Author: Tiara Christopher

Retrieved on: February 24, 2020

Published on: July 30, 2024

Introduction

When defining popular culture, one must first break apart both words. Popular refers to something or someone desired by many, making it a phenomenon, while culture is an expression produced by the people. This aligns with Hall’s second definition of popular culture as “all those things that the people do or have done” (Hall, 2013, p. 188). Hall further asserted that popular culture is a distinctive way of life (Hall, 2013). I concur with Hall’s views, interpreting popular culture as a widely publicized phenomenon that captivates the masses for a period.

Case Study: Deandre Arnold

Deandre Arnold, a high school student at Barbers Hill High, was suspended from graduation due to his long dreadlocks. The school’s superintendent, Greg Poole, cited a strict dress code policy prohibiting cornrows of excessive length, which led to Arnold being barred from graduation unless he cut his dreadlocks. The dreadlocks held significant symbolic meaning for Arnold’s Trinidadian culture, which was the primary reason for his refusal to comply. Arnold’s parents sought justice by publicizing the story and advocating at board meetings, which led to widespread media attention. The case received support from high-profile figures like Ellen DeGeneres, Dwayne Wade, and Alicia Keys. This highlighted how media is crucial for popular culture, spreading stories like Arnold’s to a broader audience.

Media and Popular Culture

Popular culture is consumed by the masses, accessible to everyone, and integral to individual existence. Williams (1958) noted that views of popular culture are commonplace and part of everyday life. The media plays a significant role in producing and critiquing popular culture, influencing its perception. In contrast, high culture encompasses classical norms established by elites, including fine arts and formal etiquette, which are often defined by traditional languages and practices. Arnold’s case illustrated the conflict between his Trinidadian cultural expression and the school’s traditional policies. Media platforms extended popular culture, enabling stories like Arnold’s to gain national attention. As DeFrancisco et al. (2013) argued, the media serves as a commodity, art form, and ideological forum for public discourse on social issues.

Hall’s Encoding/Decoding Framework

Hall’s Encoding/Decoding framework explores how media messages are interpreted by audiences. In Arnold’s case, the dominant code was adopted by high-profile supporters who used media to raise awareness about his suspension. This aligns with Hall’s view that popular culture is a phenomenon that captures public attention over time.

Conclusion

Deandre Arnold’s story exemplifies how popular culture can have redeeming educational value, as it brought attention to ongoing oppression. Conversely, popular culture can also serve entertainment purposes, as seen with widespread media coverage of events like the release of The Avengers: Endgame. The media’s control over narratives influences what is publicized and how it is perceived. Arnold’s case, wherein media attention helped him overcome systemic barriers, demonstrates the dynamic interplay between popular culture, media, and societal norms.

References

• Bjella, B. (2020, January 30). DeAndre Arnold, the Texas Student Who Refused to Cut His Locs. Teen Vogue.

• DeFrancisco, P.V., McGeough, D.D., & Palczewski, H.C. (2013). Gender in Communication (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.

• Gallagher, B., & Simpson, L. (2020, January 30). Ellen & Alicia Keys give Texas Teen 20k for College Tuition. Daily Mail.

• Hall, S. (1977). Encoding, Decoding. Sage Publications.

• Hall, S. (2013). Notes on Deconstructing the Popular. Communication, Culture and Critique, 6(2).

• Williams, R. (1958). Culture is Ordinary. In Resources of Hope: Culture, Democracy, Socialism. Sage Publications.

If you liked what you just read, please let me know—it encourages me to create and write more. You can subscribe, share, like, and comment. All of these options are free! Show me your support! Do not just like. Please subscribe(it’s free) & leave a comment! What was your favorite part, line or quote from this text?

Book inquiries & email address: TiarasTestimony@gmail.com

Blog: tiarastestimony.art.blog

Former Podcast: anchor.fm/Tiara92

Instagram: @tiarastestimony

Subscribe to my blog it’s free!

Don’t forget to follow my Instagram and comment on the videos I’ve created to accompany these stories. I’ve carefully selected music to match what’s happening, so pay attention. Through my book, I’m telling you a story and painting you a picture. With my Instagram, I’m bringing that story to life. @ https://www.instagram.com/tiarastestimony?igsh=YzV2dTAyeDNwZTYz&utm_source=qr