I think that LeRoy
Ashby’s article, “The Rise of Popular Culture: A Historiographical Sketch”, displayed how pop culture is a form of competition for power between various
ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The racism white entertainment sought
to continue dominance over African Americans, whereas minority subcultures
rebelled to maintain their independence. For example, according to Ashby, blues music "changed (white culture's) attitude" toward African Americans and allowed this minority to gain significance and control within the larger American culture.
Similarly, the competition
between high culture and low culture are another example of this same
competition for power. As American society transformed and became more focused
on opportunity and social mobility, historians and cultural analysts began to
question the role of elitist ideals in society and place more value in studying
the culture and traditions of the masses. Because our society is democratic and
relies on the opinions of the general public, our concept of culture has also
evolved to place value on the ideas and lifestyles of the majority.
