Postmodernism in music video: blog tasks

1) How does the article define postmodernism in the first page of the article?

Postmodernism is a cultural movement that distrusts all established philosophies and frequently experiments with the medium it is presented in

2) What did media theorist and Semiotician Roland Barthes suggest in his essay 'The Death of the Author'?

A writer’s opinions, intentions or interpretation of their own work are no more valid than anyone else’s.

3) What is metatextuality?

Metatextuality is where a text draws attention to the fact that it is a text.

4) What is the repeated phrase on the cartoon on postmodernism on page 28?

Postmodernism is a cultural movement that distrusts all established philosophies and frequently experiments with the medium it is in

5) How does postmodernism link to media representations and reality?

As media audiences have become more sophisticated over the years, we realise on some level or other that the images we see are mediated to give us only a partial version of the story. This has led to an anxiety over what is ‘real’ and what is not. As the key postmodern thinker Jean Baudrillard put it; ‘the distinction between what is real and what is imagined is continually blurred and meaning is systematically eroded’. This anxiety over what is real and what is not starts to get reflected in films such as The Matrix, The Truman Show and Inception, all of which feature characters trying to escape an imaginary world in pursuit of an objective truth. But what happens when your central character is too attached to the simulated world? What happens when, as Baudrillard puts it, the simulations of reality end up becoming more real than real’? That’s when we start to get texts that question what it means to be a ‘real’ person.

Music video CSPs and postmodernism

Now apply postmodern ideas to our music video CSPs by answering the following questions:

1) How does the music video for Ghost Town incorporate elements of postmodernism?

The music video for "Ghost Town" incorporates elements of postmodernism through its portrayal of urban decay and social unrest. The video depicts a desolate cityscape with dilapidated buildings, empty streets, and graffiti, reflecting the disillusionment and unrest prevalent during that time period. This portrayal challenges the conventional notion of a vibrant and thriving urban environment.

2) What film genres are alluded to in the music video for Ghost Town? Which scenes, in particular, created these links?

The music video alludes to various film genres, primarily dystopian and apocalyptic themes. Scenes of abandoned buildings, boarded-up shops, and a general sense of desolation evoke imagery commonly found in post-apocalyptic films. These references create links to genres such as sci-fi, noir, and social commentary films, emphasizing the bleakness and societal issues addressed in the song.

3) How does Old Town Road use postmodern elements in its music video?

The video blends different genres, styles, and historical periods. It combines elements of Western films, hip-hop culture, and contemporary aesthetics to create a playful and self-aware narrative. The video challenges traditional genre boundaries and embraces a mix of visual and cultural references.

4) How does the Old Town Road music video reflect technological convergence and modern digital culture? 

The music video for "Old Town Road" reflects technological convergence and modern digital culture through its production and distribution. The video gained popularity and widespread attention through online platforms, particularly social media, where it went viral. This demonstrates how digital technology has enabled the convergence of different media, allowing a song to become a cultural phenomenon through the power of online sharing and virality.

5) What do YOU think Lil Nas X was trying to say about reality and American culture in the music video for Old Town Road?

The interpretation of the music video for "Old Town Road" and its commentary on reality and American culture is subjective and can vary among different viewers. However, one possible interpretation is that Lil Nas X was challenging traditional notions of American identity and challenging cultural norms. The video's blending of genres, time periods, and imagery may suggest that American culture is a complex and ever-changing amalgamation of influences. Additionally, the video's narrative, which follows Lil Nas X's journey from the rural "old town road" to a futuristic and extravagant cityscape, could be seen as a critique of the pursuit of fame and success in American society.