Popular Culture
What a joy it is to hold a culture in high esteem. American popular culture though has some drawbacks. Carl Bernstein (b. 1944), an investigative
journalist of the Washington Post wrote, “The lowest form of popular culture – lack of information,
misinformation, disinformation and a contempt for the truth or the reality of
most people’s lives – has overrun real journalism.” Americans find these shortcomings in
sensationalism, tabloids, pop music, and displays of some art forms. All however is not lost. But it takes acceptance of some basic ethical
norms for cultural peddlers to live according to what is right. Strange as it may seem, the media’s audience
buy into what is presented. Even good
Americans fall victims to ubiquitous displays of cultural distortions. Some may say, “Everyone is watching salacious material, so why can’t I? It gives me pleasure.” But people must realize they are victims of such
presentations.
Cultural appreciation can be traced to the Egyptians, Greeks,
Italian Renaissance, and Reformation. In
the West, Europeans are loved for the classical tradition. Masters like Beethoven, Handel, and Mozart
are held in high esteem. People feel empowered
by fast automobiles, airplanes, nuclear power stations, and technological
advancements. In pop music Frank
Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, the Beatles, and Supremes are icons. Music of different genres, e.g., rock ‘n’ roll,
country & western, Christian, and jazz are alive and well.
Billy Joel (b. 1949), a singer-songwriter said, “I think music itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of
humanity. It’s something we are all
touched by. No matter what culture we
are from, everyone loves music.”
Music fascinates people in uniquely different ways. Some may disagree about the quality of some songs. With hymns God is exalted. Many believers have been converted by “Amazing
Grace,” “Bread of Life, Hope of the World,” “Holy God, You Raise Up Prophets,”
“Song of the Body of Christ,” and “We Shall Overcome.”
The American Dream
Most immigrants land on the American shores with hope of
achieving their dreams. When they
reflect on these possibilities, they imagine worldly and material things. These may mean owning their home, finding a
good job, having a loving family, having a station wagon, and living in the
suburbs. These goals are somewhat
different for every immigrant. Some immigrants
may see living a religious life as a top priority. Walt Disney (1901–1966), an entrepreneur and film producer wrote, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the
courage to pursue them.” These
attributes are essential in understanding the an immigrant’s basic motivations.
To improve popular culture Americans, must live up to higher
moral standards. H. L. Mencken (1880–1956), a journalist and
satirist wrote, “I believe that it is
better to tell the truth than a lie. I
believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe it is better to know than to be
ignorant.” Mencken’s point of view is
empowering. It is always wise to know
the reasons for what people do. All Americans
should also pursue a good education for its liberating. Knowledge is an important attribute for
building up the American culture.
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