Jameson---Postmodernism, or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism
Jameson is another highly critical theorist who speaks on culture, capitalism, and postmodernism.
He particularly references many of Karl Marx's ideals in culture as related to the political economy. He agrees that a society's cultural standing is dependent on its economic state. In addition, he particularly characterizes the status of postmodern society as being stuck in depthlessness.
Jameson is adamant on his point that the postmodern society is just circulating ideas, information, media, style, etc. Everything is a repeat or a copy of old ideas and constantly being recycled or repurposed. This is also coming from his idea on the pastiche and its overwhelming role in postmodernism. He is also implicitly noting that the pastiche is causing people to be more complacent, uninterested, and inactive. Because he believes that things lack true depth, he sees that content today is not making any meaningful statements or going further beyond simply making a statement. Content is stagnant when it tries to create content, if it even bother tries.
As I've mentioned in previous blogs, discussions, and critiques of critical media literature, I often agree with many of the points brought up by theorists. However, I struggle to see what solutions (if this is even the right word to use) or positive forms of action that they offer (besides being critical of course). Obviously, in the works and studies we examine in CMC teach us to use a critical lens and keep our eyes open. It is also evident that this is not a practical mindset 24/7. All we can do is be mindful and informed to our best ability. However, although this point is not a new one to me and it needs to be heard, I would still like to be refreshed by a piece of literature that is able to be proactive and fully activate readers without discouraging them to the point of cynicism.
On my honor, I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized assistance on this work
-Renee Sang
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