Postmodernism: Deconstructed past questions.

Task 1:

Previous postmodernism questions: Deconstructed…

Q: What is meant by ‘postmodern media?’

·         The topic: Postmodernism.

·         The aspect: Postmodern media.

·         Instruction: Define and explain how and why the used examples of media texts are postmodern.

·         Viewpoint: That certain qualities of a media text make it postmodern.  

Q: Why are some media products described as ‘postmodern’?

·         The topic: Postmodernism.

·         The aspect: Postmodern media.

·         Instruction: Define and explain how and why the used examples of media texts are postmodern.

·         Viewpoint: That postmodernism is becoming increasingly significant in media.

Q: Explain how certain kinds of media can be defined as postmodern.

·         The topic: Postmodernism.

·         The aspect: Postmodern media.

·         Instruction: Define and explain how and why the used examples of media texts are postmodern.

·         Viewpoint: That postmodernism is becoming increasingly significant in certain areas of media.

Q: Explain why the idea of ‘postmodern media’ might be considered controversial.

·         The topic: Postmodernism.

·         The aspect: Postmodern media.

·         Instruction: Define and explain how and why the used examples of media texts are controversial.

·         Viewpoint: That postmodernism is damaging the quality of production in the media. (Jameson argues that postmodernism and postmodern media is pointless and trapped in circular references)

Q: “Postmodern media blur the boundary between reality and representation.” Discuss this idea with reference to media texts that you have studied.

·         The topic: Postmodernism.

·         The aspect: Postmodern media.

·         Instruction: Use examples of postmodern media to explain how and why they blur the boundary between both representation and reality. (Refer to the idea that modernism is about ‘purpose’ and postmodernism is about ‘play.’)

·         Viewpoint: Postmodernism in media has decreased the separation between reality and representation.

Q: Discuss why some people are not convinced by the idea of postmodern media.

·         The topic: Postmodernism.

·         The aspect: Postmodern media.

·         Instruction: Define and explain how media texts which are controversial such as Hobo with a shotgun and Scott Pilgrim hinder the idea in the people that postmodern media is not a legitimate ideology. (Refer to the complaints of Jameson)

·         Viewpoint: People generally possess disbelief in the idea of postmodern media being a genuine and significant idea associated with media.