Modernity and Postmodern Culture Critique - Essay Example

In McGuigan’s book d “Modernity and Postmodern Culture,” claims concerning postmodern culture and society are evaluated and criticized. He also explores how modern culture and society are rapidly changing into postmodern, since the world is rapidly becoming more globalized through electronic technologies that enable us to communicate with one another in our nation and across the globe, such as with the television, the Internet, and other forms of telecommunications, and other means. McGuigans argues that though entertainment and everyday life is increasingly becoming more postmodern, modernity is still ever present, thus it should not be overlooked or forgotten. We are still living in a period of modernity at present. The author also touches on the theories of Baudrillard, Beck, Bauman, Giddens, and others in his field, giving heavy criticism to them all, especially to Baudrillard. McGuigan’s book seems that it is only an introduction at first glance; however, when we look beneath the surface, it is a bit more complex than that. The book does give overviews on topics of modernity and postmodernism; yet, it digs beneath the surface, as it criticizes certain theories and argues specific points in great detail. Not to mention, McGuigan does his best to put his thoughts into simple language, so that his messages can be understood by the common reader or a beginner student who is studying sociology. Along with this, McGuigan’s adds his own personal flavor to the text by inserting his own commentary, especially when it comes to theorists that he does not agree with, some of which has ever so slightly discredited his ideas as one may draw that conclusion that he can agree a bit more respectfully; nevertheless, his views have influenced numerous individuals, and many professionals speak highly of his work. This is evident, as many scholarly articles written on his book alone can be found through research, and he is cited by a number of authors. McGuigan’s book not only touches on the theories of other theorists in his field, it also coincides with other texts, as well as contradicts others. An in-depth analysis of the book, as well as the theorists that have been mentioned will enable us to have more perspective not only on what the message that the book itself is trying to convey to us, we will also be able to have a better understanding of the field of sociology as a whole. McGuigan’s book focuses on three main arguments. The first argument is that there is a distinct difference between modernity and postmodernism. One distinct difference is due to the "philosophical ideas, mainly derived from poststructuralist theory, and cultural formations, especially associated with global popular culture" (McGuigan, 1999). The second distinction is due to the "societal or civilizational claims; and, quite specifically the argument that we are living through the transition from a modern to a postmodern period in history" (McGuigan, 1999). The second argument that is presented in the book is that there are better ways for one to understand social and cultural change; such an understanding does not have to depend entirely on postmodern thinking (McGuigan, 1999). The third argument that is presented in the book is that if postmodernism is at is worst, one will become indifferent when trying to face the complex problems that are brought about by an ever-so-rapidly changing world. When it comes to this, one should question everything. This is evident by his questioning attitude that is portrayed in the book’s text, as he writes that "finer values of the Enlightenment" enables one to remain "sane" in the current "crazy scene" (McGuigan, 1999), and this scene that is depicted here is our ever changing world. One may draw the conclusion that the text is suggesting that if we do not keep ourselves in check, then it is easy for our lives to get out of hand. We will lose our sanity, trying to cope with the rapidly progressive culture on a global scale. This is what it seems that the author is trying to warn us against, hence the reason that he makes this point one of his chief arguments. The main thesis that is outlined in the book is that one must be a skeptic when it comes to any claims that are made in regards to postmodernism. He states that he, himself, is a skeptic because he feels that postmodernism is slightly disillusioned (McGuigan, 1999). All of his other arguments keep quite strictly to the main thesis, as he brings the main thesis back around in the conclusion of his book, which is quite contentious in the same way that his thesis is. In the conclusion of the book, it seems that the author is having modernity defend itself against any disillusions that postmodernism may present. One of the major strengths of the book is that the author supports his argument by drawing from a number of diverse sources. Some of the sources which he uses to support his arguments are examples using the communication via the Internet on a global scale, shows on TV, various types of literature, such as whenhe he used a novel by Steven Luke to prove a point, theme parks, such as the Walt Disney ones, various films, and architecture (McGuigan, 1999). Strength is that rather than just giving an overview of the debates that are outlined in the book; the author gives detailed critical analysis about each point. Then, there is the fact that the book is accessible for just about everyone in the field of sociology. The reason that this is the case is that the book is written in simple language, enabling almost anyone who reads it to understand the points that are being made. Though the book is strong in a number of ways, it also has its weaknesses. One notable weakness that can be seen is that while the author wants his readers to understand his arguments, as well as the points that are being conveyed, he over simplifies his writing. He breaks it down far too much, much more than is necessary. Another weakness of the book is that it seems that what he is trying to convey is lost in a sea of text. He uses far too many words to get his points across, so much that it is easy to lose focus if one does not pay attention. In addition to this, the author uses language that suggests that he is making a mockery of what he does not