Interactive Approach

Last Tuesday we discussed the interactive approach to culture as introduced by Grazien. We talked a lot about the role of social networking and internet media in furthering culture. The interactive approach is strongly based in networking sites that can help small businesses, musicians, and others find their niche and advance. It has made it possible for fields to become more specific and highly specialized because a wider audience is now available. However, there is a disadvantage to this specificity as well, because there is limited room for advancement. If your field has become so highly specialized that there are few people involved and few people interested, there is little room for growth and development. The primary benefit of social networking and the internet in the furthering of culture is the access to such a large and diverse population.

In terms of the role of groups in the formation of a social identity and a social self, we discussed the relative benefits of associating with either one specific group or multiple groups. Some very different perspectives were offered, most based in people's high school experiences. The general consensus, however, seemed to be that identifying with multiple groups during identity formation lead to a stronger sense of self and a better understanding of one's own interests. The biggest question in this seems to be if the benefit of trying new things outweighs the risk of isolating one's self from a tight-knit social community.

A third point we discussed was if the global nature of today's media is calling people's cultural identities into question. It is interesting to think about because we have access to an overwhelming quantity of culture today- music, art, traditions, belief systems- through the internet. I believe that this has a huge impact on how we shape our cultural selves, but I also believe it makes us more attached to and supportive of our cultures once we have decided what we associate with culturally. So, though it takes some of the regional and familial aspects away from cultural development, it has lead to stronger association and greater unity.

The question we left off with at the end of our discussion was this: Grazien says, “It is unclear whether we are simply attracted to those who share our cultural tastes or if we naturally absorb the styles of our peers.” In what ways are both true? Which do you agree with more?
I see this as being one of the central questions in any discussion about pop culture or sub cultures. Especially in youth cultures which are so concerned with identity development. Please feel free to post your responses to this question. There is certainly no right answer to this question, and the answer differs amongst individuals, but it is a central question none the less.