High-Speed Chases, Explosions, Super Hero's & Pop Culture 

Is it Food or Cake (Netflix TV show) *Pop Culture "Deception"

Maxwell Horkheimer Cliches & Deception

One of the Frankfurt School contributors Philopsher Maxwell Horkheimer emphasizes that society consumes so much of the same media that most media has become interchangeable and is often used for deception to gain profit. Southern Utah University (SUU) Dr. Briscoe Stein provides an example of Siskel & Elbert Movie Cliches where they discuss several cinema cliches. One cliche that is discussed in particular is "Car Guy". The "Car Guy" is described as that one person in movies who treats their vehicle like a new pair of Jordan shoes that they don't want to get creased or the friend who is a mechanic genius who can fix anything. Both of these cliches have been overused in several forms of media but I believe stay relevant because everyone can relate in some rather they know someone like this or they are the "Car Guy" themselves.

Another thing to consider is how the majority of people not only own a transportation vehicle but also have grown to represent types of social status. For example, if you have a Mercedes G-Wagon you are likely seen as rich as if you were to have a Toyota Prius you would be considered middle or low-class. Although the "Car Guy" stereotypes are often comedic and don't necessarily have negative impacts on society there are other cliches that cause concern.

Dangerous Cliches & Media Influence

An example of a dangerous cliche that can have negative effects on society can be seen in the Siskel & Elbert Movie Cliches video where they discuss false perceptions of action movies where high-speed pursuits occur. During the chase, drivers will ram through glass or some type of structure and just walk it off. Which in real life would not only cause injuries to yourself but would put several other people in harm's way. After watching this video and seeing these drivers walk off after an accident I thought of the comedic band Lonely Island called "Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions" Where lead singer Andy Sandberg is making fun of how movies always have the protagonist blow up something and walk away from the explosion as if nothing happened.  

When people make comedic videos like this you would think others would ensure to use common sense and not attempt what they see in movies such as high-speed chases or playing with explosions.  Unfortunately, that is not the case. I have been in the Military and as a Law Enforcement Officer for several years and have seen several people make mistakes that altered their lives forever. Although, we can blame media desensitization and cliches for several societal problems. That is not the only reason we have community issues such as street racing and drug abuse.  To grow we all have to help/educate one another and take individual responsibility. 

A funny but serious example of how strong media influence and Pop Culture can be is the influence of the Fast and Furious series. When Fast in Furious was trending heavily street racing increased so rapidly in Utah that they made Utah Code "Speed contest or exhibition of speed on Highway". Although it can be difficult to prove that the suspect was racing this code is often easier to prove than Reckless Driving. Street racing became so bad in other states throughout the country that some created specialized law enforcement units that focus on street racing specifically. In fact, some agencies even created a tire-stopping system so they can catch vehicles more efficiently without having to plan and set spikes. As seen below. 

John Fiske, Popular Discrimination & Technolgy

As stated above I have discussed the mass production of media and stereotypes and how it negatively affects society. However, that is not always what happens or is the intent of the creator or audience. 

John Fiske discusses "Popular Discrimination" and how often someone can be credible in a specific area due to their knowledge of Pop Culture artifacts. During one of Dr. Stein's Pop-Culture Comm 6140 Courses, he attached a video called "Trekkies". The video shows a clip of the documentary reading a  Star Trek fan who continues to build items and inventions from the series and believes the evolution of technology has passed what Star Trek has created.  Despite the fact some people may think this Star Trek fan is obsessed he is right, major technology companies like Apple and Microsoft utilize cinamatic forms of media to promote their products or create new ideas. This can be clearly seen through product advertisements and the increase in ability their devices can do. However, another example of how someone had created or improved technology but was influenced by Pop Culture is YouTuber JLaser. Laser was so influenced by the Pop Culture comic book character Spiderman he made technology to help him climb walls and swing like Spiderman.

Conclusion                                                                                                                                                    

Overall, Philopsher Maxwell helped us understand "The Culture Industry and Mass Deception" while John Fiske developed theories regarding "Pop Culture Discrimination" and how knowing Popular Culture can benefit people. What are some personal examples that you can think of when Pop Culture benefited you or where you felt deceived? Are there any cliches in media that you feel are completely accurate or flat-out ridiculous?