Postmodernism is the evolution of consumption. To be American is to consume. We have become a nation that consumes everything from “reality” TV to war. Everyday media bombards society with false expectations of materialistic success. These superficial constructs drive our economy while maintaining the classical illusion of the American Dream. However, the American Dream is an empty apology. It is an excuse that attempts to tell us why our nation runs the way it does. We have accepted that order is vital, order is balanced, and most importantly order is safe. In a patriotic society overloaded with propaganda, this is how we are meant to view our government. They maintain order, and in return we are permitted freedom and independence. In reality, the only order our government provides is one maintained by fear. Everyday the media pumps us full of biased information that serves one purpose, to plant fear in our society.
Simultaneously we are told that independence, not profit and wealth, is the supreme value. But in order to obtain this independence we must live in fear and constantly be at war, ready to defend America from “the outsiders”. However, we only end up imprisoning ourselves by trading our independence for promises of future independence. The government inspires fear to shutdown alternative views. This fear goes as far back as the 1950s, and over the years has not changed its appearance much. The red threat of the 1950s has simply been replaced by the 9/11 terrorism alert; our lives have become dominated by this fear. Our attention is diverted, as we look to anyone different then ourselves with distrust, isolating our families within gated suburban communities occasionally looking towards the media to refresh our fears. It turns out fear is one of the best methods of control. People lock themselves away and look towards the government for guidance. We are scared to acknowledge the wrecked state of our economy and government.
There are various methods of control and order in the world, from religion to government; however, most rely on inspiring fear within their subjects. To support this image of fear and ensure control over other areas of the world, America puts large amounts of funds into inexplicable war efforts. We fight because outsiders are threats; we are told they threaten our freedom and independence although our government has already taken them both. It is difficult to see a choice in sides when fear drives America. Fear of failure assembles a working force, fear of outsiders shuts down alternative views, and fear of acknowledging the sad state our society is in keeps us pacified.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Cuckoo 1/20
Post-modernism is not something I ever knew much of anything about until class. I find it interesting that there is not an exact date to the start of postmodernism. With so many changes it is hard to find the point where it all began. Different people will give a different starting time for post-modernism depending on their viewpoints. Dr. Rog explained the many different dates that are thought to have possible started it all. From the Nuclear Holocaust in 1945, to the Berlin wall in 1989, to the attacks on September 11th, these are all dates in which post-modernism could have begun. It is up the individual/ generation to decide when post-modernism began for them.
One interesting concept about post-modernism is technology and how we are able to find out anything with in a matter of seconds. We are turning into a society that is so dependent on technology. Earlier today I was talking to someone about how when we do not have our cell phone with us or we are unable to connect to the Internet we feel so isolated from everything. Yet it was just a few years ago that not everyone had the internet or cell phones. Now these two items have formed into one making accessing anything easier and faster. Our lives are centered around technology and if/when it fails us we will be isolated. So is faster always better?
One interesting concept about post-modernism is technology and how we are able to find out anything with in a matter of seconds. We are turning into a society that is so dependent on technology. Earlier today I was talking to someone about how when we do not have our cell phone with us or we are unable to connect to the Internet we feel so isolated from everything. Yet it was just a few years ago that not everyone had the internet or cell phones. Now these two items have formed into one making accessing anything easier and faster. Our lives are centered around technology and if/when it fails us we will be isolated. So is faster always better?
DetectiveDanny 1-20
The idea of postmodernism is not something that I have a firm grasp on just yet, which is interesting because apparently I have been living in a postmodern culture all my life. Because we live in an age of postmodernity, it is important that we use the ideals of postmodernism as a lense to view cultural texts especially when we are studying the media.
One prevailing idea of postmodernism is the idea of holocaust and the end of the world. Whether nuclear, environmental, or biological, we are obsessed with our demise. My generation has been inundated by talk of environmental problems and how we must come up with some solution. Every media outlet propagates these messages of environmental doom, but how much do we actually care? What does it say about us that we are not willing to make drastic change? Why am I not giving up my truck for a bicycle?
Another important facet of postmodernism is the technology and aesthetic of speed. We buy computers and cell phones based on how “fast” they are. I often like wondering what this speed will lead to. How fast are we willing to become? When will technological singularity become an issue? I like going fast, I like being able to access information without having to wait for the internet to load. But why can we not find a point where we are happy with out speed?
Basically what I am most looking forward to with this class is the “aha” moment where I can never look at anything the same way ever again. I am skeptical that this is going to happen, but new viewpoints are always exciting. If more of the population was well versed in critical theory, would we worry about holocausts and obsess over speed as much as we do?
One prevailing idea of postmodernism is the idea of holocaust and the end of the world. Whether nuclear, environmental, or biological, we are obsessed with our demise. My generation has been inundated by talk of environmental problems and how we must come up with some solution. Every media outlet propagates these messages of environmental doom, but how much do we actually care? What does it say about us that we are not willing to make drastic change? Why am I not giving up my truck for a bicycle?
