The Importance Of Archaeology In Popular Culture

1178 Words3 Pages

The elements of popular culture discussed above, were mainly produced for mass exposure, profit and entertainment. Products depicting archaeology relies on fantasy, imagination, myths and legends that were visualised and weaved into reality. The depiction of archaeology and archaeologists in popular culture, betray archaeology and send wrong messages that distorts the noble purpose of archaeology. Popular culture depicts archaeology as an adventure and a profession that will endure wealth and fame for its achievers. In films depicting archaeology, the general public is misinformed of who archaeologists are, and how they make their living and organize their work, as they were shown as freelance individuals who did not affiliate with any university or institution, except the character of Indiana Jones who was an archaeologist and an academic. …show more content…

Therefore the solutions offered were to use the cinema’s characterizations and plots (the stereotypes), to reject fictional …show more content…

SHA, and other archaeological societies, institutions, scholars and archaeologists find it hard to conduct or even to get involved in such shows that are produced for the entertaining of fans and also for gaining revenue. The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) is working on clearing-house project that will help in building public awareness about archaeology and the way it is practiced, therefore the project is seeking input from professionals and the interested public, in order to share and contribute information and

Open Document