Hello all — the readings/viewings due for next week are as follows:
- “Why Theory?” p. 1-9, TT (Theory Toolbox)
- “Popular Signs: Or, Everything You Always Knew About American Culture (but
Nobody Asked)”, p. 1- 15, SOL (Signs of Life) — handed out in class, but the book is now available in the bookstore for purchase. - View: Encode This Decode That
Please consider the following questions (below) as you read. You do not have to answer any specific set of questions listed below, and you are also free to write about something else that takes your attention, but your discussion about each reading should be thoughtful and critical, paying particular attention to the themes or major ideas presented within both readings.
Be sure to address BOTH readings, and also engage in a discussion with your student colleagues. Do not merely repeat what another student writes, but rather discuss your own thoughts as they relate to those of others. When appropriate, be sure to provide examples, either textual or contextual (examples outside of the readings). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.
1) What examples can you provide, personal or otherwise, in which the use of theory might prove useful? Explain why.
2) In what ways do the readings emphasize some of what we last discussed in class? What new ideas or thoughts are presented that were not discussed in the last class?
3) After reading the Introduction to Popular Signs, give an example of a cultural artifact that potentially blurs the boundaries between high and low cultures? Explain how your artifact does this.
4) What is your understanding of “signs” of culture? In other words, what is a “sign” and what do signs mean for our understanding of culture/s? What examples might you provide that are not provided already by the text?
5) Explain what you believe is the significance of the title “Encode This Decode That” after watching the video. How does the video relate to the readings and/or discussions we had in class?
* Again, if something else takes your attention that you would like to discuss, please feel free to do so. I might interject comments of my own as responses are posted, to help you blog and share ideas with others.
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February 5, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Shannon
“Each day seems like a natural fact
And what we think
Changes how we act”
If actions speak louder than theories, and theories are based on what we think, how does pop culture influence what we think, and what we ultimately base our theories on? There must be some social dysfunction in America that has lead us to the point where we are bored with our ordinary lives, as compared to the big boom of “reality” television. I think as Americans in general, we get so wound up in popular culture in the television and media that we take for granted the value of our own opinions. Americans sense of reality is shaped through popular culture, but what does this say about us as a whole when we are spending hours watching fantasy and “reality” television? One of the biggest obstacles to see past when re-evaluating symbols and our personal theories is that , “American capitalism that has ensured that American mass culture would develop as a for-profit industry.” Those in power have succeeded, and it feels like we’re just a bunch of consumers, buying up trends, and keeping the wealthy in power. Instead of accepting things as “natural facts,” it is important to take suspicions about everything over face value. I think people place too high of a merit on what people with power and wealth in our country have to say, and maybe rely too much on assumptions and norms of behavior represented in the media. “Every cultural activity leaves a trace of meaning.” If we can understand symbols within popular culture, and truly think about the meanings we personally attach, disregarding what we have been told, we might act differently. What we think, is not always obvious,, think about it.
February 5, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Corey
“It seems that for opinions to be at all productive, we are obliged to ask the Question ‘where do they come from?” ( The Theory Toolbox) I thought about this idea of where opinions came from while reading Signs of Life and riding on the train. Signs of Life talks about America being a consumer, pop, entertainment culture. The things around us like TV, music, advertising, politics, Movies and fashion effect who we are and what we do. The signs and symbols around us create us. Does that make it safe to say that our opinions are based on the signs and symbols of our culture? I suppose that the images that we are shown and received affect the way we think and perceive reality effecting our opinions and ideologies.
February 5, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Corbin Baran
Theory allows us to examine how others think and are influence by society; however, theory can be useless when it can’t be proven or supported. The major issue with theory is that it causes us to be stubborn and narrow-minded. In chapter one, from “Why Theory?,” an example of Jeff’s uncle is introduced to show the most common use of theory, or in other words “natural facts.” Jeff’s uncle has a theory about how he has figured out how the lottery is rigged, and he is destine to win if he continues to turn in the same numbers everyday to the same gas station, but he has yet to win. If he observed his theory from another perspective then he would realize that his theory is just an opinion and not a fact. The problem with this is that we are all guilty of developing theories such as Jeff’s uncle. It’s difficult to point out a lot of positives from theory; perhaps the only positive that comes out of theory is for asking reflexive questions about how things work (an example would be for science) and how they work differently.
The signs of life give us a chance to realize some of the culture that is present in our society. The understanding that I grasped from “signs” of culture is that it’s something or anything that carries a meaning influenced by a specific belief. some examples would be one’s hairstyle, the clothes one wears, or if someone has tattoos all over their body. In my opinion, I believe that the most obvious signs of culture are shaped by subcultures and demand a deeper meaning.
