post-modern media

Question 1

LYOTARD - The post modern condition

What is it + Case Studies

Answer 1

• challenge meta-narratives
• construction of micro-narratives
• language games - the ongoing creation of meaning from different perspectives)

social media- BLM hashtags are micro narratives, how language games can lead to miscommunication

This is America video
micro-narratives: Juxtaposition of the gospel choir with the violence
Use of music video conventions e.g. dance routines
Satirically addresses the issue of institutionalised racism
intertextual references to old minstrel shows, consciously encoding negative stereotypes of American culture.
inhumane treatment of gun violence victims
challenging meta-narratives: gun permission, pop culture, escapism…

Question 2

BAUDRILLARD - Simulacra and Simulation

What is it and Case Study

Answer 2

media texts are simply simulated versions of reality (mediated reality) - leads to a state of hyperrality

Case Study:

social media - mediated enviroment where the distinction between offline and online blurrs, idealised version of reality

Barbie
- represents idealised and exaggerated version of femininity and lifestyle that doesn’t exist in reality
- hyperreality blurs the lines between what is real and what is a constructed ideal making her seem more significant than actual human experiences
- Simlulacra through nostalgia, vibrant visuals, engaging storyline, exaggerated characterisation

Wanda Vision - hyperreality of living in a sitcom

Influencers

Reality Television (Love Island, Too Hot To Handle)

Question 3

JAMESON
Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism

what is it? + case study?

Answer 3

• How postmodernism undermines historical facts and does not distinguish between high art and low art
• “weakening of history” → could lead to a deconstructed hyperreality

but also: Parody and satire can be used to make a valuable point - not weaken history → ‘this is america’ discusses the history of oppression and racism though conventions of movies and parody

case study: Black Mirror, reality TV

Question 4

ECO - Post-Modernism and Narrative

what?

Answer 4

• in contrast to Jameson, eco states: texts must acknowledge the past to tell new stories
• self-referentiality, intertextuality, parody, hommage, pastiche
• audiences must have an understanding of history and previous ‘art’ in order to appreciate postmodern texts
• These texts know that they are constructing a fictionalised narrative and are aware that they are a media product.

case studies:

Barbie
- reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey
- post-irony - gender inequality issues addressed through satire
- recognises the self - references, conventions, inter-textuality

Wanda Vision
- parody - break the 4th wall
- intertextuality
- prior historical knowledge - MCU media texts

• this is America: intertextual references to old minstrel shows, consciously encoding negative stereotypes of American culture and producing a parody of rap music videos.

Question 5

media texts which draw attention to themselves -self-aware and play parody conventions - e.g: break the 4th wall

If something is … is it therefore assumed to be the truth - postmodern media offers alternate versions of history)

Answer 5

Self-Referential

historicised

Question 6

closing argument - future, this is america

Answer 6

Media texts such as “This is America” offer audiences different, often challenging, perspectives and can subvert notions of what should be considered “high art”. Fictional media and music videos are able to show representations and narratives that are complex, requiring an awareness of social themes, issues, and media conventions in order to be fully appreciated.