Postmodernism
is the act of taking something from the past and recycling it, making
it once again modern and progressive. This act revitalizes concepts
from yesteryear, making such things once again accessible to the public.
In this act, there is a rejection of the modern. In regard to "mass
culture", as stated on page 308, Stam writes, "...mass-mediated
culture evokes capitalist consumerism...". We found this statement
was pertinent because it defines how mass media in a postmodernism era
recycles concepts in entertainment and art and resells it without feeling
the need for originality. From the readings we gathered that the position
of postmodernism is a
repackaging of old ideas and accepts the fact that ideas are recycled.
Response
to Marlon Riggs Writings and Films:
In both
Marlon Riggs' writings and video work, the reader/viewer is allowed
to enter Riggs' open and honest representation of what it means to be
a gay, black male in American culture. He revealed the media's vicious
stereotyping of black/gay male culture and how this culture is exploited.
He is fully aware that the media does not want to draw attention to
black, gay males for who they really are as people, but instead chooses
to portray them in a derogatory manner. As quoted from the MEDIAWORKS
READER, on page 32, Riggs states, "Negro Faggotry is the rage!
Black Gay men are not." This is a highly accurate statement and
its truth permeates throughout our culture. TONGUES UNTIED is a touchingly
raw piece of video art that documents the sad truth that black gay men
are often viewed as being less than worthy of human rights. It exposed
black/gay men's culture through an insiders perspective. Though the
video has not been widely screened, the fact that it exists adds power
to potential change.