If something becomes popular, it does not necessarily mean that it has diminished in value or meaning. But, if something is popular, it does not always mean that it has meaning or value either. Meaning and value certainly depends on every persons opinion of whatever it is that is popular. Of course, like we talked about in class, the author/artist/inventor gives meaning to whatever but their own meaning does not always stay true to that subject of others ideas about it. Often people throw away and give their own meaning and value to whatever it is. This is how people make things relate to them and connect.
Popularity happens because something is appealing to vast amounts of people. The meaning may or may not have something to do with this. A good example is reality tv shows. There are so many of them out there, but do they really have value or meaning? If someone relates to it, they will give it meaning. Watching The Biggest Loser because it inspires them to get on track and get into shape gives meaning to the show. If someone doesn't relate to it but likes to waste time in front of a tv watching tv show after tv show, it could just be because its their way of relaxing and having a good time. Do they watch The Biggest Loser because it is encouraging them to exercise, eat healthy and change their life around or just for the fact that they want to see who gets booted off next? The meaning of the show might not have anything to do with why it's so popular to them--it's just something for them and thousands of other people to do and watch. It's advertised. It's eye candy. It's popular.
I find when someone says that something has "sold out" they just do not like the idea that tons of other people have latched on to whatever it is. They want it to stay small, for themselves, so it and they can continue to be unique. Usually when someone complains about something selling out, they do it with a tone in their voice implying that it's a bad thing. It does not mean that something has lost meaning, it just means that whatever it is (might have been offered more money and advertised more) attracting much larger amounts of people. Of course, a band (most), for instance, would sign if a major record label offered them. It means more money, bigger future, and more publicity. Who wouldn't sign a record label if it meant you got an extra 5, 10, 30 g each year added to your salary? This is America. Money matters. Popularity matters.... (to most).
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2 comments:
JD: Glad you were able to post this. I like your ideas that popularity and authenticity do not stand in mutual exclusion- that's a running theme through a lot of later theory.
As per the reality TV example, might you argue there's yet another meaning people can draw from reality TV? Why are we so drawn to watch a life that so closely mirrors our own experience? Obviously, there's a host of meanings at play. . . :EE
And, hilarious title. Soon internet will be like oxygen and we'll all be free. . . :EE
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