As I’ve noted in other blog posts, one of my personal research interests is how the field of economics shows up in literature specifically and in popular culture at large. This investigation offers unique insight into not only how authors or other creators interpret economic conditions in their work, but how that work affects its various audiences and their perceptions of how the world functions. There is a kind of feedback loop that often exists in which the real world informs art, which then informs reality, and so on.
One way this dynamic has become abundantly clear in recent years is we, and especially young people, perceive financial circumstances in the real world compared to the images viewed in books, at theaters, and on television screens. Should the Friends gang really be flying off to London and Las Vegas? How does the Dunphy clan on Modern Family pay for their enormous house? Was Roseanne really as blue-collar as we remember? How much does Carrie Bradshaw actually earn for every silly column she writes to be able to afford all of her shoes and an apartment in NYC? Our relationship with debt, poverty, wealth, consumerism, employment, and other aspects of economic activity are deeply affected by pop culture. A discussion on this topic was posted this week over at Cracked, and though the intent is humor, the conversation is actually quite an important one for our current cultural and fiscal climate.
The podcast is a bit long, but the first eight minutes or so is a summary of the topic, so even if you can’t listen to whole show, you can find out what all this means. There is a tiny bit of adult language, so be aware. Take a listen, and let me know how particular presentations in the media affect the perception of economic issues you see around you. Enjoy!
One way this dynamic has become abundantly clear in recent years is we, and especially young people, perceive financial circumstances in the real world compared to the images viewed in books, at theaters, and on television screens. Should the Friends gang really be flying off to London and Las Vegas? How does the Dunphy clan on Modern Family pay for their enormous house? Was Roseanne really as blue-collar as we remember? How much does Carrie Bradshaw actually earn for every silly column she writes to be able to afford all of her shoes and an apartment in NYC? Our relationship with debt, poverty, wealth, consumerism, employment, and other aspects of economic activity are deeply affected by pop culture. A discussion on this topic was posted this week over at Cracked, and though the intent is humor, the conversation is actually quite an important one for our current cultural and fiscal climate.
The podcast is a bit long, but the first eight minutes or so is a summary of the topic, so even if you can’t listen to whole show, you can find out what all this means. There is a tiny bit of adult language, so be aware. Take a listen, and let me know how particular presentations in the media affect the perception of economic issues you see around you. Enjoy!