Culture, Culture
There’s a story in the June issue of the Atlantic asking if American Pop Culture is in decline. I read it, but a debate is not worth the time because it seems to me that decline is hardwired into any form of popular culture. Things come. Things go. Tastes change. And a desire to talk about it critically is usually someone shilling for something he or she likes, and acting as though it can be measured and evaluated against standards. As though there’s an ideal to which we should strive.
It seems to me that pop culture, in fact any type of culture, is a reflection of the times, and the images are going to overlap and compete, and people will pick and choose to satisfy their needs. One of those needs being identity and the feeling of belonging. It’s that old appeal of the group. We find it at parties when a song comes on everyone knows, and we find it at concerts all across the globe. And sometimes it serves as a form of advertisement. Look how much fun we’re having singing this catchy tune and wouldn’t you like to join in?
The obvious issue with all of this is that people usually get caught in whatever strata they grew up with and they almost always view the newer material as a threat and a sign of decline. And sometimes they’ll want to fight you about it or simply dismiss you. My mantra is adapt or die, which is how life evolved, and it’s how I want to evolve and continue growing, at least spiritually, since the laws of nature have other ideas for my body. I think the ideal way to go out would be with a new song that stirs my soul as I breathe my last breath.