Global Digital Postmodernity

It used to be that only a select number of people could achieve celebrity status. Typically those involved in film, athletics, and politics were the only people to reach such heights. Dr. Jean M. Twenge and Dr. W. Keith Campbell explore the depths and consequences of self-admiration. They argue that becoming a celebrity is now an "equal opportunity dream," especially due to the development of the Web. Narcissism is natural and the wealth of technologies at our disposal make it so simple for anyone to achieve fame. This is a postmodern cause and effect. The increase of media and web technologies made available to the masses break down hierarchies. Fame is no longer just for the privileged few.

When Post Modernity is connected with pheonomenons such as sexting, it gives the whole concept a very negative connotation. Post Modernity is often thought of as the opposite of modernity, but it really is not that extreme. Post Modernity creates an emphasis on the gray middle ground. This website gives insight to where the negative slant against Post Modernity comes from. The very beginning of the article stands out with the proclamation, "Post Modernity is the denial of any standards." Students are also described as being "apathetic," "skeptical," "board," and "lacking idealism." This website has a very slanted view, however, it will provide insight for those who may not understand why sexting and Post Modernity receive such a bad reputation.

Dan Ackerman Greenberg is co-founder of the Commotion Group, a company that has found great success by promoting online videos in an effort to make them go "viral." Today, more and more people are seeking fame and recognition through online communities like YouTube. Dan Ackerman Greenberg provides a series of steps and advice to follow when creating and promoting a video. This online posting is very postmodern, because it exemplifies the breakdown of hierarchy. One used to rely on a publicist or agent to promote oneself. Now, anyone can do it themselves. The fact that a promotion company is offering advice to the masses on how to succeed alone own is particularly postmodern.

It is important to note postmodernity is impacting all aspects of culture, especially the arts. This YouTube video is a clip from an episode of a Canadian television show titled Slings and Arrows. In this segment, the acting teacher is taking a new approach with his students while rehearsing a scene from Romeo and Juliet. The female student is asked to do unconventional things, like read for Romeo and not face Juliet. She is rather unwilling to try what her director asks of her. She, like many, are stuck in the cultural norms and perhaps consumed with modern ideals. She likes the structure of old methods. Switching genders is an example of the exploration of form and content. The scene is still the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, but the form has changed as the actors switch roles. The director of this television show seems to be making a statement. We need to embrace changes in form, ultimately embracing postmodernity.