asher2012.p2.t3 Contemporary Era Synthesis

               Popular culture is something that has generally been agreed upon by the populace as something that is entertaining or of value.  One of the most important elements of popular culture is its ability to speak to the masses; for the majority of people to find it appealing and valuable in some form, be it entertainment or some sort of message that resonates with the populace.  What has had the strongest impact on “Pop Culture” in the contemporary era has been the internet.  The internet has allowed for things to enter popular culture which would not have normally been deemed interesting by the public.  Take for example the fairly recent (in terms of history) phenomenon of the viral video; something of relatively little importance can be embraced by millions of people at the click of a button.

               Although the internet has been able to thrust some things into the public consciousness, it is largely the mainstream that is associated with popular culture.   Mainstream is often labeled as bland and corporate, in large part because it is often endorsed by large companies which hope to cash in on its success.  Examples of dance forms that have entered into popular culture in the contemporary era include hip hop and “urban” styles of dancing.  These have become fairly popular because of their association with celebrity, film, and choreographed shows, and have thus entered into the mainstream.  Music that has come to define popular culture falls under the genre of “pop music” quite literally meaning popular music. The most famous modern musicians from all genres, from rap to classical style music, have been able to gain some sort of leverage in the public eye and as such have become a part of “Popular Culture”.  Painting as a genre in popular culture has been rather overlooked by the masses in today’s society, but such painting styles which are more in the train of thought of avant-garde have become popular in some circles.  In terms of theater, musicals are still fairly popular, and shows such as “The Book of Mormon” by Trey Parker and Matt Stone represent how popular culture in the contemporary era can often represent rather controversial views and issues.  An example of a fairly popular modern author is T.C. Boyle, who has addressed and brought into public consciousness issues such as illegal immigration in his 1995 novel “The Tortilla Curtain”.  In Review, what we feel the sensibility of popular culture is is utility; entertainment and involvement of the masses with issues of the day, brought down to a level that the average person can understand.