GROUP 2

LUBAS, JED B.

NAPATA, JOEVELYN T.

OVERVIEW OF POP CULTURE

What is Pop Culture?

- ‘Pop’ or Popular Culture is derived from the societal evolution of existing culture(s) that is/are
dominant in a wide region. Even on a national scale.
- Its meaning might be different from who’s defining it and what context it is being used for.
- According to Brummett – “Popular culture involves the aspects of social life most actively
involved in by the public.”

How do we identify how an aspect of life is being influenced by popular culture?

- Certain periods of time had their own way of recognizing that this “one” phenomenon is popular
culture. Examples are:
o During the Greek civilization, and during the Roman empire, it is popular culture to study
in politics, astronomy, philosophy, mathematics and art, as they believed that these
practices can improve their lives.
o During the 1500’s, when the Spaniards conquered Cebu in 1565, their culture was
spread throughout the Philippines, and then became a staple in the Filipino culture,
notably the Fiestas.

Philippine Pop Culture in the 21st century

- In the 21st century, the Philippines became known for its diverse cultures, cultures ranging from
Spanish (traditional culture), Chinese (business culture), American (modern culture) and
Jamaican (reggae culture) influences among others. As these cultures stem from different
avenues, it both has its good and bad sides.
o Good: it serves as a binding agent for multiple clusters of culture to unify, as it gives the
people freedom of choice when it comes to welcoming culture of various agencies.
o Bad: certain changes in behavioral patterns of a specific culture can be seen as
“endangered” which begs the notion of “cultural extinction” or “cultural endangerment”.
Some region-specific cultures tend to be discarded as the people tend to invest more in
the up-to-date and popular ones, resulting in that culture’s value to be discarded.

How Pop culture influenced the people

“Popular culture consists of the aspects of attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, customs and tastes that define
the people of any society. Popular culture is, in the historic use of term, the culture of the people”
 - Ray Browne; “Folklore to Populore”

Popular culture allows large heterogenous masses of people to identify collectively. It serves an
inclusionary role in society as it unites the masses on ideals of acceptable forms of behavior, along with
forging a sense of identity which binds individuals to the greater society.

Popular culture appeals to people because it provides opportunities for both individual happiness and
communal bonding.

Jhonalyn Alolor

Kristine Behante

Rheven Clive Rule

Examples of Popular Culture

Examples of popular culture come from a wide array of genres. This includes:

 Music
 is a form of art and entertainment that involves organized sound and rhythm, often
accompanied by lyrics. It encompasses various genres, each with distinct styles and
cultural significance.
Examples:
1. Pop Music: Characterized by its catchy melodies and broad appeal, pop music often dominates
charts and is widely accessible. Artists like Taylor Swift and BTS are known for their influence in
this genre.
2. Hip-Hop: Originating from African American and Latino communities, hip-hop includes
rapping, DJing, and beat-making. It reflects social issues and personal experiences. Artists like
Drake and Kendrick Lamar are prominent figures in this genre.
3. Rock Music: A diverse genre that evolved from earlier forms like blues and country. Known for
its electric guitars and energetic performances, rock bands like Foo Fighters and Imagine Dragons
have made significant cultural impacts.

 Television and Film

 are visual media formats that provide entertainment, storytelling, and information. They
play a major role in shaping and reflecting popular culture.
Many people watch numerous hours of television every day. It is such a prevalent aspect
of contemporary culture it is difficult to imagine life without it. There are those who believe
TV is responsible for the dumbing down of society; that children watch too much television;
and that the couch potato syndrome has contributed to the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Examples:
 1. Popular TV Shows: Series like “Friends” and “Stranger Things” capture broad audiences with
their relatable characters and engaging storylines, influencing social norms and conversations.
2. Blockbuster Films: High-budget movies with wide appeal, such as those in the Marvel
Cinematic Universe or classics like “The Lion King,” often set trends in entertainment and media.

 Fashion
 encompasses the styles and trends in clothing, accessories, and personal appearance. It
is a way to express identity and can be both a cultural statement and a commercial
enterprise.
Examples:
1. Iconic Brands: Brands like Nike and Gucci are recognized globally for their design and
influence in shaping fashion trends.
2. Streetwear and High Fashion: Streetwear, exemplified by brands like Supreme, and high
fashion from designers like Gucci, illustrate the blend of casual and luxury styles in modern
culture.

