The concept of postmodernism is a difficult concept for me to grasp. Defining postmodernism in terms of art or film is comparatively easy because the principles of art are concrete and therefore can be described. But how do you characterize cultural postmodernism? The condition of post-modernity seems to be one of contradiction. In one sense, post-modernism is a reaction to modernism.
The core concepts of modernism were innovation and breaking away from tradition. The post-modern reaction to modernism would naturally be a return to the traditional. At the same time, postmodernism can also be viewed as an even more extreme rejection of tradition. Examples of this extreme rejection of convention that we discussed in class include the concept of absurdity and different forms of irony (Dr. Cummings made reference to a cinematographer who used ironic self-reference in his work).
Is the presence of these contradictory aspects of post-modernity merely indicative of a transitional period, the results of which have not yet been fully realized? Or, has the state of post-modernity been realized, and this inherent contradiction characterizes that which is postmodern, much like the notions of innovation and rejection of tradition marked the modern? Or maybe we are currently in a period without a theme, without a role, and without a cause.
Perhaps post-modernity is typified by a lack of a general flow or artistic/cultural movement. Perhaps this lack of movement causes people to search for a filler: some people desperately return to tradition out of fear of the emptiness, while others to try to innovate on the innovations of modernity. Perhaps we, as a civilization have stalled out, and here, in this surreal void, we have stumbled upon the postmodern. Rather bleak, huh?
If cultural and artistic movement (whether progressive or regressive) has slowed or even stopped, what is the cause? Have we sedated ourselves with a Huxleyan Soma, so much so that we have become incapable of producing originality? Is originality dead? Has our technological innovation supplanted our cultural progression? I’m confused…
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