Comparing your Case Studies - What are the different versions of Post-Modernism?

Focusing on Question 1

What are the different versions of post-modernism?

Historical period (our culture now = POSTMODERNITY)
Style
Theoretical approach (THEMES in your texts)?

Defining postmodernism

Postmodernism can be defined as the collapse of distinction between the real and simulated and the blurring of boundaries between the physical world and what its cultural meaning.


It also describes the collapse of the traditional boundaries between the audience and media texts, with the rise of digital technology and 'Web 2.0' where users can upload and download content we have the rise of the 'Prosumer' with sites such as youtube. Reality TV demonstrates a trend towards the audience being part of the media text itself, affecting decisions and being represented onscreen. Social Networking is the ultimate example of the audience being inseperable from the media text (FB). 

In a simplistic sense we could argue that early man’s use of smoke signals was a form of post-modernism. The relationship between what is being signified and what is actually meant is only understood because of a common agreement on what symbols means not because there is any connection to the meaning. 

In a more contemporary context post-modernism can be seen in the way in which media texts play with their own status and conventions. In this sense, they acknowledge the meaningless nature of the meaning that is being communicated.


Another key convention is that of intertextuality: the way in which post-modern texts have the tendency to borrow, re-work and parody the conventions of other texts

While the term ‘post-modern’ tends to be used as an adjective to define the aesthetic or ideological qualities of culture, 'Postmodernity' is a proper noun referring to a specific historical period in which society became dominated by information technology and consumer culture.

Generally speaking it is used to describe the period in Western society after the end of the Second World War up until the present day, however, postmodernity develops globally within a homogenised 'global culture' (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, MCDONALDS IN THAILAND?)

Fight Club (1999

How does Fight Club tell us about belief in grand narratives and consumer culture in a postmodern society?

How does it employ post-modern style in getting its message across