It is hard to know exactly what something is or how to talk about when its birth cannot strictly be determined. And, so it goes with postmodernism. With knowledge of linguistics, one can assume that it occurred after modernism, but what is that really and who decided it was over? As we discussed in class, there a many events that mark the presence and give instances of postmodernism, such as the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 and the September 11th terrorist attacks, but one cannot rightly say when postmodernism actually began. Why is this? As Roger said in class, postmodernism is “an aura, not an era”. Meaning it is a feeling or way of life, not a period of time.
So what is this feeling per say, and what causes it? The events I listed before are all crucial and life changing events in our country’s history that have shaped people’s thoughts about the world around them. Such events affect our psyche and therefore the way we think. As we look back in history, it is easy to see how such events have affected our lives and especially our ways of thinking. Take the September 11th attacks for instance, before this day in 2001 most people would not think twice about being around a “middle easterner”, but today feelings towards these people are very different. Sadly the attacks produced a culture of fear in America and taught Americans to be scared of anyone that has the slightest resemblance of someone from Iraq or Afghanistan. So how does this have anything to do with postmodernism? Our feelings changed.
Although I do not believe that at this point I have a full understanding of what postmodernism really is or how to talk about it, I hope to gain one soon and be able to discuss it further in the future.
1 comment:
Dot, I think you have said some great ideas in your post. I agree with you that it is important to let go of trying to place a date on postmodernism and look at it, like Dr. Rog said, as an aura. All the events you have listed in your post have affected our culture in some way, and are a part of postmodernism. They have added to this feeling and way of life that you spoke about. I also think it would be interesting for you to read Smiley Face's post because you both shared some important points on fear being a prominent part in our culture. Finally, don't worry about not fully understanding what postmodernism is. I believe your post shows you are on your way to better understanding the concept and as we read theorists and have class discussions you will find that everything will come together.
-Starfish
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