Popular culture is defined as basic cultural aspects that define a society. This covers the type of language, or slang, apparel and what interests that society the most. Popular culture can also be broken down into three categories, Elite or high culture, folk culture and pop culture.
Popular culture to me is what has shaped and formed individual states or the country as a whole. It’s all the influences that television shows, music, clothing impressed upon us by designers and even public figures behaviors have left behind for the public to take in. All that rolled up into one that, if allowed, will shape and define our families and the cities that we reside in.
I work in a corporate university so popular culture is crutial to our image. As a department we need to stay up on trends, whats considered innovative and what is the hot topic for the month. We are constantly evolving and keeping up with the changes so we can provide the programs and events that our employees need.
To choose just one artifact that defines what I think current popular culture is would be difficult. Because I am very fashion conscious so I will select denim jeans. The fashion designers of the world have created an entire line of jean choices that are now a socially acceptable item to wear out for dressy occasions. From mid, low & high rise, boot cut, slim cut, flare cut, the options are endless. In addition to the seemingly unlimited styles available comes with a higher price tag. Jean manufacturers are pricing jeans as high as $500. Even Levi has joined this movement and sells some types of jeans for a mere $100. Stores are opening up across the United States that just sell jeans. Labeled as jean bars these retail boutique type stores are the hip place to purchase all the trendy jeans that celebrities wear.
Jeans have always fascinated me simply because you would be surprised by how many people are now attending Broadway shows or eating out in classy, high end restaurants in jeans. I believe icons from Hollywood and New York have convinced society that if they can do it you can do it too. Thankfully there are enough choices of styles that just about anybody can purchase a pair of jeans that will fit them exactly how they want.
4 comments:
Hello, I'm happy to say that I learned something from your blog today. I did not realize that there is such a thing as a "jean bar". I was simply unaware that there are stores that only carry jeans. You may have guessed, I'm not super man in the fashion department. :) Not to worry though, I have friends who help me out with that. I'm curious, you said that jeans have become socially acceptable even for "dressy occasions". Do you agree with that? Don't get me wrong, I love my jeans, but I'm not sure everyone would agree with them being "dressy".
-Josh Woodworth
Hello Joshua. Thanks for the comments.
I do not agree with how socially acceptable jeans have become. But maybe that is a sign of the changing times. Men think they can put a blazer, shirt and a pair of jeans on and head out to the opera or gallery opening. Women do the same. I just think there is something to be said for dressy slacks as opposed to jeans. Although they have come out with some clean lines jeans that have a dark color - dressy look to them. I'm just not buying it.
I, too, am amazed that people these days do seem to think that jeans are appropriate anywhere. I agree wholeheartedly with your comment on thinking you can just throw a blazer on and that somehow makes jeans acceptable at certain events.
Nice job, Janine.
Janine,iIn describing the 3 types of taste cultures--folk, pop & elite--you've also supported this with an artifact that has actually transcended all 3 categories. Originally denim jeans were work clothes for a small (folk) segment of society. Currently, because some designers cater to a different, select segment of society (the fashion elite), jeans can be considered part of elite culture. Certainly this fashion item has become an icon & prevalent in pop culture, too. Good selection for an artifact.
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