Plenty to be thankful for...

Well, I have been making an assignment for the past three hours for one of my Masters courses and I needed to take a break.

I hope all of you are enjoying your turkey dinners with family and friends. Today I heard someone speak on the difficulties children face growing up in Cambodia. Imagine being sold by your family for cash to the sex trade industry at the age of eight? What I heard goes beyond my own reality and it is a reminder that I have so much to be thankful for as I complain about mundane issues like why America’s Top Model sucks, or when the heck Ryan Shannon will hit an open net (wait, he already did).

My particular assignment has been looking at pop culture vs elite art. It has been very interesting reading all the differing opinions about what constitutes high art or what elevates art beyond “low” level art. The definitions of “mass culture” or “pop culture” change depending on who is speaking. Personally, I know what I like and I know what causes emotions in me. I can fully appreciate why Michelangelo’s David is considered to be one of the finest sculptures out there (I was truly in awe), yet I can also appreciate the comedic musings of a classic Simpsons episode (season 4 is my favourite). I also appreciate that I have the wherewithal to view and experience all forms of art and that I have the opportunity to speak my mind if I wish. Seeing Rembrandt’s Night Watch in person is something that I have been lucky enough to experience. I have been lucky enough to see Radiohead live as well. (How cool is it that Radiohead is allowing you to name your price for their new disc?) These experiences are luxuries that some cannot partake in.

As you can see I do enjoy many forms of art. I have always enjoyed television. I know many people look down on this form of entertainment. I agree that the majority of television is unhealthy. However, this medium can be illuminating at times, and it can even challenge. But I am not fooling myself. I certainly realize all that I view and review are not necessary. But then, sociologists like Herbert Gans would argue otherwise.

What am I getting at? Simply that I am truly thankful that I can partake in “Pop Junk”, because this means I have freedom that many people do not have. Whether or not I am using this freedom wisely is another discussion entirely.

I watched a lot of TV yesterday, so I will get to some reviews sooner or later. I got to go back to work. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.