Postmodernism

Postmodernism can be defined as culture produced by the media in terms of style over substance. Style over substance portrays that appearance is more important than reality. For example when someone buys a brand new car in most cases they make a down payment on the car and take a loan out for the remaining amount that they owe . However when one buys a car they are usually very excited because they have a new car, but in reality they do not actually own the car until years down the road when it is paid off. This shows how reality is less important than what they see.

Postmodernism proves how media has an effect on society and focuses on the impact of individuals. Postmodernism shows how the media shapes ones beliefs. The media attempts to control what material items we buy, what music we listen to, and what we watch. For example, when shows are put together specific music that is played and clothing that the actors wear are all pre determined to influence the people what to buy.

After learning about postmodernism I felt that my topic That 70's Show does not provide a good example when relating to postmodernism. This television show is a comedy sitcom that deals with the ordinary every day lives of teenagers during the 1970's. Such as getting into trouble, and everyday drama between friends and relationship troubles.

While I was learning about postmodernism a specific show known as One Tree Hill popped in to my mind as an excellent example. One Tree Hill is a very modern show that can be classified as a night time soap opera. This show attracts teenagers because it is about the life of a group of high school kids and the struggles they face.

This show in my opinion is a great example of postmodernism because most teens who watch the show look up to the actors and actresses as a hero. The fans of the show including my sister and some of her friends want to be just like the actresses because they look up to them. The producers of the show intended to make the actors and actresses idols for pure benefit of sales. After watching the show first hand I easily understood that the clothing actors wore and the music they played are setup for pure advisement. At the end of the show, for example, the the music that was played on the show is stated and also says that the CD can be purchased online.

One Tree Hill also elaborates high school and makes it seem as though high school is a once and a life time opportunity and can be seen as the best time in one's life. The actors are always saying that they do not want to graduate from high school because then they hit the real world. This is an example of postmodernism because it shows an exact example of style over substance. One Tree Hill portrays high school as an opportunity to meet new people, go to sporting events and have the time of ones life but never actually shows the work involved such as projects and tests. The show concentrates on the fun a teenager has and not the reality that teens are in school to learn.