Terms for Postmodernism (Exam)

Postmodernism : It is a set of ideas that have replaced Modernism as a way of interpreting society and culture. It’s key characteristic is disbelief in the idea of an ‘objective’ truth –  meaning is subjective and there is no one truth only many truths - individual ways of interpreting the world.

Intertextuality : A deliberate referencing of one (or more) texts within the narrative of another, with the expectation that the audience will be able to recognise and appreciate it’s significance.

Pastiche : A media text made up of pieces from other media texts – particularly the imitation of other styles. Similar to parody but more respectful.

Parody : The imitation of one media text for comic effect, can also be used as satire.

Bricolage : The putting together of cultural signifiers to form new meanings / texts. The mixing together, or recontextualising, of different styles and ideas in fashion, music, art and media to create new meanings.

Self-reflexivity : Texts that deliberately draw attention to their own fictional nature.

Ironic playfulness : The audience have an awareness that something on screen has double meaning. One on the surface and a meaning for those in the know. In postmodern media it uses irony in the knowledge that the audience is active and aware of the ironic reading.

Eclectic borrowing :  Postmodernism ‘borrows’ signs from other media texts in a way that features a wide range of styles, ideas and sources. There is no distinction between high and popular culture. Everything is up for grabs.

Simulacrum : A realistic copy. A copy of a copy that has that no relationship with the thing it was copied from. The media text that is a copy of a copy. The media is full of simulacra.  ‘Busted’ are simulacrum punk rockers.   ( J. Baudrillard)

Hyperreality : A postmodern condition in which the distinction between reality and fiction has disappeared. ‘Big Brother’ in which reality and entertainment are the same, media reality is more real than reality. Disneyworld and Las Vegas are other cultural examples. ( J. Baudrillard)

 

Theorists.

Jean Baudrillard : ( Simulacrum, Hyperreality )

Fredrick Jameson : ( the commodification of culture – economic pressures shape culture not artistic decisions, celebrity culture, Multi-national / consumer capitalism )

Lyotard :  The collapse of Metanarratives.  ( Religion and political systems can no longer explain or organise society.)