Assignment 1-2
Pop culture is the sum of whatever beliefs, practices or traditions which define a group of people. Pop culture is constantly changing and evolving based upon current needs or wants or simply by what is considered acceptable by a society.
I have recently returned from an Islamic country with an extremely rigid cultural base. In casual conversations with local nationals, I was told on several occasions Americans have “no culture”. Arguments to the contrary were pointless since there was no convenient way to alter this opinion. The statement did cause me to consider what exactly makes up the culture of the United States. In an isolated area in eastern Afghanistan, there is little opportunity for travel or exchange of information. It was basically a closed society with very strict cultural expectations. Pop culture in this area is simply whatever has been the tradition with little change over time.
Modern information systems and our highly mobile society have provided cross cultural opportunities causing rapid changes in American pop culture. Today there are few areas where cultural traits cannot be examined and evaluated. An understanding of pop culture and what influences it is important in business and education since it helps to understand motivations and values. Today there are few areas where cultural traits cannot be examined and evaluated.