February 5, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Catherine M.
To be honest, I’m not sure I entirely grasped the concept of “Why Theory?” from TT. After reading it I felt like I had just read myself in a circle almost, and had developed more questions than answers. The reading out of SOL made much more sense. America has become extremely entertainment oriented. I know people who plan their work and class schedules around their favorite reality shows. The discussion of signs in culture is something to make note of too. The way people dress, act, speak, etc. are signs into that person’s culture. Which I suppose is what we’re looking for in the first place.
The video addressed popular and entertainment culture beautifully. It displayed the objectification of women within TV and did a great job of catching my attention. I liked it to say the least.
February 5, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Erica Ayala
All is useless unless we ask questions…
Theories are useful to our society; they allow us to think theoretically and better examine the “norm”. Through theories we examine opinions and create them into theories, this way they are able to go beyond what is known as an opinion. Ultimately we should never settle for what is in front of us and for what we know as “natural fact”, in order to go beyond that we have to convert those theories into action. Asking questions as simple as who, what, where, and why may lead us to challenge the “natural fact”. Theory can be proven to be useful when we continue to go past the questioning and end with action. With theories we are able to implant actions so that it allows room for change. To challenge the norm and make theories useful we must question the obvious. By asking questions we take off our blinders and find the true meaning of what something is, for example, questioning laws, religions, cultures, basically everything. With questions we convert opinions into theories and with theories we make are minds useful. Now if we could just keep the ball rolling and start doing some action.
February 5, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Kristin F.
I’m beginning to understood the difference/similarities between theory and opinion in reading the intro in The Theory Toolbox book. Most people in today’s society are opinionated and that’s ok because we are allowed to be. And with one of the most important elections in history coming up, it’s important to recognize how we use our opinions to make decisions. However to have an opinion about the election we need to have something to back it up and that’s where theory comes in. Many Americans choose not to vote. When asked the question why not, it never fails that people have their own opinions like “My vote doesn’t count”, “I can’t make to the polls”, or “I care but not enough.” To me those are all considered hard core EXCUSES. A lot of people have a lot to bitch about our current president, but when less than half of Americans are voting in our democracy, we should go for the source and VOTE. Which brings me to the study of our culture. We live in a culture where it is ok not to vote, because in our culture like the SOL book says ‘Americans are failing to be adequately stimulated by their actual lives’ and what’s actually going on in the REAL world. NO not THE REAL WORLD on MTV, but the actual news. The unfortunate fact is that my age group would rather be watching Brittney screwing up her life on E! News rather than watching a debate between our potential future presidents. Perhaps it’s not our fault that we are so absorbed in popular culture, but there has to be theories out there and with this class I hope to answer some questions that have been lurking inside of me for so long about pop culture.
February 5, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Nick McKiernan
To get down to bear bones:
Theories and opinions can somewhat go hand in hand. Ones opinion can also be construed as ones theory for that same thing. What I mean By this is that theories can Come from anywhere, in anyshape or any form. These theories can explain an Idea or purpose, however along with this comes other peoples’ ideas, or opinions of the same topic. They can go back and fourth on either side of the argument (Opinion/Theory). What makes it worthwhile to even have theory? Theories only bring more questions that need answering. This also brings more opinions to the table, and which side of the table you are going to be on!
As for SOL- The general media, Im talk ing about television, Newpapers, Internet, etc… has fixated us to believe in a fantasy world. When I say that I am talking about all the celebrity shows you see where they show you how much money they have, and what their lifestyles are like. Right now, the common person doesn’t live in that type of world. theres only a select few people inthis world that Live the extravagant lives as celebrities do. I believe the media depicts these people as almost gods and goddesses, where we should worship the ground the step on because their famous. I maybe ranting here but thats what the media does. The easiest way I can put it is that right now we all live in a box thats inside of a box looking out. We are the finger puppets who believe what we see in the media.
the video was very interesting- How they can show us what IS popular culture. I think its funny that We all get our ideas of popular culture from watching the television (the one thing that you should not believe). This clip put that into perspective for me.
February 5, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Eddie R.
what i got out of the readings was more of a rehashing of beliefs i already had about us as Americans. with the advent of internet, and the already powerful mind-numbing of americans through television, life has definitely gotten faster. and as life progresses down the road of high speed internet connections and rapid-fire commercials, we, as a society, become more and more impatient. impatience leads to irrationality, which, i must say, has been the backbone of our political and cultural society for quite some time. opinions and theories are (and have been) blended into one mash of thought, becoming harder and harder to discern one from another. once logic, patience, and rationality leave the equation, one’s raging thoughts can easily be translated into theory. the ease of this is most easily recognized through the internet. the internet has given everyone a whole new venue to vent, preach, condemn, justify, etc. and things like inflection, tone, and demeanor are thrown out the window.
