Pop Culture Is A Funhouse Mirror Analysis
1055 Words5 Pages
Morgan Purcell Fun House Mirror Concept
Reality T.V.: Not So Real
Reality television is a contemporary example that relates to pop culture. This has become more and more popular over the last few decades. The phenomenon of reality t.v. reflects today’s pop culture mindset that one can achieve success, fame, beauty and money by simply becoming a reality star. Pop culture is defined as cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people. Pop culture also encourages conformity and individualism which is exactly what reality t.v. aims to do. While reality t.v. is popular in countries other than the United States, the American culture has come to greatly depend on the entertainment industry to form the viewers’ attitudes and beliefs. According to Nachbar and Lause, “Popular culture is a ‘Funhouse Mirror’ because it both reflects our ‘image’ back to us but also alters our image in the process of doing so” (7). Today, reality t.v. is very much a part of the funhouse effect as these shows reflect the current image portrayed by reality stars while altering American’s image of what is socially acceptable.
Since the use of technology is so commonplace in American households, people enjoy the instant gratification of following others, especially celebrities, on “reality” shows. For example, the Kardashians or those participating in shows such as Big Brother or The Bachelor portray themselves as real