SECTION 1
Popular culture is a term that was crafted to refer to the ways and norms of peoples occupying lower social classes in societies such as the United States. One thing that is worth noting is the fact that some of the things that are associated with this culture include the daily problems that continues to be bedeviling American middle class. The United States has a large middle class than other nations in the world. This means that some of the problems such as consumerism that are associated with popular culture affect a large population of the people. This paper argues that the problems, life styles, and norms embraced by the lower social classes of the United States influence their self-fashioning process and gender performativity. In addition, the elimination of the popular culture would be concerned as magic realism because it is not practical.
First of all, it is important to note that popular culture is shaped by the uniform norms that characterize a given group. For example, many members of the low class in the United States have continued to suffer from the same problems. Some of the problems that have characterized the lower class have been the lack of job opportunities (Halberstam, 2013, p.1). Many people occupying the lower class have low levels of education. This has created a scenario whereby people of the lower class have continued to occupy low paying jobs (Cochrane, 2007, p.1). However, government policy in the United States has for a long time not considered reducing expenses for its large middle class. In fact, tax cuts have at times been received with large amounts of criticism considering that taxes are a source of government revenue.
The presence of a commonality in the kind of economic problems, for example, facing the lower classes of the American society has created a form of identity for the Americans occupying the lower class. This concept of constructing an identity based on the commonality of norms has been referred to as the self-fashioning process. Self-fashioning enables different social groups that constitute popular culture to be united in their bid to fight for their rights and articulation of their needs. It is worth noting that the large numbers of the lower class allows this social group to be in a position to influence legislation. Many officials that are elected to office by popular vote rely on the lower classed because it is popular culture to be actively involved in the voting process. Over the years many segments of the lower class especially women have been allowed to vote for the political officers who believe can best address their needs. The growth of women suffrage has allowed them to have a say in governance. Many of the elected officials are forced to introduce legislation that is women friendly. This is because failure to do so is likely to cost the officials their votes in subsequent election. Active participation of the lower classes in politics has become part of popular culture.
Many of the people occupying the lower class are up to date in terms of keeping up with the political climate and concerns that face their societies. This active participation in politics has made it popular culture for the American society to actively respond to political policy and legislation. Movements such as Occupy Wall-street have been as a result of the mobilization of the lower social classes based on the uniformity of the problems that are facing them. It would be therefore considered to be magic realism for one to assume that the lower classes who are instrumental component of popular culture can be ignored both in the political and socio-economic life of the state.
SECTION 2
Question 1
The artwork “Kissing Coppers” is a painting that has been a center of debate for a long term. The uniqueness of this painting should not just be regarded as being graffiti or queer. It is worth noting that this painting is reflective of the talent in many streets that remains not nurtured. This painting illustrates the skills that are possessed by the lower classes of many societies that are not utilized to its maximum as a result of the lack of financial muscles. The lower classes of many societies have their own skills of innovation and entrepreneurship but do not have the capacity to do so (Ferrell, 2012, p.36). This is because they are minimum resources that are granted to them through government initiative to ensure that these individuals are able to propel their skills to greater heights. Therefore, one of the greatest significance of this painting is the reflection of the financial difficulties facing people of the low classes and how they affect their social mobility. This painting also illustrates the popular culture at the time that the painting was created. The type of cloths and other attire on the painting exemplify the fashion culture that was evident at the time of its inception. In addition, the action that the characters within the painting illustrate some of the social evils that bedeviled society at the time that the painting was created. Therefore, this painting is significant both for the message that it conveys regarding the problems facing the lower classes as well as illustrating the social norms and problems that are facing society at the time of its inception.
Question 2
One of the key stipulations of the constitution of the United States is the idea of equality and equity for all. This is achieved by provisions such as the First Amendment that provides for individual rights, liberties, and freedoms. However, the American society today has been believed not to provide a fair ground for all. The American Dream that saw the United States as the city on the hill where every man has the opportunity has been believed by many people to have faded. Many people especially in the Democratic Party are of the notion that some people need more help if they are going to catch up with the rest of society.
However, I am of the view that continued help of youngsters and other people who have the ability to work is not an advisable thing to do. This is because it promotes laziness and a sense of entitlement which in some cases is not justified. The Friends of Kimani Gray are youngsters who can leave the streets and seek a job despite how low-paying the job is. For fairness and the removal of extra burden for the taxpayer who pays for expenses such as in the case of food stamps, there should be more vetting for individuals who apply for this assistance. In this way, the government can ensure justice in the administration of such services.
References
Cochrane, K. (2007). The girl can help it | Film | The Guardian. Latest US news, world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | guardiannews.com | The Guardian. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/apr/27/2
Ferrell, J. (2012). Urban Graffiti: Crime, Control, and Resistance. Corwin. Retrieved March 30, 2013, from www.corwin.com/upm-data/4025_Pogrebin_Ch04.pdf
Halberstam, J., & Nyongo, T. (2013). Iphone, U-PhoneOr Is Gaga the new Dada?Or Roll Over Andy Warhol | Bully Bloggers. Bully Bloggers | the queer bully pulpit you never dreamed of.. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://bullybloggers.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/iphone-u-phone%E2%80%A6or-is-gaga-the-new-dada%E2%80%A6or-roll-over-andy-warhol%E2%80%A6/
