The Essence Of Pop Culture

“Talk about Pop Music, Talk about Pop Music…” was one of the most catchy phrases of the 1980’s. Just as in the 80’s, today we see many characteristics of “pop culture” effecting our lives. But, what is “pop culture?”

I spent some time online trying to answer my question and time after time I was led to the same direction: pop culture is what we see, hear, speak, and are otherwise exposed to on a daily basis. The infomercials we see late on television, the billboards we see on the side of the road, the junk mail we receive, the links on the web pages we visit, and the radio commercials we hear all tie together to form this idea of pop culture. These, plus many other aspects, form our minds and teach us how to be culturally smart. To be culturally smart is to understand and know pop culture. For example, if someone were to say “BUD!” it is automatically assumed that they would get a “WIES” in reply. If a person were to say “Just Do It!” Nike would be directly thought of.

What elements define “Pop Culture?” Television stars, such as Drew Carey; musicians, such as Santana; public figures, such as Monica Lewinski; politicians, such as Bill Clinton; athletes, such as Michael Jordan; large corporations with their slogans; and movies are all, but not limited to, pop culture. In a Journal I found online of a study of pop culture, it compared the link of religion and a pop culture icon, Star Wars. The study was conducted with people and it read:

“The comparisons and shared philos...