Monday, September 10, 2012

THE RAZOR'S EDGE



THE RAZOR’S EDGE

Popular culture.  At its best it reflects our society as a whole, what is on our minds and conscience.  At its worst it reflects our society as a whole, what is on our minds and conscience.
             The truth that the reach of one man’s view can precariously distort another man's, has been apparent.  Maybe too apparent.  The great industrial machine that is America has indeed used this truth to spread a dodgy undercurrent of fear and hypocrisy.  Popular culture is now used as a instrument of the great companies that grease the wheel of what has become an oligarchy.
            Unfortunately, this is not where it ends.  Pharmaceutical companies have driven a spike a dread into the hearts of Americans, peddling their wares, both on the television and through the mouths of doctors, that we need their drugs to be happy and healthy.  Politicians praise the engines of war and use the same methods to plant the deadliest seeds of trepidation, faulting other countries and cultures with terrorism and generating the illusion that we are threatened.
            As I delved deeper, pulling back the blanket of popular culture, I was amazed to see a much more sinister underbelly than just clothes, music and art.  I see a tool, a tool being wielded like blade.
            Perhaps some time in the future, we can only hope that in a class like this, student will look back on these times.  Study them intently and realize how close we came to self destruction. 
            Perhaps.

1 comment:

  1. Your views on popular culture are a bit apocalyptic, but your cynicism is well received. I agree with you on the issue of popular culture being used as a tool although I would not necessarily call it a “blade.” Big businesses, like pharmaceutical companies, may constantly pander to the public; however, one cannot deny the fact that their products do help improve people’s lives. Patients with illnesses get better, some even get cured and for this reason pharmaceutical companies serve a purpose in society. Do you believe businesses, such as pharmaceutical companies, are unethical in attempting to sell their product? How do you propose they advertise their product?

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