FrancescaMastrangelo 8/28

What is Postmodernism? This Tuesday nights class sought to provide a comprehensive definition of the word by means of multiple signifying factors. In order to substantiate this particular "ism", one must first fathom its ambiguity. To begin with, postmodernism is a time period that lacks a specific chronology. It is a matter of incessant debate as to when this period in fact began. However, popular speculations include the creation of the atomic bomb in 1945 and the Velvet Revolution of 1989 in which the Berlin Wall fell along with communism. These milestones in the course of history all share the common denominator of a shift in our society's priorities due to the inevitable advancement of technology. Moreover, I found it interesting that our class discussion contended this period to be more of an aura than an era. As there is an estimated chronology of the period, its essence is defined by a culmination of adjectives that render a distinct ambience. Due primarily in part to technology, postmodernism embodies the imminent movement towards significant and consistent change. This change is evident in every facet of postmodern life in the form of pervasive consumerism. We live in a society where bigger is better and faster is stronger. Yet, in order to remain in the rat race one must purchase which ever product will catalyze their quest to the finish line. Furthermore, as the postmodern era progresses, a clear definition of such a finish line becomes increasingly vague. Our society is seemingly convinced the most effective methodology to attain success constitutes the capitalistic principles that are manifested in every facet of daily life. In summation, postmodernism transcends merely the number of years it is measured by. Postmodernism traces an evolution of the standards we measure our quality of life in accordance to.