Tag: cultural criticism

Stuff White People Like

Posted on October 28, 2008

I have a friend who likes to send me links from StuffWhitePeopleLike.com. I click and read out of duty. Occasionally, I will laugh. But this morning, after skimming the Full List of Things White People Like, I became curious about Christian Lander’s statistical source. I mean, who’s to say that the majority of white people in America like “assists”? After all, every white kid I knew growing up wanted to dunk! What white kids really like is “dunking”; they settle for passing to get into the NBA!

Among the morass of trivia, I found this piece of wisdom. Especially appropriate given all the bloggers who try to attract big hits by giving stuff away or overstating thier case:

Any advice for people who want to be internet famous?

Don’t try. People can smell desperation, you have to create something that you like and you honestly cannot set out hoping for success – it’s your first step to failure.

So, I overturned a bit of wisdom, which was a good reminder for me. However, no statistical source found, yet Landers claims scientific authority:“This is a scientific approach to highlight and explain stuff white people like.” Perhaps yet another comedic jab at the white hunger for statistics? If not, feel free to fill me in!

Affluenza: Have you caught it?

Posted on August 17, 2008

PBS ran a TV series called Affluenza. In 2001, this series was followed up by a book by the same name. Influenza is “a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more.” Creators of Affluenza report that Americans spend an average of 21K on consumer goods per person per year, that we spend more on shoes, jewelry, watches (80B) than on higher education (65B). Many of us do this, not with money we have, but with money we don’t have, with credit. We have plenty of stuff. Consider this story from the book.

In his office, a doctor offers his diagnosis to an attractive, expensively dressed female patient. There’s nothing physically wrong with you,” he says. His patient is incredulous. “Then why do I feel so awful?” she asks. “So bloated and sluggish. I’ve got a big new house, a brand new car, a new wardrobe, and I just got a big raise at work. Why am I so miserable doctor? Isn’t there some pill you can give me?” The doctor shakes his head. “im afraid not,” he replies. “There’s no pill for what’s wrong with you.” What is it doctor? She asks, alarmed. “Affluenza,” he answers gravely. “It’s the new epidemic. It’s extremely contagious. It can be cured but not easily.”

How can it be cured? Does it need to be cured?

Solomon Among the Postmoderns

Posted on March 31, 2008

Okay. I was skeptical about reading another book about Postmodernism. After all, transmodernism is well underway. However, Caleb convinced me to read Solomon Among the Postmoderns. It has been an enjoyable read.

Those familiar with Leithart will immediately recognize that he is from the Reformed tradition. However, he does not allow that tradition to “take over” a reasoned, culturally savvy reading of Postmodernism. Of particular interest was his grasp of the Renaissance and its contribution to pomo thought. In a remarkable claim, he points out that Francis Bacon actually had theological roots for his science, roots that extended into Christian charity, not theology proper.

Liethart offers a cultural-historical reading of pomo that fits nicely along side Smith’s Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism?. I found his conclusion, the Solomonic alternative to Pomo, intriguing but disappointingly shallow in its development. Hopefully, he will take it further.

Partying with Art

Posted on March 5, 2008

The Blanton Museum is running an exhibit called The Virgin Saints and Angels. Located on the University of Texas campus in Austin, the Blanton is the 4th largest museum in Texas.

In addition to its holdings and special exhibits, the Blanton is creatively pushing Art into the social scene. The B scene is the Blanton’s monthly party that combines live music, h’orderves, art, drinks, and socializing. Dress to impress.

Does this integration of partying and art viewing diminish the value of art? Is it appropriate to allow the art to recede into the background, functioning as merely wallpaper for a good party? Or is this a clever way to boost interest in art, to cultivate art appreciation? Is pARTying the new art appreciation?