Pop Culture 101

What is popular culture?  Pulp culture is defined by dictionary.com as “cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people. When I think of pop culture I think of the pop icons throughout the years.  Athletes like Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever play the sport, music artists like Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, and actresses like the blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe have graced the public with a legacy that will outlast the ages.  I also think of the many iconic movies like Star Wars saga, the Twilight Saga and the Lord of the rings trilogy.  These movies have a cult like following that will live on for many years.

Beyond the people and films, many things within the society can be considered part of pop culture.  Apple products are highly regarded by many.  Carrying an iPhone is a status symbol and all of the celebrities have one.  Being in direct connection to the internet is not only beneficial for work it’s great for your social life too. 

From their iPhones celebrities update their Facebook, Twitter and Insatgram sites. So the whole world can know which handbag Klohe Kardashian carried today.  What’s hot or not, that it’s cool to paint your ring finger a different color when you get your manicure, and for men to wear funky dress socks, these are things that we learn through the social outlets of today? 

So after absorbing all of the main stream information reaching use through music, TV, films, magazines, and social media, one must reflect what we will hold on to and what we will disregard as rubbish.  Do you run out to the mall and buy the newest coach bag because every else has one?  Do you buy yourself the expensive shoes that we seen in a magazine because they look so good on you?  Do you wear expensive make up because “it makes you look flawless”?  Of course you do!  You do because it makes you feel part of something.  It makes you feel good, and there is nothing wrong with that!

Artifact of Pop Culture

The Jordan Retro 11's aka the Breds to most coveted pair of J's.

So you say what is this...this is not iconic.  But on the contrary.   The history goes that Micheal Jordan wore these shoes (well the originals)  in 1995 when he led the Chicago Bulls to another Championship against the Seatle Supersonics.  My husband, being the collector that he is, counted down the days until these shoes were released.  He tried to order them through pre-sale......to no avail.  On the day of release we both spent hours on the internet trying to get a hold of the precious shoes for him.  We failed, he was devastated, I will not disclose to what I ended up paying for these tennis shoes from a re-seller, it is rather depressing.  But he has them and he only wears them when it is dry outside....other than that, they sit in their box, inserts inside them with all of their wrapping....these shoes are indeed an artifact of pop culture!