Another important facet of postmodernism is the technology and aesthetic of speed. We buy computers and cell phones based on how “fast” they are. I often like wondering what this speed will lead to. How fast are we willing to become? When will technological singularity become an issue? I like going fast, I like being able to access information without having to wait for the internet to load. But why can we not find a point where we are happy with out speed?
Basically what I am most looking forward to with this class is the “aha” moment where I can never look at anything the same way ever again. I am skeptical that this is going to happen, but new viewpoints are always exciting. If more of the population was well versed in critical theory, would we worry about holocausts and obsess over speed as much as we do?
July 1-17
Dr. Rog went on to explain to the class about when postmodernism started, but there wasn’t an actual date given. This leaves me to believe that our society has created so many time changes throughout history, which makes it hard for Americans to pin-point the establishment of post-modernism. He went on to explain several major dates that could have started it, like the Berlin wall of 1989, Terrorist Acts of 2001, Global Warming which is current, and the expansion of Technology.
I truthfully would not be able to answer the question of the day “When did post-modernism began,” but I know that the Terrorist Acts is a major factor of this dilemma. 9/11 or the Terrorist Acts did change America and American’s viewpoints about life. I understand one of my colleagues feel different about this statement, but in reality things have changed. Yes, lines are backed up almost through the door when one is trying to go through security at the airport and no, things weren’t like this before our airports became a terrorist site. This did not affect one single person, but as a whole many are afraid of flying or they are too impatient to wait through these long lines. This brings us to the quote: “If it is faster, than it is better.” The Terrorist Acts weren’t just about planes crashing into buildings or the new security in our airports, it was about the trust Americans had with our government. We’ve held our country so high above others, in reality bad can happen to anybody as soon as they let their guards down.
Once 9/11 was over we’ve encountered several methods that were being used to advance our state of life. For example, Congress finalized passage of legislation giving government officials new powers to monitor telephone and Internet dialogues and to arrest and hold suspected terrorists. Also, Border crossings in North America began to look like entrances to military bases, so they were monitored all-day and all-night. Working on the top floors of tall buildings suddenly seemed dangerous, rather than prestigious. Those terrorists deprived America from their normal way of life, but the funny thing about it is we can adjust to adversity.
I truthfully would not be able to answer the question of the day “When did post-modernism began,” but I know that the Terrorist Acts is a major factor of this dilemma. 9/11 or the Terrorist Acts did change America and American’s viewpoints about life. I understand one of my colleagues feel different about this statement, but in reality things have changed. Yes, lines are backed up almost through the door when one is trying to go through security at the airport and no, things weren’t like this before our airports became a terrorist site. This did not affect one single person, but as a whole many are afraid of flying or they are too impatient to wait through these long lines. This brings us to the quote: “If it is faster, than it is better.” The Terrorist Acts weren’t just about planes crashing into buildings or the new security in our airports, it was about the trust Americans had with our government. We’ve held our country so high above others, in reality bad can happen to anybody as soon as they let their guards down.
Once 9/11 was over we’ve encountered several methods that were being used to advance our state of life. For example, Congress finalized passage of legislation giving government officials new powers to monitor telephone and Internet dialogues and to arrest and hold suspected terrorists. Also, Border crossings in North America began to look like entrances to military bases, so they were monitored all-day and all-night. Working on the top floors of tall buildings suddenly seemed dangerous, rather than prestigious. Those terrorists deprived America from their normal way of life, but the funny thing about it is we can adjust to adversity.
kaymac 1.17.08
Does each era begin with a revolution or war? Does each generation have its defining moment that describes what it will forever be known in the history books we give to our great great grandchildren? In the past twenty years, the world media has completely exploded to a point where we can find out anything at anytime. Well, at least in parts of the world where modern-day technology exists.
With everything at our fingertips—literally—have we become more aware of the world or less? Do we take this technology for granted, so that when it fails, which is inevitable, we’ll crash and burn so hard that it’ll be the middle ages again? Personally, I know I should read the NY Times everyday, especially since I can get it for free. I know that I should keep up with the presidential race and be an active, contributing member of society. But for me, the more I find out about the world, the less I want to be a part of it. Dr. Rog is right. We do live in an age of fear. No wonder Henry David Thoreau locked himself in an isolated cabin for two years. Things are consumed and regurgitated over and over again, each time made worse and worse. Of course, I think kids will rejoice in the day broccoli is pronounced bad for you.
What I’m curious about is the view of post-modern culture for our generation in Africa, Indonesia, and the southern Pacific Islands. Is it the same for them? Think back to what Dr. Rog said about those little kids from his trip to Asia running up to him and saying “Coca-Cola” and “Michael Jordan.” Is that what the pomo era is to them? American symbols of capitalism that we as Americans don’t even pay attention to anymore? Or is it more? What about the people who live in Russia? Or Iceland? What is pomo to them?
I don’t know what post modernism really is, but then again, I don't think anybody really knows.
