Is our culture bland?

[MollyConnor]

I read an article and found a great topic to discuss.

I'll be talking mostly about the American culture because I honestly don't know what it's like in other places. But friends from other countries are welcome to join in on the discussion and tell us about their culture.

So I was reading an article that talked about Beyonce and how she's a terrible role model for young girls. Which I agree with. Sure, I liked Beyonce about ten years ago just as much as any other teen girl. But now she's gone off the rail and her lyrics are gross! You can read them on the article I linked.

Beyonce is Destroying Your Daughter, Not Empowering Her | TheBlaze.com

In the beginning, the author talks about our culture and how it's "bland, superficial, repetitious, existing for its own sake. Devoured quickly, with little intellectual effort, leaving you still hungry and slightly nauseated..."

"None of this is unique to her, of course. What I’m articulating is a familiar lament about all pop music today. It’s not art, it’s advertising. Like superhero films are designed just to hock action figures and sell tickets to the next superhero film, Beyonce’s albums are designed to hock her fashion line and sell downloads of her next album. Everything in pop culture is a franchise now, including pop singers. It’s all made for the purpose of perpetuating itself, like a virus. It certainly is not interested in expressing anything true or beautiful or good or difficult or joyous or painful. As the new iPhone is just the old iPhone with different commercials, so the new Beyonce song is just the old Beyonce song with an arguably different computer-generated beat."

So what do you guys think? Is our culture in trouble? Has true art lost its meaning?

There is another topic on that article I found very intriguing. He basically says that when people don't have God to serve, they start serving other things or people. He says America serves/praises its celebrities. Do you think that it is true? Discuss!

 

[zeroturbulence]

I guess they don't call us infidels for nothing..

 

[Lynx]

Remember when David slew Goliath? Everyone was singing David's praises.

People will find something to look up to, so those who wish to make money are well advised to manufacture something they can look up to. It only makes sense.

The only difference is now the manufacturers can reach the whole world instead of one town or state. Aside from the modern scope, this has all been done before. And will be done until the end.

 

[Lynx]

As for whether our culture is bland... that's a matter of perspective. Chain stores, internet and everybody-wants-to-be-like-everybody else have certainly taken a lot of individuality out of a lot of locales. Every town is beginning to look the same.

But individual people, they are still unique. There are a few people who have nothing in their heads but the latest fads, but most people I know are still real people.

 

[seoulsearch]

Hey Molly,

Great topic. I apologize in that I don't have much time to post (and therefore, think out my answer as well as I'd like), but I wanted to share a few thoughts.

Lynx had a fantastic post a while back (sorry Lynx, can't remember how it went exactly so I'm trying to paraphrase) in which he stated that Japan is basically replacing everything refined and elegant about their culture with everything cutesy (my own example would be Gwen Stefani's Harujuku Girls.)

All I can say is that every culture has its good and bad, even though it's pretty much impossible to define or critique any one culture from an objective point of view.

As many people here know, I was born in South Korea but was adopted into a white family and grew up here in the USA. I've often heard a lot of criticism as to why I never embraced Asian culture and consider myself to be 200% Americanized, especially since S. Korean culture is extremely "in" right now. I've had young girls, both online and in real life, come up to me excitedly because they want to know all about South Korean culture... and unfortunately, I am of zero help in that department.

I want to make sure I'm hopefully not offending anyone out there who is from a traditional Asian culture, because this is just my own experience and opinion.

One of the hallmarks of traditional Asian culture (at least in South Korea) is the belief in blood ties. An adopted person like myself has "no blood ties" and therefore, is not seen as a real human being. Koreans, overwhelmingly, refuse to adopt orphans because of the fear of bringing "bad blood" into the family. From what I understand, South Korea has gone through times in which children with no "true blood ties" were not legally allowed to go to school or marry because of the great fear of "tainting" anyone with their "bad blood." Even here in America, I've run into and often heard of situations in which adoptees like myself are forbidden to have associations with, let alone marry, into traditional Korean families.

In turn, Korea, in my opinion, has turned the problem of unwanted children into a major money-making machine. I've heard that adoptions from Korea often cost around $40,000 (vs. about $2500 back when my parents adopted me.) In addition, Asian cultures often see children (especially those who are unwanted) as objects and not real people--therefore, there is nothing "wrong" with making money off such "nobodies", such as through prostitution or sex trafficking. Having talked to women not much older than me whom this happened to, I have no doubts of what could have been my fate if I had not been adopted.