February 5, 2008 at 11:47 pm
James G.
Without theories there would be no questioning current institutions, structures and social norms etc. Theories are what lead us to advancement and progression in life. Without different opinions we would have no way of understanding and solving problems from war to the budget of a film. When we talk about the power and influence of the media, it should be noted this type of “zombiefication” if you will of todays youth is not something unique to the United States alone. In a world where digital networking and information can be sent and processed in seconds, the umbrella of the media spans the world. This type of “instant influences” over the masses is as prominent in this country today as in Central Asia, Northern Russia and South America. For instance, a friend of mine once bushwhacked through the jungles of Indonesian and came upon a primitive village lacking any basic modern utilities. When, through his translator he explained he was American, the locals replied “AH! Monica Lewinsky!”
February 5, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Victoria T.
Theories are useful up to a certain point. A theory is the first step to something, kind of like a thesis in a paper. The whole paper is based on a thesis, and answers are guided by that thesis. I think of it as a building block. Some theories however are more or less based on opinion rather than an educated guess, such as Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, in which he saw with his own eyes animals that looked similiar to other animals and went from there. However, if a theory is useless, that is when it becomes a problem, because you ultimately go nowhere without an answer.
As for SOL, I believe most people, especially in the U.S. are surrounded by media and influenced incredibley by it. 1000 years ago when there was no media (reality tv shows, magazines, etc.) life was obviously different. Many people today are so bored with their own lives, they depend on the media to entertain them. The media does VERY well in “brainwashing” people to think in a certain way, politically, for example. I wonder what would some people do without media for for a while.
February 6, 2008 at 12:42 am
Stephanie V.
Reading Theory Toolbox, Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States kept popping up in my mind. Zinn’s book details the history of the United States in a way most of us never learned in school. He portrays the side of history that is not usually told; he portrays the side of history that would not be considered the “natural fact.” Simply being aware that there are many other valid accounts of the history we take for granted is eye-opening. Additionally, it builds the sort of suspicion about “natural facts” that theory attempts to instill. On a different note, SOL’s explanation of our fascination with reality TV can be extrapolated to include advertisements, as well. Advertisements, like reality TV, often portray a fantasy life that helps us escape our own everyday lives. Beer commercials seem to be the most noticeable culprits, with their outrageous claims as to what their brand of beer can do for you (get you sexy, impossibly thin women, make you cooler, give you superhuman powers, etc.). Indeed, the lines between reality and fantasy “are being erased” and if we, as consumers of media (entertainment and otherwise), do not consistently question the output from the media-makers, we will effectively be giving them permission to continue lulling us into a further skewed sense of reality.
February 6, 2008 at 12:58 am
Janet P.
I know I’m not supposed to repeat what has already been said among other students, but it is difficult not to. I found that the readings were in sync with many of my own personal beliefs and knowledge. From Signs of Life in the USA: “American contradictions, gender, race, public space, and popular icons round our survey of everyday life.” Theories such as this one reinforce the fact that anything and everything we do and say is a reflection of society and self. “…culture shapes our sense of reality and of ourselves…” The Theory Toolbox addressed issues of theory by calling our attention to what we take for granted. “Everything comes from somewhere, exists, and functions in a particular context or set of contexts; there’s no such thing as a natural fact.” I feel as though it is our duty to not only critic society, but to take necessary steps in becoming more progressive.
February 6, 2008 at 1:09 am
Erik Vogt
A Theory is the first step to any new idea. The theory is a departure from the accepted norm or a questioning of how or why the current world works. However this is not to say that all theories are valid and good. A new idea isn’t always an improvement and it’s becoming more and more difficult to discern what is based in fact, trial, and review as opposed to what Jim was told by Jill that she saw on the internet. Clear and rational thought is in no danger of disappearing, but it’s shifted more and more out of the carpet bombing of media images sounds and false promises we’re hit with every day. There are so many more things to have opinions about in our world of instant and constant information that the danger we face is that we stop thinking each of them through and just accept what we’re told by whoever we seem to like. Our lives are also saturated in glossy and mostly contentless entertainment, reality TV and clever commercials. These programs are just close enough to reality that we can escape our lives. Slowly we’re becoming more convinced that those shows are what’s real, and that we are all just boring. This digs us deeper into believing in whatever flashes brightest at us MUST be based in reality and fact, the reason why I feel that a great deal, if not the majority of public opinion is based on media, not reality, not even the depressing, boring ol’ news. We’re starting to really believe that if you buy a case of Coors you wont need to deal with a hangover and rush to work, you’ll need to get all the sexy Swedish ladies out of your place, or that perhaps you should support candidate X since he says he really cares for me and my needs, plus he seems so nice. We’re walking a dangerous road from the days we looked up the issues and checked the ingredient labels. A road to where it isn’t even popular opinion that guides us, it’s simply most visible opinion.
