Mass Media and Popular Culture
What is Popular Culture?
Conventional definition Popular culture refers to the culture shared by ordinary people who are not highly educated.
Modern definition Popular Culture refers to the objects or activities of creative expression, entertainment, and style that appeal to the society as a whole. Popular Culture refers to things generally accepted by people at a particular time in a particular place.
Characteristics of Popular Culture Objects/activities in popular culture are considered to be trendy. Popular culture is a product of modern people’s inclination for the new.
Characteristics of Popular Culture Objects/activities in popular culture are often instant and may not be very meaningful. It induces people to imitate and follow without thinking clearly about the meaning. e.g.slangs, flash mob
Characteristics of Popular Culture Popular culture is popular because it emphasizes pleasure.
Characteristics of Popular Culture The social environment determines the popular culture.
Characteristics of Popular Culture Media plays a significant role in influencing the trends of popular culture.
Popular Culture and Self concept
What is self-identity? the opinions of a person on the questions of “ who am I ?” identities are dynamics and can change along with the changes of society and culture.
Popular Culture and self-identity Adolescents find their selves or identities from popular cultures, especially through mass media.
Popular Culture and self-identity We often define our own identities by the similarities or differences among us, e.g. fashion tastes, consumption and entertainment habits, lifestyles
Popular Culture and self-identity consciously or unconsciously we identity ourselves with the popular culture.
Popular Culture and self-identity What is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem refers to an individual's sense of his or her value or worth, or the extent to which a person likes him or herself.