With everything at our fingertips—literally—have we become more aware of the world or less? Do we take this technology for granted, so that when it fails, which is inevitable, we’ll crash and burn so hard that it’ll be the middle ages again? Personally, I know I should read the NY Times everyday, especially since I can get it for free. I know that I should keep up with the presidential race and be an active, contributing member of society. But for me, the more I find out about the world, the less I want to be a part of it. Dr. Rog is right. We do live in an age of fear. No wonder Henry David Thoreau locked himself in an isolated cabin for two years. Things are consumed and regurgitated over and over again, each time made worse and worse. Of course, I think kids will rejoice in the day broccoli is pronounced bad for you.
What I’m curious about is the view of post-modern culture for our generation in Africa, Indonesia, and the southern Pacific Islands. Is it the same for them? Think back to what Dr. Rog said about those little kids from his trip to Asia running up to him and saying “Coca-Cola” and “Michael Jordan.” Is that what the pomo era is to them? American symbols of capitalism that we as Americans don’t even pay attention to anymore? Or is it more? What about the people who live in Russia? Or Iceland? What is pomo to them?
I don’t know what post modernism really is, but then again, I don't think anybody really knows.
Jiggy 1/20
The concept of postmodernism seemed fussy and confusing at first. Through last weeks class I began to understand it not as a distinct period but more as a concept. The debate on the beginnings of postmodernism is very interesting and shows the multiple meanings that it has to people across the world. Starting with the fear of nuclear Holocaust and ending with the attacks of 9/11 the inception of postmodernism in our culture is one for great debate. More important, however, is the concept itself. The last two hundred years has seen more technological advances then the prior two hundred thousand years of human history. We are in an age stressing the importance of communication and the development of technologies to convenience and globalize our societies. Inventions such as the radio, TV and computer have changed social and economic approaches to daily life. We live in a world that believes, as mentioned in class, that "newer and faster is better". Postmodernism is a concept that effects us everyday, even if it is silent in affect.
WouldntUlike2know 1/17
In class on Thursday, Dr. Rog gave a quick overview of the major themes of postmodernism. From cultural revolutions to technological advances and breakthroughs, he described how each has contributed to the current state of our contemporary culture. But how do these closely relate to me?
Being that I am the daughter of an upper class white family, none of the racial, sexual, or multicultural revolutions had any deep impact on me. Perhaps I am naïve to it but I do not feel that my life has any sense of meaninglessness to it. I am perfectly content and, what’s more, excited with the direction that my life has taken. (Samuel Beckett did not really hit home with me either). What struck me from this class is something that I did not realize until around 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon.
Fear. For the past nineteen years, my fears have been rather trivial. As a 4 year old, I feared what was under my bed. As a nine year old, I feared going to a different school and meeting new friends. In junior high, I feared that I wouldn’t have a date to the winter formal in the schools gym. In high school I feared not getting into the right college. Now, as a college student living in the beautifully safe neighborhood of Winter Park, I feel totally safe walking on campus at night. Sure, everyone hears the stories of young college women being abducted but their scenarios are much different. They were in a sketchy part of NYC and were making stupid decisions. Its terrible to say this but until I realized how quickly events can turn, I felt invincible. (Knock on wood).
Thursday afternoon, I gained some perspective. It was at that time that I received a phone call from my Dr’s. office. They had gotten my routine lab results in and found that I needed to come in for a few more tests. So I went back to have them done. Unfortunately, this test is not “newer, faster, or better” so I am sitting and waiting for at least two weeks to find the results. I have forcibly realized that my previous, content and blissfully ignorant reality “aint what it used to be.”
Being that I am the daughter of an upper class white family, none of the racial, sexual, or multicultural revolutions had any deep impact on me. Perhaps I am naïve to it but I do not feel that my life has any sense of meaninglessness to it. I am perfectly content and, what’s more, excited with the direction that my life has taken. (Samuel Beckett did not really hit home with me either). What struck me from this class is something that I did not realize until around 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon.
Fear. For the past nineteen years, my fears have been rather trivial. As a 4 year old, I feared what was under my bed. As a nine year old, I feared going to a different school and meeting new friends. In junior high, I feared that I wouldn’t have a date to the winter formal in the schools gym. In high school I feared not getting into the right college. Now, as a college student living in the beautifully safe neighborhood of Winter Park, I feel totally safe walking on campus at night. Sure, everyone hears the stories of young college women being abducted but their scenarios are much different. They were in a sketchy part of NYC and were making stupid decisions. Its terrible to say this but until I realized how quickly events can turn, I felt invincible. (Knock on wood).
Thursday afternoon, I gained some perspective. It was at that time that I received a phone call from my Dr’s. office. They had gotten my routine lab results in and found that I needed to come in for a few more tests. So I went back to have them done. Unfortunately, this test is not “newer, faster, or better” so I am sitting and waiting for at least two weeks to find the results. I have forcibly realized that my previous, content and blissfully ignorant reality “aint what it used to be.”
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