The Nature Of Popular Culture
Teen films have recently been creating a diverse and inclusive cast. This is an example of which feature?
Is constantly changing and evolving.
The process of selecting and using a product.
Consumption
What was the first film recognised as a teen film?
Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
Which of the following is classified a teen film?
1. Barbie
2. Divergent
3. To All The Boys I've Loved Before
3. To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Name a trend within teen films?
Stories specific to teenage life; first love, conflict with authority figures, angst/feelings of isolation.
Demand develops and expands due to media, marketing and dissemination processes. This relates to which feature.
Associated with commercial products and paraphernalia
An organised collection or body of ideas that reflect the beliefs values and interests of the group.
Ideology
Name 3 stakeholders
Answers may include:
Parents
Peer Groups
Media
Global Groups
Marketers
Governments
Give an example groups who may reject teen films.
Answers may include:
Parents
Religious groups
Conservative governments
Why are teen films important to society?
Teen films are important to teens who relate to them, especially at a time when teen films misunderstood by parents or authority figures.
Marvel films have expanded to TV shows on Disney+. This is an example of which distinguishing feature?
Widespread consumer access
A social process by which an item is turned into a commodity in readiness to be traded.
Commodification
How has technology influenced teen films?
E.g Covid-19 - online platforms booming due to lockdown and cinemas being shut.
How has the consumption of teen films changed?
Cinema to online platforms.
How will teen films continue to change in the future?
Answers may include:
- More diverse casting
- More inclusive gender roles.
- Further inclusion of LGTBQI+.
- Distribution of teen films more through online platforms & services e.g Netflix, rather than at the movie theatre (especially with COVID-19).
- Teens will actually play teen roles.
- Plot exploring realistic teenage issues.
What are the distinguishing characteristics of Popular Culture?
1. Associated with commercial products and paraphernalia.
2. Develops from a local to a global level.
3. Achieves widespread consumer access.
4. Is constantly changing and evolving.
Power used by entities like governments, churches and cooperations to control people and direct their behaviour through use of rewards and punishments.
Institutional Power
Name 3 ways in which teen films have changed over the years.
Answers may include:
Increased inclusion of LGBTQI+
Diverse Casting
More realistic casting (age)
Explores contemporary issues and themes
Name 3 ways in which teen films have stayed the same (continuity).
Answers may include:
High school setting
Romance - teen love
Teenage angst
Re-makes of books
Suggest the impact/implications of teen films changing?
Answers may include:
- If stereotypes continue - teen audience will reject.
- If stereotypes are challenged older people/cultural groups may also reject them.
Apply the 4 distinguishing features to a popular culture other than teen films.
The process of adding value to an idea, product or commodity with the aim of selling it and making a profit.
Commercialisation
Give 2 examples of how teen films constructs gender
Answers may include:
Women objectified - obsessed with finding a boyfriend
Males admired/dominant - focused on sport.
Give 2 examples of mythology in teen films?
Answers may include:
Teenager as a rebel
Generation gap
Star-crossed lovers
Suggest 3 probable future directions.
Continue to reflect teens and coming of age experiences, however develop more realistic storylines. Teen film productions are forced to adapt and produce content that is relevant to today's age - more complex and in-depth themes, plots and characters.