Study Pop Culture? Duh!

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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.