The Politics of Culture

            The knowledge gained throughout this particular reading was interesting.  The topic of culture was introduced in a different way. It was mentioned how the word “culture” represents different means. Most people understand culture as the way people communicate among each other or how they may eat. It can also represent the way a person engages at their work force and even at a family gathering. Throughout the explanation of culture it was brought up that the term involves rituals, language and the arts. Furthermore, the author gets more into dept with the culture concept. They mention how the media demonstrates the roles and what they make society believe is at its perfection. They Women believe that a certain look is what has to be follow to be considered beautiful. This is agreeable do to the fact that in today’s society all we see is super models with slim figures and with perfect nose and the list can go on. One will rarely come across a TV show or a magazine that say to accept what you have and what you are. This is when the question begins on my behalf how is culture really defined if society has made us change who we are and follow a certain style or music. Through this short reading I got to understand culture a world that will never have a real meaning. Everyone has their own definition however, after reading this article I got to understand that culture is who you represent to society itself. It may be the type of degree that you earned, where you work or the material objects a person owns.

     Culture from above and below; they gave an example of two social groups in other words the upper class and the lower class. Within this example they were give an understanding that the upper – class value high culture art. One can conclude, that the upper class have the chance to learn more about art and other subjects that are offered in schools. In comparison the lower- class get their knowledge from their families and school. But it was understood that the lower- class were being educated to be at the bottom if the class ladder. The media is at the top it was described in a way where gender roles are being discriminated and ethic and economic terms are being shared. It also says how in the other point of view culture is viewed from the bottom up and seems to pay more attention to music and attitudes. I believe the reason why they pay more attention to the media and music is because what is being said is something that applies to their life experience and culture. Often times singers and actors have a background that starts from below where they had struggles and worked hard to get where they are now. That allows society to imagine and want more with their lives. The music might be seen as an inspiration to life the fact that someone can share a similar struggle or illusion. Overall, culture is known to come from below is represents permanent possibilities.