With the finality of the semester, the inevitable question is brought up yet again. What exactly is postmodernism? Well, in my opinion, postmodernism is a whole lot of everything. Actually, I amend that, postmodernism is a whole lot of everything and at the same time it’s nothing.
So, I bet your wondering what I meant with my last statement. My theory is that postmodernism is way too abstract to define what it means. In this way, it seems as if postmodernism is nothing. It’s as if it were a void, and this would be due to the fact that not one person can define exactly what it means.
Although we cannot give postmodernism a clean and precise definition, we can decipher some of the notions that fall into this category. I believe that something can be considered “postmodern” if it is different from what the general population considers to be normal. I guess you can consider postmodern thinking as a more creative and liberal outtake. For example, while we studied postmodern architecture, we considered it to be anything that is different from a standard black and white four story high building. Postmodern architecture could be considered anything more abstract and unique. Ironically enough, in order for postmodernism to be existent, society as a whole must accept a universal ideal as to what is “normal”. “Postmodern architecture, art and literature represent the Other, and thus present a heterogeneity…” (pg.160). Postmodernism is just a spinoff of what is considered normal. As Postmodernism for Beginners said, it evolves from the “Other”. The only way the “Other” can exist, is to accept that there is a standard way of thinking.
So what happens when society begins to evolve once again? I mean, the core values and ideals that society currently represents was not always the standard way of thinking. Change is inevitable, and usually with change society becomes more open-minded. Therefore, it is only acceptable to believe that our values will become more liberated. Now remember, postmodernism has liberal foundations. Is it possible that in time, postmodern thinking could be considered “the norm”? Maybe, but then what happens then? Will society develop an even newer post modernistic outlook? Maybe again, but then would it be considered? post-postmodernism? Hmmm….weird indefinable questions, but then again that’s what postmodernism does to you.
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Well you definately talk like a dictionary!!! Like seriously you do! Its crazyyy...but anyways I really like you had to say! It was very insightful and I could tell that you spent a good amount of time on figuring out your ideas and how do organize them. I agree with you because I feel as if postmodernism cannot be defined because it is "everything and nothing at the same time." That statement sums up, exactly how I could define postmodernism. Well you nailed this blog! Nice ideas and awesome blog! Goodnight! :)
ReplyDeleteVery insightful blog my friend =)I totally agree when you say Postmodernism is beyond the normal, but in order for it to fit into society it must be agreed upon in society. It may seem out of the ordinary at first, then change technically or economically based on the society's acceptance. It is so ironic because it ultimately contradicts itself. Postmondernism can never truly be defined because it is "everything and nothing at the same time." You nailed the topic using examples and you seem to have a pretty clear view of the background of the different meanings that may come about of Postmodernism. Good job my friend =)
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