Analysis, week 9
This is an analysis of the book Inventing Popular Culture, written by John Storey. It is not the analysis that poses the most difficult part, but incorporating this book into U.S. economics. How can this book influence the policies and practices of Christians in terms of U.S. economics. To start, it begins by discussing what folk culture is and how it affects us in everyday life. It appears that he believes this is a mythical world, not applicable in today's society. Folk culture is classified as something which goes back to the culture of a tribal people, which we all are, even in the midst of, "industrial capitalism", (page 14). The author is attempting to establish the fact that "folklore", is core to any established society and we should not forget this. What was brought to my mind, is the gang structure mainly in Chicago, which breaks down into two different types of gangs, one being, "Folk nation" and the other "People nation". These different gangs compose most of the gangs in Chicago as well as, across the country.
I was intrigued by the quotation of T.S. Elliot, (page 26) in speaking concerning social classes, stating that, "class structure, class privilege, and class inequality, are essential conditions for the growth and for the survival of culture." Classism is today one of the biggest issues facing U.S. economic policies. In other countries, there truly are poor, in the U.S., predominant problems exist within structures of what we call a "class system." T.S. Elliot believes that these classes would possibly be imperitive to the function of society. Basically he believes that with everyone equal, no longer will education be effective in transforming society.
This leads into chapter 4, in which if hegemony is practiced, the dominant classes in society can lead others by, "moral and intellectual leadership." Dominant groups and classes, "negotiating" with and making concessions to, subordinate groups. This creates more equality in society. No longer is it made into "class warfare," where one group forever strives to dominant by force other groups.
What is the response of the Christian towards these powers or forces? Knowing that inequalities exist in society, should we create a level playing field for all people? Although all people have the inalienable rights, (civil liberties), not all people have the same access to the same things. Nor should everyone be the same. Class warfare is a dangerous societal issue.
In response to Storey's application on page 108 of globalization, I would agree that the news media grants us access to the worlds problems, and the worlds events, while all the while neglecting those events which I actually live in each day. Meaning that I care about the inequalities in Africa, but could care less that I don't know my neighbor's. The reason is that there is an attraction to events that are broadcast on a global scale, (we like major events). He does make the point that we experience globalization in what we eat and drink every day though, and that global culture permeates our cultures.
To work in the context of global culture intertwined with local culture, hybridization which it is referred to is paramount to the development of the ability to communicate within culture. As a Christian I don't want to globalize too much, because then I am ineffective as a minister in my society, but to incorporate globally and locally, I have become then as most of the society, and will be effective, I believe. U.S. economics also operates on both scales. Storey makes the claim page 112, that "Commodities do not equal culture." Multi-National Corporations will not "make" a culture disappear or Americanize the globe, because the globe is already a large part of America, which hybridization claims.
In conclusion, this was the most interesting of all the books on globalization and culture which I have read, due to the fact that it doesn't make claims, which claim the economics of the U.S. has destroyed everything that is good, and true, and decent, in the world. Storey makes the claim, which I agree that non-western cultures, have influenced the west deeply, and many cultures have invariably assimilated into our society, which is to the benefit of us all.
I was intrigued by the quotation of T.S. Elliot, (page 26) in speaking concerning social classes, stating that, "class structure, class privilege, and class inequality, are essential conditions for the growth and for the survival of culture." Classism is today one of the biggest issues facing U.S. economic policies. In other countries, there truly are poor, in the U.S., predominant problems exist within structures of what we call a "class system." T.S. Elliot believes that these classes would possibly be imperitive to the function of society. Basically he believes that with everyone equal, no longer will education be effective in transforming society.
This leads into chapter 4, in which if hegemony is practiced, the dominant classes in society can lead others by, "moral and intellectual leadership." Dominant groups and classes, "negotiating" with and making concessions to, subordinate groups. This creates more equality in society. No longer is it made into "class warfare," where one group forever strives to dominant by force other groups.
What is the response of the Christian towards these powers or forces? Knowing that inequalities exist in society, should we create a level playing field for all people? Although all people have the inalienable rights, (civil liberties), not all people have the same access to the same things. Nor should everyone be the same. Class warfare is a dangerous societal issue.
In response to Storey's application on page 108 of globalization, I would agree that the news media grants us access to the worlds problems, and the worlds events, while all the while neglecting those events which I actually live in each day. Meaning that I care about the inequalities in Africa, but could care less that I don't know my neighbor's. The reason is that there is an attraction to events that are broadcast on a global scale, (we like major events). He does make the point that we experience globalization in what we eat and drink every day though, and that global culture permeates our cultures.
To work in the context of global culture intertwined with local culture, hybridization which it is referred to is paramount to the development of the ability to communicate within culture. As a Christian I don't want to globalize too much, because then I am ineffective as a minister in my society, but to incorporate globally and locally, I have become then as most of the society, and will be effective, I believe. U.S. economics also operates on both scales. Storey makes the claim page 112, that "Commodities do not equal culture." Multi-National Corporations will not "make" a culture disappear or Americanize the globe, because the globe is already a large part of America, which hybridization claims.
In conclusion, this was the most interesting of all the books on globalization and culture which I have read, due to the fact that it doesn't make claims, which claim the economics of the U.S. has destroyed everything that is good, and true, and decent, in the world. Storey makes the claim, which I agree that non-western cultures, have influenced the west deeply, and many cultures have invariably assimilated into our society, which is to the benefit of us all.
posted by Paul M. Pace | 4:00 PM
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