Contemporary Era Synthesis - Ash.p3.t8

            American pop culture can, for the most part, be referred to as ‘mass culture’. It is the music, dance, art, drama, literature, media, social institutions, etc. that large groups of the present public gravitate towards. Today, pop culture is greatly influenced by pop stars, and movie stars. These individuals are the epicenter of media attention. What these individuals focus on permeates the public, which is both aware in some cases and unaware in others.

            Today pop culture is rapidly evolving through social media. It would be carless not to mention the role of medial outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites such as these when referring to popular culture. This is because the driving force behind pop culture’s rapid evolution is the shortening of media’s exposure time, and the ability of advertising to be global. What this means for those people in the ‘eye of the public’ is instant fame or instant misery. The site YouTube has played its part in creating a star or two, for example Colbie Caillat, pop singer, was discovered from her videos she posted of her singing and song writing abilities. The ability of people to use sites like this to enter the difficult world of music is indicative of the contemporary era. What once took years of trial and rejection can happen instantly through the idea of rapid exposure. People want to get noticed. Just as fast as people become successful through this rapid media, they can be targeted. There have been several instances of inappropriate photographs of stars such as Scarlett Johansson circulate through social media. These instances can both damage some people’s careers and public appeal.

            However, the rich and famous are only a small fraction of individuals. Today people are gravitating towards self-promotion, just like famous people have television and movies; regular people (e.g., soccer moms, gym trainers, dads, personal chefs, teens) have the ability to promote their talents through the Internet and social media. Today pop culture is all about the gimmick, the hook, which is going to attract a following. Todays individual whether part of the pop culture troupe or even the counter culture want to attract people who will praise them, agree with them, or simply validate what they are doing.

            Todays pop culture revolves around increasing exposure through technology and attracting praise.

Contemporary Synthesis Wylie Period 1 Team 2


The contemporary era is one filled with much pop culture. Pop culture can be defined as

one that is new and coming and accurate to the appeals of the current society. Pop culture can

be viewed through artwork and music. Both of these mediums are largely influenced by many

discoveries and breakthroughs in technology. From the 1990s to the present there have been

dozens of new advancements in various fields. However in terms of aiding art and music there

have been developments in computer technology and editing programs. When one listens to pop

culture music he or she will be able to hear different electric instruments such as the electric

guitar, bass, synthesizer, and voice enhancements such as auto tuning. Even artwork is often

edited on programs such as Photoshop where photography or actual hand made artwork can be

adjusted. The availability of these technological tools is extraordinarily helpful; however it can

also lead to dishonest products. Sometimes these edits and enhancements tend to cover the real

and natural image or sound often leaving the audience confused and frustrated. Due to these

controversial outcomes people have questioned the integrity and talent of artists in the music and

art industry allowing for healthy debate and cautiousness within the artistic community. Overall,

pop culture has developed an electrifying and fresh sensibility as it does in fact use electronics

and is always changing in terms of approach and execution.