agree with, which is hardly professional. This can be seen when he tries to discount one of the theories made by Baudrillards. He states that Baudrillards theory is regarded as nothing more than an amusing "quip" that "makes me think but not for long" (McGuigan, 1999). Making such a mockery not only slightly discredits the arguments that he is trying to make, it may cause some to draw the conclusion that the author is not fully capable of critical reasoning. It would have done him well to keep to using professional language and respectfully disagree, rather than attack others in his field, no matter how much they miss the mark. Concerning Baudrillard, who has an entirely different view than that of McGuigan, believes that global capitalism should be resisted, as such a thing causes chaos to ensue. He states in his book titled “The Mirror of Production” that if one lets go of capitalistic values, not holding onto them so much, and then cultural values can be better gained (Baudrillard, 1975). Baudrillard’s views are quite off to the left, and they are radically based in Marxism. On top of being radical about following Marxism, he is extremely radical about the world order occurring, and feels that every event is leading up to that point. In his book titled “The Illusions of the End.” Many things concerning capitalism, such as labor, productivity, and social classes will be done away with. Only will social reproduction industries remain (Baudrillard, 1994). Others vehemently disagree, as they feel that his thinking is merely fictional. For one, McGuigan disagrees with Baudrillard’s fictional thinking. For instance, when he talks about Baudrillard merely denying the Golf War, he states that Baudrillard is merely saying such things as a means of using "shock tactics because he believes this is the only way of being heard above the meaningless babble of postmodern culture" (McGuigan, 1999). Another author shares McGuigan’s views. William Merrin, an author who is featured in the French Cultural Studies’ journal states that though Baudrillard has passed on, his project, as well as his methodology will continue to be analyzed, and this could be to his demise (Merrin, 2008). And Douglas Kellner seconds this view by stating that some view Baudrillard to be no more than a science fiction writer. In the Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Killner writes that “it is not an accident that Baudrillard is an aficionado of science fiction, who has himself influenced a large number of contemporary science fiction writers and filmmakers of the contemporary era, including The Matrix (1999) where his work is cited (Kellner, 2007). Giddens, who thinks similarly to McGuigan, gives his take on modernity in his book titled “the Consequences of Modernity.” He throws his own flavor into the mix by stating that “as a first approximation, let us simply say the following: ‘modernity’ refers to modes of social life or organization which emerged in Europe from about the seventeenth century onwards and which subsequently became more or less worldwide in their influence” (Giddens, 1990). Right now, we are currently still living in a period of modernity, though, it is slowly changing. Giddens expounds further on that very thought by stating that we are not currently living in a world that is of a postmodern nature because our social institutions are not yet at that point, though some of the consequences, as it applies to modernity, are beginning to become a great deal more radical than in past times, and they can be seen on a much broader scale (Giddens, 1990). McGuigan certainly agrees with that point when he states that the radical change will cause us to go completely insane, should we get caught up in this "crazy scene" (McGuigan, 1999). While both of these authors believe that radical change is, in fact, occurring, and such radical change is effecting us on a global scale, their idea of what type of change is occurring is not exactly congruent. McGuigan believes that we are transitioning from a period of modernity to one that is postmodern. On this subject, he states that “we are living through the transition from a modern to a postmodern period in history" (McGuigan, 1999). Giddens, on the other hand, does not believe that this is the case. His thoughts on the matter are that we are transitioning from a period of modernity to higher modernity, not to that of a postmodern culture (Giddens, 1990). In other words, in the eyes of Gidden, we do not have to have our defenses up, as McGuigan would like us to believe, being that we are not even remotely close to being at the point in our time where we would have to worry about becoming postmodern or living in some new world order. In his book titled “Risk Society: Towards a new Modernity,” Beck also talks about the changing period that we are in, and he considers it to be of that of a risk, which thinking is in line with McGuigan and Giddens. While Beck is thinking in an abstract fashion as they are, he analyzes everything from a technological and scientific standpoint. Beck feels that the changing nature of our culture, as well as our society, along with the work and socialization that comes with it will have an impact on the economy on a global scale. Because this is the case, he feels that science and technology will be central in helping us to understand social order and conflict, (Beck, 1992) Bauman, is another theorist that feels the same way that his counterparts do, however, he is not quite caught up in radical theories and perspectives of what is to come. In his book titled “Intimations of Postmodernity” does not get into the abstract thinking concerning this concept as other theorists in his field have done. Rather, he shows us how to look at the matter from a concrete perspective, so we do not get caught up in the insane scene of global change (Bauman, 1992. While He acknowledges that change is happening, he does not quite view the changes to be quite as radical as his counterparts. He has a more relaxed view on the subject. Though McGuigan’s book is very thorough in addressing the debates of change during our time as it concerns modernity and postmodernism, and though he talks about some of the changes that will take place on a global scale, there are still some questions that go unanswered. For