What is popular culture?
Popular culture is our way of life. It is what we know, what we believe, what we like, and what we do. It is a reflection of our past and present, and by studying and understanding popular culture we can learn so much about other social groups, cultures, etc.
An example of popular culture today, is the "Twilight Saga". All four books in the series are best sellers and the movie based on the first book "Twilight" was a box office hit. These books have appealed to a wide audience ranging from tween girls to grown women. I'm not ashamed to say, that at 41, I have read all four books twice. I saw the movie at the theatre and have since watched the DVD 5 times. I absolutely love it and can't wait for next movie based on book two "New Moon" to be released in November.
Reference: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com
I love Twilight, I am just getting into it. I am a little behind. I did not know what the big deal was until I watched the movie, I am now reading the first book.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job describing pop culture and the Twilight example is a great one! I remember all the hype not only when the movie came out but for the DVD release. My theatre's midnight show was sold out days in advance and I recall seeing many of my friends posting countdowns on facebook for the DVD release. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love the layout of this page. I never really gotten into Twilight because I am a big spook. I can remember the series coming on late at night and the music scared me to pieces, but this is a perfect example of our module learning on taste. I wasn't really exposed to the Twilight hype, but like Opera I wouldn't mind learning more. Thank you for opening up my eyes to a whole different culture characteristic.
ReplyDeleteI also define the popular culture as our way of life.
ReplyDeleteTwillight is a great example of pop culture. I've read the first book, and watched the movie. I am going to order and read the second book.
Melinda-
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I have not seen the “Twilight” movie, nor have I read the book. That is not to say that I wouldn’t be interested in them though. I do love to read about vampires, and if I have heard correctly, that it what this movie and book is about. It was a huge success, both the book and the movie. The news stations reported all the people (mostly young adults, but I’m sure there was more than just that age group) who lined up to see the movie days in advance. I think the whole idea of vampires still holds intrigue to most of us, although we all realize it’s just not possible, all you have to do it the math. It brings back some nostalgia from our childhoods and the fear that it could be possible for vampires to exist. Even though the vampire concept is easily disproved, the subject always does a great job at capturing our attention, and even scaring the day-lights out of us at times. I’m sure sometime in the future I will watch the movie, or read the book.
Bethany Diss
I like the way you wrote your blog. I have not seen the film or read the books. But I have heard from other people that it is really good. You are right in that popular culture effects almost everything in our life. With this movie it is not only enjoyed by the young, but also by the older generation too.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is anything to be embarrassed about reading a book. I'm a Harry Potter freak. I love to read books. Any books. I get to the point where I crave to read. It's a cheap get a way trip.
ReplyDeleteTwilight, I remember the hype but never read the books or watched the DVD. I'll have to check them out. I find it interesting how consumerism drives pop culture and pop culture drives consumerism. Although not a "business" in the stictest of senses, pop culture emulates the basic supply and demand curve. Love your write-up.
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