Studying Modern Pop Culture

Effect of Studying Modern Pop Culture
Modern pop culture “is the entirety of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, images, and other phenomena that are within the mainstream of a given culture” (Wikipedia.com). The studying of modern pop culture has afforded me the opportunity to re-evaluate the way I perceive and understand it.
Music in Pop Culture
Music and the meaning of lyrics as well as the ongoing debates about the hidden intent of the lyrics is intriguing. As a child, we sang around the campfire, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” innocent enough as it is a song of a magical dragon who was sad when his little friend grew up. I never would have realized there were debates over the actual underlying intent of the lyrics. In my research I found,

There is ongoing discussion as to what comes first, change in pop culture or change in society. Social changes occur and then a spur off of music, movies or commercial advertisements in regards to these changes erupt. For example, a new trend of clothing or a horrific crime occurs and a new movie or book will be created from that.
Race continues to be a topic of importance within pop culture. Learning about race often occurs within our home and immediate social circle (Holtzman & Sharpe, 2014). Our family, friends and teachers often influence how we perceive other races. Pop culture often enlightens us to other cultures, sometimes in a very stereotypical manner, and sometimes in a historical manner.
My Perceptions of Pop Culture
I have a newfound respect for the impact on pop culture and its effects on my life. Pop culture very often pushes the bar on important topics within our society, and therefore opens up many areas of discussion within our culture. There is a greater comfort with discussing sensitive issues within society when it relates to the newest movie, book or song, as pop culture serves as a medium to facilitate this open