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.
The question I would like to pose in response to your post is, "Who are the groups at power now?" I feel that the answer is a lot bigger and harder to explain than we realize. I know that I myself will log onto Facebook or other media sites and be blasted by opinions and assertions from various groups and ideas trying to be heard and accepted. Policy claims and media reviews are rampant. Novelties like the like button have slowly created internet bullies who feel the need to challenge everything with the hopes that the online social groups they speak to will support them. The world is changing and with it I believe the power has shifted giving more to everyone and at the same time less to a majority.
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