Wyl.P6.T4 Contemporary Synthesis

Contemporary Synthesis Popular culture is the combination of ideas, perspectives, and emotions portrayed by the media and current artists. It is very influential in determining the fashion styles worn and ideologies cherished by society. People are naturally influenced by their surroundings. Popular culture leads the charge to “popularity” through advertisements and peer pressure. This is demonstrated by one of the most famous boy bands of the contemporary era, the Backstreet Boys. The Backstreet Boys have often been criticized for their superficial lyrics and repetitive background beats. However, this has not stopped them from contributing to the contemporary era and popular culture with songs such as The Call and Larger Than Life simply because popular culture is meant to be somewhat superficial and mainstream. In The Call, the lead singer talks of cheating on his girlfriend and then regretting his actions later. This relates to popular culture because infidelity has become a common theme and has destroyed many couples. The song helps suggest relationships are meant to be sacred and solace can be found in friendship. Larger Than Life helps define popular culture as well because it talks about living life to the fullest and finding a special someone to enjoy life with. This has led to various phrases, such as “YOLO” (You Only Live Once), which are dominating today’s society. Not only have the Backstreet Boys influenced culture musically, but they have set overwhelming trends. They have reinforced the need for close friends and belonging to groups. They have defined major aspects of the contemporary lifestyle. Works Cited "Backstreet Boys." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2012. Web. 17 May 2012. . "Home : Backstreet Boys." Backstreet Boys. Ground(ctrl). Web. 17 May 2012. . Team 4: Cody Dunn, Stephen Hwang, Carlton Lew, Tyler Wong, Rin Sone