One of the reasons I've embraced American culture is because at least here in the USA, there are efforts being made to give those who are victimized a voice and a chance for justice. You won't find even a hint of that in many other countries, because their culture doesn't believe you have any rights in the first place.

Now, is it perfect here? Of course not. We all know the US has plenty of problems of its own. But I do have to say that I am proud to live in America, and grateful every day that God brought me here. I pray often for the people in both South Korea AND North Korea, but in my heart, I identify 110% as being American, taking both the good and the bad.

Of course, I think Korea is an amazing place with amazing people, and I've been privileged enough to meet wonderful Korean people who do NOT buy into traditional stereotypes.

But having been raised outside of Korea, I have no ties or familiarity with it, and so, as "bland" as some people might say the USA is, I just know it as "home"... and that's good enough for me.

 

[Lynx]

Glad to have that perspective Kim.

I would comment that everyone's cultural grass looks less green to the native because he is accustomed to it. Familiarity breeds 20/20 vision for flaws.

 

[missy2014]

I agree Kim Im sorry for what you've been through Kim with people placing totally unnecessary labels on you with 'their' stereotypes . I m a white chick who feels the pressure when I come on CC and irl and people say "Missy you're not Chinese and you speak chinese" and I thinking their racist then there's my older brother who every time I try and do guy things/sports like weight lifting or the fact that I want to learn how to play ice hockey and hed say : 'why? ' I get the impression I'm not suppose to cause I'm a female which is sexism.
Basically culture will try and box you in and I agree there's good and bad in all cultures but the Kingdom of God there is freedom. Like Kim was saying she's happy with who she is and so I am because I like speaking Chinese and I'm white so what!

 

[missy2014]

To me culture is mostly about conformity and pressure

 

[Willie-T]

I mean, like, this is just too... too for me. It doesn't, like, get in my head.

 

[zeroturbulence]

So what do you guys think? Is our culture in trouble? Has true art lost its meaning?

Yes, yes and yes! Everything today in our pop culture is all about sex and money. Religion is looked upon as a bad thing and something that they associate with wars, primitive thinking, underdeveloped countries, and pre-modern times. Now they say you don't need a god, that you just need to "connect with the energy of the universe"... or " with nature". Morals have also been cast aside as well as traditional values. It all reminds me of 2 Timothy 3...



2 Timothy 3 New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive,disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds,who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

Someone really does not like Beyonce! I was shocked when it turned out she wasn't white. Lol...

But seriously, musicianship has fallen by the wayside for sure, and the article is spot on about our consumerism. That's basically our culture right there: We're a bunch of mindless consumers.

 

[Grace-Like-Rain]

I think that culture tends to swing widely in one direction, and then back in the other. Whether it's mega churches or tourist preferences or even the feminist movement, everything seems to go through a season and then naturally adjust itself after enough time has gone by.

So we're now in a culture of mega churches, but people are starting to see the value in smaller more personal churches.

We are in towns full of chains and franchises, but more and more people are seeking out those small, hole-in-the-wall locally owned places for an individual experience.

We live in a world where houses and trucks have gotten bigger and bigger and bigger, but now people are starting to reject these ideas, and tiny houses and hybrid cars are growing in popularity. Minimalistic living is the new thing.

On the music front, sure, there are droves of mindless teenagers (and me, too) listening to the Top 40 Hits on the radio, but more and more young people are diving into a growing culture of blues, jazz and swing dancing that tips a hat to the historic 1920s and 30s.

Repetitive worship songs are a dime a dozen, but more and more artists are remixing deep old hymns that make you cry if you really listen to them.

So yeah. There is nothing new under the sun, and when the wind blows in one direction, it's only a matter of time before it starts to blow back again.

 

[missy2014]

I think that culture tends to swing widely in one direction, and then back in the other. Whether it's mega churches or tourist preferences or even the feminist movement, everything seems to go through a season and then naturally adjust itself after enough time has gone by.

So we're now in a culture of mega churches, but people are starting to see the value in smaller more personal churches.

We are in towns full of chains and franchises, but more and more people are seeking out those small, hole-in-the-wall locally owned places for an individual experience.

