Reading Discussion - Essay Example

Reading Discussion: Popular Signs After reading “Popular Signs: Or, Everything You Always Knew about American Culture(but Nobody Asked)”, probably the most interesting thing learnt was the fact that popular culture is an environment that we as people can no longer do without (Maasik & Solomon 7). In short, “pop” has become the dominant culture and now makes up the fibre of society’s everyday life. What was most interesting is the way in which the media has become so powerful that it makes people want to look like their favourite celebrities by undergoing plastic surgery.

In addition, even reality shows on TV seem to make audiences believe that they can also take part in such programs too. It was also interesting to note that, even with these blurred lines between “pop” and culture, the media has played a critical role in influencing how both adults and children act. This could lead to lower self-esteem because people feel that they have to take specific actions in order to fit into the popular culture. I was also attracted to the fact that the United States has an overwhelming influence on the actions of other societies, specifically due to the fact that American composition classrooms have championed the incorporation of popular culture into academic study (Maasik & Solomon 7).

It is almost as if had media technology not been invented, then the world would have had to focus on other issues that have more importance to their heritage and their lives. This is confusing because it could be assumed that the media would adapt to societal norms and reflect reality. Instead, it has adapted to popular culture and has influenced society to adapt to norms present in popular culture. Work CitedMaasik, Sonia & Solomon, Fisher. Signs of life in the U.S.A. : readings on popular culture for writers.

New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martins, 2009. Print