In the Mechanical Reproductive Age: One Dimension...
To conclude this recent overload of journal entries, I would like to reiiterate some key contemporary matters pertinent particularily to Benjamin and Marcuse. Post-modernism has peaked in the past decade or so and with globalization plaguing the earth things are only going to get worse. What is real anymore? The aura is virtually extinguished, whether it be in Mona Lisa paintings reproduced for mass consumption, Picasso paintings or even distinct personalities of historical figures. The boundaries between high and low culture have been blurred to such a degree that neither of them exist singlehandedly, co-exist or do not at all. Extinction. It is precisely at this point, this fork in the road, where Benjamin and Marcuses seem to co-relate in theory. The mirror lies without remorse yet we are glued to the gaze and often believe that the essence of the real, the authentic, is captured in the image reflected. This has happened and happens time and time again, whether staged news stories and theories of the Vietnam war, the fictional Cold War or more recently, the war on terror. I however wish to examine a few smaller scale problems within pop culture.
This blurring occurs in many areas. Take for instance a few contemporary Hip-hop and pop artists/songs. There have been instances where such groups employ samples, second hand technologies per se, such as famous classical compositions, elements of previous high culture, smother melodies atop their own reiteration and have the nerve to call it their own! This pastiche, this blurring and lack of originality (on the artists behalf) is what the Post-Modern encapsulates. Furthermore, and to frighteningly think, how many teens from this generation may identify with the classical compositions incorporated?
Mass production of political identities too captures the problem at hand. Everything is commodified and by wearing faces on T-shirts any average Joe may think he is representing the authentic, joining a revolution when in fact the aura is long gone. Similarily, this occured within the Punk movement that erupted in the 70's. Originally a home-made, do-it yourself attitude against corporations and the status quo, eventually and inevitably the style was commodified to sickening extents. Is there any escape? Or is commodification inevitable regardless of what styles, ideologies and movements blossom forth?
Two particular "styles" and popular hypes that I am sure many have noticed, are the anti-Bush and Che Guevera t-shirts and slap ons that can be found in many markets and even more so, worn by youth. Many in fact, possess little justification for what they are wearing or know for that matter, historically what it means. The lost sheep follows the rest of the flock and the shepphard guides through the gaze he offers, promises pastures of authenticity and experience for all, but the field is well fenced.
The following videos depict this craze/fad well and really emit the lack of knowledge many may bear. Presidential branding too is shown along with some spoken word poetry.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0kLsKWteDJs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NVbRVSkPU1I
This blurring occurs in many areas. Take for instance a few contemporary Hip-hop and pop artists/songs. There have been instances where such groups employ samples, second hand technologies per se, such as famous classical compositions, elements of previous high culture, smother melodies atop their own reiteration and have the nerve to call it their own! This pastiche, this blurring and lack of originality (on the artists behalf) is what the Post-Modern encapsulates. Furthermore, and to frighteningly think, how many teens from this generation may identify with the classical compositions incorporated?
Mass production of political identities too captures the problem at hand. Everything is commodified and by wearing faces on T-shirts any average Joe may think he is representing the authentic, joining a revolution when in fact the aura is long gone. Similarily, this occured within the Punk movement that erupted in the 70's. Originally a home-made, do-it yourself attitude against corporations and the status quo, eventually and inevitably the style was commodified to sickening extents. Is there any escape? Or is commodification inevitable regardless of what styles, ideologies and movements blossom forth?
Two particular "styles" and popular hypes that I am sure many have noticed, are the anti-Bush and Che Guevera t-shirts and slap ons that can be found in many markets and even more so, worn by youth. Many in fact, possess little justification for what they are wearing or know for that matter, historically what it means. The lost sheep follows the rest of the flock and the shepphard guides through the gaze he offers, promises pastures of authenticity and experience for all, but the field is well fenced.
The following videos depict this craze/fad well and really emit the lack of knowledge many may bear. Presidential branding too is shown along with some spoken word poetry.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0kLsKWteDJs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NVbRVSkPU1I