 Social Media

 refers to online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content. It
plays a crucial role in shaping modern communication and cultural trends.
Examples:
1. Platforms: Social media networks such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter offer spaces for
sharing personal content, participating in viral trends, and engaging with global communities.
2. Viral Trends: Challenges and memes on social media spread rapidly, influencing popular culture
and societal conversations.
3. Celebrity Culture: Social media has transformed how celebrities interact with fans and shape
their public image.

 Sports
 are physical activities involving competition, skill, and teamwork. They have significant
cultural, social, and economic impacts, often bringing people together and shaping
national identities.
Examples:
1. Major Leagues and Events: Organizations like the NFL, NBA, and events like the FIFA World
Cup draw massive global audiences and create shared experiences.
 2. Iconic Athletes: Figures like LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Lionel Messi not only excel in
their sports but also influence fashion, advertising, and social issues.

 Food and Drink

 : includes popular culinary trends, preferences, and dining habits. It reflects and shapes
societal norms and often ties to broader cultural and social practices.
Examples:
1. Popular Cuisine Trends: Dishes that have become widely popular, reflecting contemporary food
trends and global fusion.
Food Media: Shows and bloggers influence food trends, with programs like cooking shows or online
food influencers shaping what people eat and how they perceive food.

Folk and High Culture

by: Ria Mae Tayanes, Kate Marielle Quiao, and Edgar Carpio

1. Definition

 Folk Culture:
o Folk culture encompasses the traditional practices, customs, and art forms that are
passed down through generations within specific communities. This form of culture
often involves elements such as oral traditions, local craftsmanship, and community
rituals, which are deeply rooted in the everyday life and history of a community.
o Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

2. Characteristics

Oral Traditions:

o These are the stories, myths, and legends shared verbally within communities. Oral
traditions serve as a primary means of preserving history and cultural values, and they
often include folktales, songs, and proverbs.
o Example: In many Indigenous cultures, storytelling is used to convey moral lessons and
historical events.

Local Craftsmanship:

o This involves handmade goods and traditional skills that are often unique to a particular
culture or region. Local craftsmanship can include practices such as weaving, pottery,
and woodworking that reflect the skills and materials available in a community.
 o Example: Navajo rug weaving, which involves intricate patterns and techniques passed
down through generations.

Community Rituals:

o These are festivals, dances, and ceremonies that are unique to a culture. Such rituals
often mark significant life events or seasonal changes and are integral to maintaining
cultural identity and cohesion.
o Example: The "Carnival" in Brazil is a significant community ritual featuring parades,
music, and dancing that reflect the country's cultural heritage.

3. Examples

Traditional Music:

o Music that reflects the heritage and traditions of a particular group. For instance,
Appalachian folk music, with its roots in Scottish and Irish traditions, often features
instruments like the banjo and fiddle.
o Example: Irish folk music includes instruments like the tin whistle and accordion and is
characterized by lively rhythms and storytelling.

Folklore:

o Folklore includes a variety of traditional stories, legends, and myths that are passed
down orally. These stories often explain natural phenomena, historical events, or cultural
beliefs.
o Example: The Brothers Grimm fairy tales, such as "Hansel and Gretel" and "Snow
White," which were collected from various European traditions.

Local Festivals:

o Events that celebrate cultural heritage and traditions. These festivals are often marked
by specific rituals, foods, music, and dances that are unique to a particular community.
o Example: The Day of the Dead in Mexico, where families honor deceased loved ones
with altars, offerings, and festivities.

B. High Culture

1. Definition

 High Culture:

o High culture refers to the cultural products and practices that are often associated with
the elite or intellectual class. It includes fine arts, classical literature, and sophisticated
cultural expressions that typically require a higher level of education or cultural capital
to appreciate fully.
o Source: Oxford Reference
2. Characteristics

Classical Art:

o This includes works by renowned artists from historical periods known for their refined
techniques and aesthetic standards. Classical art is often celebrated for its technical skill
and enduring influence.
o Example: Michelangelo’s "David" and Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper."

Literature:

o Classic literature comprises novels, plays, and poems that are recognized for their artistic
merit and enduring significance. These works often explore universal themes and are
studied for their literary techniques.
o Example: William Shakespeare’s plays, such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth," which are
celebrated for their complex characters and themes.

Highbrow Music:

o Highbrow music refers to classical compositions and performances that are appreciated
for their technical complexity and artistic value.
o Example: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, known for its intricate structure and the
inclusion of the "Ode to Joy."