February 6, 2008 at 1:10 am
Karli Foss
I’ve always found it to be frustrating talking and thinking about theory. If one were to have asked me “why theory” prior to my reading TT, I would’ve reverted the idea of “natural facts” and the thought that my idea or belief is just true. I begin to think more about why one would spend time re-thinking and questioning one’s original beliefs. My understanding of theory is that everyone’s thoughts originate somewhere. The point of disrupting the idea of natural facts is to be able to see and communicate with other thinking human beings. If we don’t question ourselves, arguments would remain un-argued without proof or support, compromise would not exist, and progression within society would be out of the question. Of the multitude of examples that I can think of in part to something that would suffer if it were not thought of theoretically, what first comes to mind is politics. If a politician did not attempt to think of a stance that they have or situation that may arise from multiple angles, there would most likely be serious consequences that would affect us all. I think back to how in class we talked about the way that something may define our culture, and what questions one (who may be unfamiliar with the way in which we live) would ask. We ask questions about our own ideas to answer questions about the ideas of others. We are becoming aware of how we subconsciously compare what we know with what we do not with hopes of answers. As far as my grasp on the meaning of signs within our culture goes, I would say that signs are all we have to define us. The fact that we rely heavily on computers could be a sign that our culture is not based a whole lot on tradition. If a sign is something with meaning, everything is a sign because everything means something. I think that it has become quite obvious that, in general, our world revolves around the media. I don’t find it necessary to rant and rave about the downfalls of this because it’s been done. I do however think it’s important to realize that we, as a society, tend to gravitate towards the popular culture that someone else (mass entertainment) decides for us.
February 6, 2008 at 1:53 am
Evan Davis
Theories are needed to for most to follow and for some to reject. After reading the first chapter in The Theory Toolbox, I believe that they are over analyzing the word theory. They say at one point “one might say, actions speak louder than theories,” and to that I say of course they do. A theory is some idea that someone came up with that is supposed to be followed in order to do something the right way. But who says that’s the right way to do it. If you choose to act on a certain situation differently than the “theory” says you’re supposed to, than yeah, actions are going to overpower theory. They bring up a stop sign at one point in the chapter.
In the first some pages in SOL, the authors discusses various topics that are all related in some way. They discuss Reality T.V. and how it has started to shape Americans today. It seems as though the authors are extremely one sided so far when I comes to judging Americans opinions on life. They act like the world has gone mad and that the Folk era was so much more pleasant. They say that if we didn’t have iPods, radio, T.V. etc, that we would be lost and the world would fall apart. If you think about it, there right, but that’s something that this generation has grown accustomed to just as the Folk era had grown accused to their culture. Yeah so what if we wear certain brands and cut our hair a certain style. Almost everyone does something, wears something, or makes something to impress someone else. That’s just how things are and have always been.
February 6, 2008 at 2:48 am
Justin D
I guess I’m the one that doesn’t get it. I take the word theory and interchange it with hypothesis. Take it and use it for science and religion, economics. Economic theories are redundant anyways. It’s all marketing and public opinion.
The example with Jeff’s uncle is just stupid. All he knew was that they sold more tickets. He never took in consideration the amount of people who come from Indiana into Illinois and Chicago. This is just a theory, based on nothing, but maybe that store sold more tickets because it had the cheapest gas in the area. The people stop in for gas and buy a ticket with the money they saved.
I couldn’t make heads or tails from Signs of Life. Yes, America is a consumer culture. I’m a consumer, but I don’t want to be labeled one. I buy mostly out of necessity. Roughly 60/40.
Do I have a frequent need for entertainment? Yes. I have my iPod with me at all times. Last year, I lived without cable. I was really bored. I signed up for netflix and watched on average 3 or 4 movies a week. That would have been more if they shipped on Saturdays. I think I’m just rambling now.
Bob Dylan said it best, “The Times They Are a-Changin.”
