Popular culture is the set of values, beliefs, preferences and trends that are embraced by society at any given time in history. It is an all-encompassing phenomenon that includes trends in the types of foods, clothing, art, media, technology, career choices and philosophies that have the largest impact on society. Philosophies or concepts play a large role in popular culture and trends that are rejected or embraced. For instance, popular culture in the 60’s was represented by the peace symbol. It was a powerful representation of the beliefs of many Americans, particularly young Americans, who protested the Vietnam War. The beliefs were reflected in music and art of the time. Artists like the Beatles and The Rolling Stones became popular as their lyrics focused on many of society’s issues of the time, such as war, drug use, sex and rejection of current politics.
Popular culture is highly influenced by media. Ads on TV, radio and the internet
introduce products and services that corporate America hopes or believes we want. Often
advertising succeeds in making us believe we need something, by tying in current beliefs
or habits. Fast food is an example of a product that appeals to the hectic lifestyles and freedom of choice of the past few decades. Many other products, such as Coca Cola, focus on reaching consumers through relevant advertising. As a part of popular culture, Coca Cola, or Coke,has been quick to change its visual images and jingles from one decade to another, to reflect more current beliefs of views of American life. This is why it remained an icon in popular culture for such a long period of time. Other representations of popular culture reflect beliefs rather than help shape habits and trends. The art of Andy Warhol, said to be one of the greatest examples of popular culture representation in the art world, reflects and symbolizes American ideals of consumerism.
Relevance of Popular Culture
Popular culture affects how Americans think, feel or believe. An understanding of it is of great importance in a business environment, as consumers of products and services have emotional and physical needs that must be met. While products and services often reflect lifestyle and habit, they also help shape lifestyle and habits. Computers and cellular phones are examples of products that attempted to satisfy an unmet need, while having a major impact on how we conduct business and social lives. Many corporations, such as Microsoft and Apple, have become successful business icons in popular culture through careful consideration of how current products or trends can be enhanced and made more accessible to the public.
Marketing now encompasses many more forms of media than in the past. Web browsing via computer and cellular devices provide additional routes to consider. Popular culture often determines how corporations market their products and services, which media are most useful and how campaigns are developed. Billboards are still common forms of advertisement in largemetropolitan areas, but corporations that want to reach the masses more effectively must consider how the internet is used, as a major influence in how marketing campaigns are designed. Design of web pages that are interesting, yet not too cluttered and present clear, concise messages in less than thirty seconds is key in reaching large populations. Businesses use technologies that are embraced by popular culture daily, to communicate with partners, connect various departments and provide products or services more quickly.
Pop Culture Artifact
The simple, yet powerful smiley face symbol became popular in the 70’s, as society became less concerned about politics and more concerned about themselves and their own happiness. The symbol is thought to replace the peace symbol of the 60’s. Though it’s shape does not change, its meaning, mood and use have been easily adapted to new technology. In the past few decades it has been represented on stickers, to promote or encourage one’s self-esteem and pride. The smiley face has been easily adapted into the emoticons or symbols used in email, online chatting and text messaging, for a variety of messages. Its upward curve of the mouth can be flipped to represent negative feelings, or straightened to represent the seriousness of certain topics. It is the ease in which the symbol can be altered or adapted that explains why it remains an icon of popular culture. With all the technological changes and advances that have occurred, its simplicity has helped the symbol remain current.
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