious way.

Convergence

constantly selling a lifestyle that’s consistently branded across all channels.

Gatekeepers 

• PR Professionals, Publicists, Journalists, and Reviewers, as well as Social Media Influencers, all gatekeep. 

• help sift through the endless stream of content to highlight what they think you’ll love.

Hutchin’s Commission

• The press held responsibility to consider the needs of society, the greater good, and elevate society.

• media should provide full access to the day’s intelligence, meaningful context for news, a platform for debate to facilitate the formation of public opinion, and an accurate picture of public opinion.

Henry James

Three D’s

• Dangerous

• Distract

• Distort

Frankfurt School 

Max Horkheimer criticized cultural trends as “enslaved”

• founded a school where they viewed “commodity culture” as produced in the way of material goods 

• believed in hegemony: culture is controlled by the rich 

Kant

• A philosopher who believed that philosophy, math, and science were the only proper culture

• “Low culture” does not threaten authority

• people are “too base”, meaning they only wanted to be entertained