Welcome!  This blog will be a window on how I view the world.   Lots to see!  Plenty to comment on!   Let’s keep Boethius in mind and not take anything too seriously.         

Looking around and seeing what is out there is one thing, but how do we take it in?   How do we absorb what is around us?  Do everyday things have meaning? 

For myself I have simply enjoyed the journey.  Reading, music and traveling have provided me with plenty of things to think about.  Not to mention all the people in my life!  

An article called, “The Politics of Culture,” by Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan tries to provide an explanation and framework for how we think about ‘what’s out there’ or ‘culture.’   To me this article was very thought provoking.  The article provided a little history on the study of the idea of culture, and how these ideas have morphed into our thinking today.    Is there a need for this, or can we just take our journey and enjoy the view? (or not!)

The idea of a framework and explanation for culture, what it’s all about, is not new of course.  Theorists have been doing this sort of thing for years.  The prevailing view is that ‘yes,’ there is a need and here is how it works.  Or rather, pick your theory.  I think the theories are just labels, dressed up in fancy clothes. 

There is apparently a need for labels.  Not enough that we enjoy, participate, appreciate or produce in our daily lives, but we must also label as well.  

Labeling seems to put ‘culture’ in an objective place which allows it to be poked a bit.  We can discuss it and dissect it.  Culture objectified, can be judged.  Aspects of culture can be elevated or rejected. 

Labeling aspects of what is ‘out there,’ can also connect to labeling people.  This of course is a connection to the political.   Let’s consider High and Low culture.   High culture (what we understand as something created to reach high standards of something or other) was at one time created exclusively by and for the very wealthy, and was understood in terms that only they could understand.  This was a great way to separate them from the lower classes.  You can see that this could be considered a very political motive!  Today, ‘objects of desire’ are created by large corporations, and those that seek these things are as pawns to what is produced.  These consumers are just being led around.  Their taste appears to be manipulated.  This begs the question, ‘who is the taste maker?’ And further, if the very wealthy are identified with ‘High Culture,’ that must leave ‘low culture’ to the masses. 

Labels also provide instant recognition by providing a short cut for identifying friend or foe, similar or dissimilar.   It lets you know when someone ‘speaks your language.’  For example, ‘Did you like that movie?’  The answer, ‘NO!’  This would let you know that person could be very different than you are if, indeed, you had enjoyed that film. 

My first response to all this is that it takes the fun out of things.    Can’t we just take or leave something? (A movie, music et al.)   Thinking it through, however I’ve decided that to study or understand this business of labeling and culture study may actually enrich the whole journey.