3. Examples

Classical Symphonies:

o Large-scale musical compositions for orchestras that are often divided into multiple
movements. These works are typically performed in concert halls and are appreciated
for their sophisticated structure and emotional depth.
o Example: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, which is renowned for its choral finale and
innovative use of vocal soloists.

Fine Art:

o Visual art created by artists who are celebrated for their skill and creativity. Fine art is
often displayed in galleries and museums and is valued for its aesthetic and intellectual
qualities.
o Example: Leonardo da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa," noted for its enigmatic expression and
advanced techniques in portrait painting.

Ballet:

o A highly stylized form of dance that combines technical skill with artistic expression.
Ballet performances often tell stories or explore themes through choreographed
movements and music.
 o Example: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake," known for its beautiful choreography
and emotional depth.

Folk Culture in Pop Culture

A. Integration and Influence

 Folk culture elements:

o Elements from folk culture often find their way into pop culture through adaptation or
reference. This can happen when traditional practices or styles are incorporated into
modern media.
o Examples:

 Music: The band Mumford & Sons blends folk melodies with contemporary pop
and rock, bringing folk influences to a wider audience.
 Film: Disney’s Moana incorporates Polynesian folk culture by featuring
traditional stories, music, and imagery, thus introducing these elements to
global audiences.

B. Case Studies

 Example 1: The Lord of the Rings films incorporate elements from various folk myths and
legends, creating a rich fantasy world that draws on traditional storytelling and archetypes.
 Example 2: American Horror Story: Coven uses Southern Gothic folklore to create a narrative
that explores themes of witchcraft and voodoo, influencing contemporary perceptions of these
cultural elements.

High Culture in Pop Culture

A. Integration and Influence

 High culture elements:

o High culture can be referenced or parodied in pop culture, often to create a contrast or
to bring sophisticated themes to a broader audience.
o Examples:

 Music: The use of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” in Apocalypse Now is a

dramatic example of incorporating classical music into a modern film to enhance
its emotional and narrative impact.
  Art: Andy Warhol’s pop art recontextualizes high art themes, such as
reproducing famous works in a way that engages with mass media and
consumer culture.

B. Case Studies

 Example 1: The Simpsons frequently references classical literature and art, using these high
culture elements to create humor and satirical commentary on contemporary issues.
 Example 2: Hamilton, the musical, combines historical figures and themes with contemporary
music styles, appealing to both high culture enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.

The Interaction Between Folk and High Culture

A. Crossovers and Hybrid Forms

 Blending of folk and high culture:

o The combination of folk and high culture often leads to new artistic expressions, merging
traditional and sophisticated elements to create innovative cultural products.
o Examples:

 Music: Bela Fleck’s exploration of bluegrass and classical music blends folk
traditions with classical techniques, resulting in a unique hybrid genre.
 Film: Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth combines fairy tale elements with
historical narrative, creating a film that integrates folk storytelling with high
production values.

B. Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

Cultural Appropriation:

o This occurs when elements of folk culture are used in ways that exploit or misrepresent
the original culture, often without proper understanding or respect.
o Example: The use of Native American headdresses in fashion shows can sometimes be
seen as appropriation if it disregards the cultural significance and context of the items.
o Source: BBC

Cultural Appreciation:

o This involves integrating elements of folk culture with respect and understanding, aiming
to honor and acknowledge the original culture.
o Example: Collaborations between Indigenous artists and mainstream media that
highlight traditional practices while respecting their origins.
o Source: The Conversation

Mikka Razon
Ginie Baut

Meashel Figarum

FORMATION OF POPULAR CULTURE

*There are Four Main Significant factors in the formation of Popular Culture:

 Urbanization

The world population has grown significantly, and our economies have become more
industrialized over the past few hundred years, and as a result many more people have moved into
cities. This process is known as Urbanization.

Urbanization is often discussed in reference to countries that re currently in the process of

industrializing and urbanizing, but all industrialized nations have experienced urbanization at some point
in their history. Moreover, urbanization is on the rise all over the globe.

 Industrialization

Industrialization ushered much of the world into the modern era, revamping patterns of human
settlement, labor and family life.

The Industrial Revolution deserves the name with which historians have tagged it. it brought
about thorough and lasting transformations, not just in business and economics but in basic structures
of society. Before industrialization, when the most significant economic activities in most European
countries were small-scale farming and artisan handicrafts, social structures remained essentially as they
been during Middle Ages. The changes set in motion by Industrialization ushered Europe, the United
States of America and much of the word into the modern era.

