Daily Dose of Culture and Politics: February 2, 2012

Production line of culture

The Frankfurt School focuses on criticizing the dominant mass culture. They believe that the dominant mass culture is multilayered, wherein messages are embedded to influence the receiver of the message. This places one into believing what the medium says. Because of this, they urge people to be watchful of cultures that prohibit the right of self-determination. As a form of rebellion against mass culture,

Going back to concerts. If we apply the theory of the Frankfurt School, we can see the whole production process of the music industry. They have 2 goals, which is to sell out tour tickets and to sell out cds. To be able to sell both, the artist with his/her manager promotes the single in all mediums, from TV, radio, and print. As the people get to know the song, they are forced to buy the CD so that they are free to listen to the song anytime they want. And, to get the whole experience, the people are attracted to watch the concert, even though the songs will be the same in the CD.

This whole process of production doesn’t only help the artist and the manager, but also dancers, publicists, TV show producers, and more. Because the music is made to earn, it is mass-produced. Today, we have set these types of music apart. Pop type of music is the music really loved, while soul, jazz, and fold is slowly deteriorating.