Week 1- Twilight and the Culture Industry

After reading the Culture Industry Reconsidered (Adorno et al, 2008) from this weeks reading list, some things really resonated with me. In the article, the recycling of ideas for mass production is discussed. I thought this point was particularly relevant to the current (and in my opinion baneful) Twilight craze. Twilight is all about vampires and werewolves, which feature as frequent mythical characters throughout human history. These mythological beings have existed for thousands of years through folklore and it is an example of how 'the culture industry fuses the old and familiar into a new quality' (Adorno et al, 2008:12).

The article also discusses how high and low art are forced together after years of separation (Adorno et al, 2008). High art could be classified as ancient or classical mythologies and highly respected texts and the low art could be described as how these stories have been adapted for todays culture, like in the Twilight books and movies. Adorno and Rabinbach imply, and I am inclined to agree with them, that this low art like the Twilight novels and movies, are a nocuous expression of art derived from worthy classical works or folklore, that only serve to represent and exploit the 'ego-weakness...[of]...powerless members of contemporary society (Adorno et al, 2008:18).

Although I dislike Twilight, I do not entirely condemn all mass produced entertainment, as we all fall vicim to its wares in some shape or form, the extent of which is determined by thy own true self. What does disconcert me however is the demand for media and entertainment that serves as an escape or as 'a sanctuary from immediacy and life' (Adorno et al, 2008:14). I don't agree this is a good occurrence partly due to my own principles of leading an honest life, by being aware and socially conscious without blinders, but also partly due to the fact that media like Twilight and others propagates characters, sweethearts and 'supposedly great personalities' that can create illusory ideals in the minds that view them (Adorno et al, 2008:14). For instance unrealistic romantic aspirations, idyllic lifestyles and not to mention questions of beauty and self-esteem.

It would also be wise to note that what is on demand in the entertainment industry is supplied as the 'world wants to be deceived' (Adorno et al, 2008:14). The biggest issue with this for me is that high popularization of mainstream characters, lifestyles and tastes screams conformity. Conformity in its extremes allows no room for individuality, it gives no encouragement for cognitive consciousness and can recreate and render our world vapid and mundane by the incessant cries of escapism.


Below is a link to another interesting example of how mass media has thwarted an ancient religious practice.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/jonathan-talat-phillips/jennifer-aniston-and-ayahuasca-explained_b_1303999.html

References
Adorno, TW., Rabinbach, AG. 2008. Culture Industry Reconsidered. New German Critique 6. New German Critique.

Photo
The image used is from my own personal collection and need not adhere to any copyright laws.