Popular Culture

Popular Culture

Culture from people, consumed by majority, commercial and accessible and appeal to mass majority

Two Sociological Views of Popular Culture

1. Dull minds and makes masses passive and easy to control \

2. Vehicle for rebellion

Why study disasters and culture? (Webb)

To understand how disasters impact culture and to understand how culture contributes to and affects disaster

Examples of pop culture in disasters

Movies, graffiti, tv ads, clothing, games, cartoons, jokes

4 dimensions in order to understand pop culture in disasters

1. The product itself

2. Identity of the producer

3. Timing of the production

4. Means of consumption

Material Products

Books, movies, etc

Nonmaterial products

Jokes, myths, games

Themes of disaster movies

Heroes (individualistic), incompetent government, stereotypes of gender, myths,

What is the problem with disaster movies?

reinforce cultural beliefs in individualistic solutions to social problems

How has Ai Weiwei contributed to cultural products after disaster?

Transformed tragedy into large scale, powerful art and documentation.

Haitian art after 2010 earthquake

Expressed profound grief, trauma and loss, as well as resilience, hope, and powerful spirit of national restoration

What is the message about art in Film of Resistance?

Art can be representative of the economic and social prejudice present after Hurricane Maria; manifesting resistance of colonialism; shows the relationship between the US and Puerto Rico

How is humor used in post-disaster contexts?

Coping mechanism; effective in situations where we have no control

What are issues with souvenirs sold after disasters?

Seen as unethical or commercializing off of other people’s tragedies

Examples of disaster graffiti after Grand Forks and Hurricane Katrina

Humor, social and political commentary, frustration, drawings,

Why did music emerge after the 1927 flood?

Elements of protest because of racism