February 6, 2008 at 11:16 am
Meghan M
You’re not alone, Justin D. “Why Theory” made very little sense to me and the whole time I was reading I felt like I was missing something. It just went on and talking about nonsense and using 10 dollar words. I think the average, informed college student (regardless of if they grow out of it later) is already aware that the reality we live in is man-made and can be deconstucted by questioning it. I just don’t think most of them care. Most people would rather just be comfortable. Yes, the text may have had some decent ideas hidden in the jibber-jabber, but nothing that seemed new to me. And the example about Jeff’s uncle was ridiculous, although it does reflective the silly logic some people rely on.
“Signs of Life” was a little better. It at least kept my interest, although not really presenting any new ideas. Yes, we are a consumer culture. Yes, we’re probably screwed. Do most people care? Not really. I think that is where the real problem lies. Generation Y has become so cozy with their cell phones and video games that they’re numb to what our culture has been reduced to. So what do we do to wake them up? I wish the best of luck to anyone who tries.
February 6, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Julia Vilk
The “Why Theory?” reading confused me a little as well, I enjoyed reading the song and the song made sense to me but the rest of it not so much. Theories are pointless unless they are made productive by asking “reflexive questions” about how some things work? Towards the end it did become a little clearer, because I do understand that theories can be pointless because why question something and come up with more predictions when you already have the facts? I liked the comparison of a theory and a toolbox, how its supposed to help you reach a conclusion and come up with new ideas rather than just give you the answer.
The signs of Life book talks about popular objects and icons in our society today that help shape our culture. I do believe that our society is media obsessed whether its having the latest new phone, ipod, lap top or being obsessed with a new reality show that came out. Our society always wants the new and the best. And the media does a great job by advertising the new things, and what people are “supposed to have” to keep up, almost brainwashing people into buying things, or having to look like a certain celebrity to look good. I do believe that the media and magazines and everything has a negative effect on our society and many people although I am guilty of following it myself.
The video “Encode this Decode that” portrays our society and media perfectly, how television tells you what to believe and how they even make fun of serious situations through cartoons that maybe offensive like the bombing cartoon.
February 13, 2008 at 1:47 am
Jackie Soto
When considering a particular Cultural Artifact, I usually determine who produces that meaning by the history of the artifact. For example, a cultural artifact that came into my mind was the Mexican Aztec Sun Calendar. The Aztec Calendar is a symbolic portrayal of the four disasters that led to the end of the four previous Universes in Aztec cosmology. The Aztecs believed that four previous Universes existed and the Sun Stone represents each one of these repetitions. The Aztecs believed that they were living in the fifth and last creation of their world. The Aztec Sun Calendar was discovered in what is now Mexico City, and the history is very deep and specific. This is a perfect example of how a cultural artifact determines who or what produces it and what makes it cultural. This artifact is very popular among the Mexican culture, and it is known for its intense history.
February 13, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Angelika L.
One cultural artifact that blurs the line between high and low culture that stands out for me is the music video world and popular music as a whole. Particularly popular rap or hip hop music which on one hand only talks about coming from the bottom and inevitably reaching a wealthy status. Now these rappers who obtain enormous amounts of money from their music and then their clothing lines, investments etc. are no longer simply on a small scale reaching local fans, hey are reaching a very diverse crowd. They appeal to low income minority cultures as well as the upper echelon. When “thug” rappers are being seen in Armani ads and doing American Express Black Card adds the line’s of cultural differences are definitely being blurred a bit. The creative form of expression has gone from the small scale to the main stream like folk culture that is being transported to a higher level for mass production. From small local clubs and venues to the MTV’s, and Grammy’s. Popular music is definitely merging the two.
February 26, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Erik Vogt
It’s fun to watch the Hitler and King speeches together since both were such excellent public speakers with messages that out of context sound similar yet they were going in exact opposite directions. In regards to the context and ideologies each have, Hitler got lots of his popularity by speaking to what people wanted. Germany had been in a crushing economic collapse and had been completely embarrassed and dominated after the first World War, Hitler was telling people that Germany could be great again, be a world power, be prosperous, and have all proud Germans be rewarded. It sounds good, and Hitler did a lot of those things, they had tons of new jobs, infrastructure, people were being united. The problem is that the reason they were united is that if you didn’t agree you got the crap kicked out of you by the SS and all the jobs were in factories making tanks and guns. King had a message of unity also, except he actually meant it. Thanks to Black History Month specials I don’t have to explain his context. King was after a world where people could all work as a community in love and prosper without violence and hate. Both of them used the same persuasions, the same promises, but what they actually wanted was vastly different. King truly wanted freedom for all people, while Hitler only wanted freedom for himself and those who would follow him without question.
February 26, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Erik Vogt
How did i put this in the wrong part?
whoops