We should study popular culture for
multiple reasons, obviously, but one major reason is because there are some
that believe that popular culture is only what happens in the media such as
music and television, but it is truly more complex than that. Merriam Webster
defines popular as, “of or relating to the general public”, for this reason
solely we can understand and possibly agree that popular culture is something
that effects the masses in one way or another. As it relates to culture,
Brummet (2006) defines culture as, “the integrated set or system of artifacts
that is linked to a group (p. 26). Topics that are considered “popular culture”
texts are examples of artifacts that link a group and in turn create culture.
It would seem that one could not work without the other. Culture could not
exist without these popular texts to connect the group, and in turn, the
connected group then creates the artifacts that make up and continue to expand
their culture.
With all this in mind, one may
wonder how another’s cultural issues effect them, but Brummet (2006) argues
that cultures are highly complex and overlap and because of this, effect many
people. Take me for example. I am an African-American, which is one of the
cultures I identify with, but I am also a woman and can relate to the culture
of women. I am also from Chicago, where our culture is completely different
from Muncie’s culture. I am a member of the Hip-Hop culture, which is a
misunderstood culture by those not a part of it. I too, am a graduate student
and as a grad student I realize the obvious differences between undergraduate
culture and grad culture. These are just a few examples, because everything I
do, identify with, wear, etc. is a part of some particular culture. If there is
a problem in any one of my cultures it not only effects me but others in my
culture and possibly outside of my culture depending on the severity of the
problem.
So? What is the point of everything
I just said? How can we be conscious consumers of our own cultures if we don’t
understand what is going on with the countless other cultures revolving around
our own? In order to make strong arguments or try to persuade someone about
something that effects us, we need to be able to take in consideration their
viewpoints and cultural backgrounds as a mean to improving our chances.