one, one might wonder what exactly might happen, should we leave the period of modernity and live in a postmodern period. While McGuigan does touch a bit on the impending disaster that may occur with the sudden and radical change of postmodernism and how one can lose sanity if not careful, one must wonder exactly to what degree will the change take place and to what degree will people be effected when the change is fully in effect. From reading the text one may have an idea of what might occur; however, one cannot be entirely sure. Another question that one may have when reading this book, as this thought is not touched upon is how exactly the economy and culture will be affected. Readers may wonder if the economy will be less capitalist, being that a more utopian-like environment may exist. On the other hand, however, some may feel that the economy will become more capitalistic, causing some to rise up the economic ladder, while others never have that chance. What’s more, people may possibly lose their individuality and become indifferent, just as McGuigan stated could possibly happen. McGuigan recognizes that it is impossible for all questions to be answered regarding modernity and postmodernism. The reason for this, he states, is because culture is always changing, along with our technology that enables us to communicate with one another within our nation and across the globe, it is impossible to study every single thing and address every issue. Because of this, culture and technical communications must be treated skeptically (McGuigan, 2001). Though not everything is covered in the book, as it concerns the field of sociology, we can develop more of an understanding of numerous theories that are made regarding our current time period. When reading this book, we not only are acquainted with McGuigan’s theory on our present time period and the change that is to come, we are also introduced to some of the theories of others in his field of study. Though he does not go into immense detail as to what the other theories are, we learn enough that if we should want to conduct further research that will help us to have a greater understanding of sociology, we will have a point from which we can start. In my personal opinion, I feel that despite some of the pitfalls that this book has, and despite that there are a lot of unanswered questions that one may have after reading it, it is an excellent piece of literature to read by those who are studying in the field of sociology. For one, the book is simple to read and easy to understand. It is not cluttered with jargon that causes one to keep a dictionary near them at all times in order to read the text and decipher the points that are being conveyed. This fact is especially good for any newcomers to the study of sociology, as this book is appropriate for an entry level text to be used in their studies. In addition to being accessible to people on all levels, this book is excellent for getting sociological discussions started. The reason for this is that the book introduces a number of theories and topics that one can analyze and do further research on, which is paramount in the field of sociology, being that sociology involves constant research, reading, and in-depth discussion and analysis. While we are on the topic of how this particular book can aid in starting meaningful discussions, the text also enables students to further explore various theories that are relevant to culture, the media, and their identities and how such theories impact them in their everyday lives. These reasons are not the only ones why this book is an excellent text to read. There are loads more. The book contains a plethora of practical examples that not only enables this book to seem realistic to the reader, it enables those reading it to relate to what is being said, which enables the reader to better absorb the text. When a person is able to relate to what is being taught, these lessons stay with them, as they have a desire to remember what they have read and learned. Some of what the reader may be able to relate to is when the author talks about how the rapid changing of our globe as we know it may effect how one may view his or herself. If not careful, the identity roles can become blurred (McGuigan, 1999). Numerous individuals can relate to this now, as there are some in our society today who are struggling with identity issues that pertain to race, ethnicity, and gender. Other practical examples that involve literature, TV shows, films, and the Internet will also enable some to relate to the text, especially because the author tries to get the attention of people from all walks of life by using examples on a broad scale. Along with the many practical examples that are used in the book, international events are used. Being that such events are part of the text, this allows the book to be used in classrooms around the globe, as the book is not tailored for just one specific society or culture. International events affect everyone all over the globe, no matter which country they reside in, hence the reason that everyone will find the book useful. A book is absolutely a wonderful tool of study if it is able to be used universally and be understood by all who read it, no matter what their level of study is, what culture they come from, or which country they reside in. McGuigan really knew what he was doing when he wrote a book to appeal to so many people. References Bauman, Z. (1992) Intimations of Postmodernity. London and New York: Routledge Baudrillard, J. (1975 [1973]) the Mirror of Production. St Louis, MO: Telos Press. Baudrillard, J. (1994b [1992] the Illusions of the End. Cambridge: Polity Press. Beck, U. (1992 [1986]) - Risk Society: Towards a new Modernity. London and Newbury Park, CA: Sage Giddens, A. (1990) the Consequences of Modernity. Cambrige: Polity Press Killner, D. 2007, Encyclopedia of Philosophy, viewed 09, Jan., 2010, www.plato.stanford.edu/entries/baudrillard/ McGuigan, J. (1999) Modernity and Postmodern Culture. UK, Open University Press McGuigan J 2001, Problems of Cultural Analysis and Policy in the Information Age Cultural Studies Critical Methodologies, Vol. 1, No. 2, 190-219. Merrin, W 2008, ‘`After the End Baudrillards Future’, French Cultural Studies, Vol. 19, No. 3, 255-271. Read More