Portfolio Task 2- On Popular Music

Summarise Adorno's Article "On Popular Music"

In his article 'On Popular Music', the extreme critic and theorist Adorno enforces his belief that there are 'two spheres of music': the 'standardised' popular and the 'serious' classical.

Adorno explains how, the 'dirty notes' of popular music are just the 'same familiar experience' over and over, even if it is believed to be "different". He argues that the listener knows what that they are going to get before they experience it, stating that 'the whole is pre- given and pre- accepted.' Bands all believe they are unique, but Adorno says they are 'industrial'; as one particular song becomes successful, new ones emerge, imitating it and it's success.

Furthermore, Adorno describes how the 'cheap commercial entertainment' of popular music has a 'hold on the masses'. People want something mindless and easy to listen to which helps them escape from their normal, everyday lives. However, when they do listen, they become frustrated and bored of it's manipulative standardisation, nevertheless the 'celebrity' factor keeps them hooked.

Finally, Adorno constantly stresses how 'nothing corresponding to [serious music] can happen in popular music'. Describing the contrast between the two types of music as the 'naive and sophisticated'.

You Tube Pop Video related to Adorno's sentiments

Christina Aguilera- Candyman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu-7rPdFjvI

In my personal opinion, I feel that Christina Aguilera's music video 'Candyman' epitomises Adorno's sentiments. While it is entertaining, it does have all the indications of what Adorno describes as 'cheap commercial entertainment' which has a 'hold on the masses'.

Firstly it's mindless. The listener does not have to think about the lyrics to gain a rough idea what the song is about: Aguilera is singing, flaunting herself in front of a large group of men and appears to be having a good time. It links with the 'standardised' idea that women are to be looked at by the men, who are the ones with the status, money and power. The simple, 'pre- digested' narrative is expected by the listeners- 'the whole is pre- given'- they know what to expect before it has started.

Furthermore there is the argument that the written music itself is standardised. When a new song is released listeners believe they like it, but this is because the same underlying beat is re- occurring in popular music. The music is familiar to the listener, the are already comfortable with it so they believe they like it. With a strong, persistent beat almost all the way through the song, Aguilera's 'Candyman' supports the theory.

Finally Adorno stresses how important it for an artist in popular music to build a decent reputation, a niche in the market which will 'hide standardisation'. Christina Aguilera is globally a famous singing artist so her music will still sell. As Adorno states it is the 'celebrity' that people are buying'.

Portfolio Task 1- Panopticism

Choose an example of one aspect of contemporary culture that is, in your opinion, panoptic. Write an explanation of this, in approximately 200-300 words, employing key Foucauldian language, such as 'Docile Bodies' or 'self-regulation, and using not less than 5 quotes from the text.

Based on Jeremy Bentham’s panoptic prison (described by the French philosopher Michael Foucault as a “reverse….dungeon”), Panopticism is the idea of constantly being observed. Modern society today cannot function without Panopticism as it enforces control.

For example, security cameras/ CCTV is a contemporary example of Panopticism. You can just be out on a shopping trip and you will more than likely be captured by camera. Foucault suggested: “he is seen but he does not see; he is the object of information.” “Object of information” meaning in this context that the store owner will watch the security tapes and find out if you steal.

Furthermore, the cameras do not even have to be real: you will still be aware of the cameras and aware that there is a possibility that you are being monitored while in the store. You are “constantly visible” and therefore you do not steal in case you are caught on camera. The cameras are controlling your every movement supporting Foucault’s idea that “visibility is a trap”.

Security cameras offer a form of protection to society- what is caught on camera is fact, solid evidence that cannot be questioned. I believe that it’s power to “perfectly individualise” is a “guarantee of order” in contemporary culture.