 Mass Media

Mass Media means technology that is intended to reach a mass audience. It is primary means of
communication use to reach the vast majority of the general public. Mass Media have a major influence
and help to the public and to those who want to know the opinion of the public in many topics.

The most common platforms for mass media are newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and
the internet. The general public typically relies on the mass media to provide information regarding
political issues, social issues, entertainment and news in Popular Culture.

 Continuous Growth of Technology

According to a survey conducted on 2019, 3, 360 billion dollars has been spent on technology
worldwide. And technology as of today is associated with not just transportation or mass media but it is
also integrated into other sectors such as health, financial or real state.

Almost all the sectors in a country needs technology.

Sources of Popular Culture Mass Media: The primary source of popular culture ( Nenial & Bacang)
There are numerous sources of popular culture. As implied above, a primary source is the mass media,
This source include;

• Popular music - Reflects and shapes trend as music is a powerful tool for expressing social and cultural
anxieties, aspirations, and values. It is designed to reach a wide audience, making it a powerful force in
shaping collective tastes and identities.

• Film - Film has the power to transport audiences to different worlds and perspectives, influencing their
understanding of society, history, and human experiences. Blockbuster films can achieve global
recognition, spreading cultural trends and values across borders.

• Television - Rearch and influence masses as television programs are consumed by millions, shaping
viewers’ perceptions of the world, social norms, and entertainment preferences. It also reflect
commentaries such as societal issues, trends, and values, providing a platform for discussion and debate.
• Radio - Radio broadcasting has a wide reach, impacting listeners’ musical tastes, news consumption,
and cultural understanding. Radio programs, including talk shows and news broadcasts, provide a
platform for discussing current events, social issues, and cultural trends.

• Video games - Video games are at the forefront of technological advancements, shaping the
development of new platforms, graphics, and gameplay experiences. It offer immersive experiences that
engage players and influence their leisure activities, social interactions, and cultural understanding.

• Books - Books often reflect the social, political, and cultural trend, providing insights into the values
and concerns of a society as it has the power to transport readers to different worlds and perspectives,
shaping their understanding of society, history, and human experiences.

• Internet - Offers global connectivity and information access as it has revolutionized communication
and information sharing, connecting people across borders and facilitating the spread of cultural trends
and ideas. It fostered a two-way dialogue between creators and consumers. Social media platforms,
comments sections, and online forums allow audiences to provide instant feedback, engage in
discussions, and directly interact with creators.

Additionally it also fostered the rise of niche communities and subcultures, allowing individuals with
shared interests to connect and share content. This has led to a more fragmented pop culture landscape,
with diverse trends emerging simultaneously. In addition, advances in communication allows for the
greater transmission of ideas by word of mouth, especially via cell phones.

Many TV programs, such as American Idol and the Last Comic Standing, provide viewers with a phone
number so that they can vote for a contestant. This combining of pop culture sources represents a novel
way of increasing public interest, and further fuels the mass production of commodities. Professional
Intities ( Singedas ) Popular culture is also influenced by professional entities that provide the public with
information. These sources include:

• News media - Traditional and online news outlets, including newspapers, television stations, and
websites, play a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public perception.

• Scientific and scholarly publications - Journals, books, and research papers produced by academics and
scientists contribute to public understanding of complex topics and influence public discourse. • ‘Expert’
opinion from people considered an authority in their field. - Individuals recognized as authorities in their
fields offer insights and perspectives that influence public opinion. These experts are often consulted by
news media and other platforms to provide informed commentary. For example; a news station
reporting on a specific topic, say the effects of playing violent video games, will seek a noted psychologist
or sociologist who has published in this area. This strategy is a useful way of influencing the public and
may shape their collective opinions on a particular subject.

At the very least, it provides a starting point for public discourse and differing opinions. News stations
often allow viewers to call or email in their opinions, which may be shared with the public. Individualism:
A contradictory source of popular culture ( Arcaria ) A seemingly contradictory source of popular culture
is individualism. Urban culture has not only provided a common ground for the masses, it has Inspired
ideals of individualistic aspirations. For example; in the United States, a society formed on the premise of
individual rights, there are theoretically no limitations to what an individual might accomplish. An
individual may choose to participate in all that is 'popular' for popularity’s sake; or they may choose a
course of action off the beaten track. At times, these ‘pathfinders’ affect popular culture by their
individuality. Of course, once a unique style becomes adopted by others, it ceases to remain unique. It
becomes, popular