first impressions

The constant influx of new technologies may create a greater ease in lifestyle in some respects, but certainly an ever-evolving world of dizzying plurality in almost every respect. Postmodernism, as an “aura, not an era,” encapsulates this constant surge of ideas, technological advances, artistic manifestations, and cultural experiences. It is a great source of possibility, but its plurality presents problems not only in defining postmodernism, but in feeling succinct with the postmodern age. I agree with the idea that postmodernism encapsulates the synergetic coupling of old and new canons, both in a stylistic and social context, with the needs of an ever-changing, technologically driven world as its primary catalysts.

The most basic principles to postmodernism seem to be: plurality, rapidity & changeability. Language changes so quickly, for example, that neither an individual who finds him or herself less culturally succinct, nor the dictionary itself, may know what the latest terms or phrases mean today. The dense populace may also be seen as a secondary catalyst, not merely in its expectations for constant advances in technology & cultural change, but in a sort of “natural selection” as applied to social norms & expectations. Prioritizing personal activities, knowledge bases and personal experiences each day, because of the enormous options postmodern culture creates, may make it more difficult than ever to know what’s expected. As shown by Miss South Carolina’s flub, basic knowledge of current affairs and history seem to fall behind the shadow of pop culture, whose demands have grown more challenging with each day. Our priorities in knowledge have been altered by the expansive nature of popular culture today.

That same intermingling of form and function -- applied in new & different ways –as seen in postmodern architecture is perhaps suggestive of the postmodern human experience as well. Our knowledge base must constantly evolve to fit the needs of our culture, which creates both tremendous possibility and tremendous frustration to even the most culturally adept person. Our basic needs are the same as they have been throughout human history, but they must be applied to new and different information in order to stay abreast the requisites of the postmodern age.