We live in a world where houses and trucks have gotten bigger and bigger and bigger, but now people are starting to reject these ideas, and tiny houses and hybrid cars are growing in popularity. Minimalistic living is the new thing.

On the music front, sure, there are droves of mindless teenagers (and me, too) listening to the Top 40 Hits on the radio, but more and more young people are diving into a growing culture of blues, jazz and swing dancing that tips a hat to the historic 1920s and 30s.

Repetitive worship songs are a dime a dozen, but more and more artists are remixing deep old hymns that make you cry if you really listen to them.

So yeah. There is nothing new under the sun, and when the wind blows in one direction, it's only a matter of time before it starts to blow back again.

Reminds me of fashion these days it's cool to wear orange top with brown trousers o. 0 I'd rather have my own present Era of fashion which there is but when my parents wore that fashion let them enjoy their past not swing back and forth #butilovenordic# lol

 

[Addison]

Someone really does not like Beyonce! I was shocked when it turned out she wasn't white. Lol...

But seriously, musicianship has fallen by the wayside for sure, and the article is spot on about our consumerism. That's basically our culture right there: We're a bunch of mindless consumers.

Kids still look up to her though.

​

 

[JosephsDreams]

Our culture is losing, maybe has lost, its individuality. It is almost a delicious irony. We have more freedom to do as we want without being criticized for it (sexual immorality, lewd talk, different clothing and personal styles), yet the PC police tell us what to think and say. And we are losing our constitutional rights inch by inch. Some say mile by mile. It is all just window dressing. No substance, a dog and pony show. A lake that is 10 miles round and 1 inch deep.
That is why tattoos have become so prevalent. People intuitively sense that loss and are pushing back to retain their individuality in many ways, tattoos being one of them.
The only way that I know of, to retain a true sense of self, being a unique individual, not conformed to the dictates of society, is to come into a profound and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. Then the world fades away, and we become truly free to discover and be who we are.

 

[Willie-T]

Our culture is losing, maybe has lost, its individuality. It is almost a delicious irony. We have more freedom to do as we want without being criticized for it (sexual immorality, lewd talk, different clothing and personal styles), yet the PC police tell us what to think and say. And we are losing our constitutional rights inch by inch. Some say mile by mile. It is all just window dressing. No substance, a dog and pony show. A lake that is 10 miles round and 1 inch deep.
That is why tattoos have become so prevalent. People intuitively sense that loss and are pushing back to retain their individuality in many ways, tattoos being one of them.
The only way that I know of, to retain a true sense of self, being a unique individual, not conformed to the dictates of society, is to come into a profound and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. Then the world fades away, and we become truly free to discover and be who we are.

Boy, I've got that part covered, in spades!

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Culture is much about what people do .... traditions, so , how could it possible NOT be repetitive?

 

[zeroturbulence]

Our culture is losing, maybe has lost, its individuality. It is almost a delicious irony. We have more freedom to do as we want without being criticized for it (sexual immorality, lewd talk, different clothing and personal styles), yet the PC police tell us what to think and say. And we are losing our constitutional rights inch by inch. Some say mile by mile. It is all just window dressing. No substance, a dog and pony show. A lake that is 10 miles round and 1 inch deep.
That is why tattoos have become so prevalent. People intuitively sense that loss and are pushing back to retain their individuality in many ways, tattoos being one of them.
The only way that I know of, to retain a true sense of self, being a unique individual, not conformed to the dictates of society, is to come into a profound and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. Then the world fades away, and we become truly free to discover and be who we are.

I agree with your whole post, but particularly that last part..

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:10 NIV)

 

[zeroturbulence]

Yes, yes and yes! Everything today in our pop culture is all about sex and money. Religion is looked upon as a bad thing and something that they associate with wars, primitive thinking, underdeveloped countries, and pre-modern times. Now they say you don't need a god, that you just need to "connect with the energy of the universe"... or " with nature". Morals have also been cast aside as well as traditional values. It all reminds me of 2 Timothy 3...



2 Timothy 3 New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive,disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds,who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

Oops I forgot tech. Everything today is about money, sex and tech! (but tech is pretty cool eh...)

 

[MollyConnor]

Oops I forgot tech. Everything today is about money, sex and tech! (but tech is pretty cool eh...)

View attachment 155076

I would think tech falls into the money category.