The Postmodern World

Reading Summary

This chapter by Anderson summarizes the evolution of society concerning cultures and beliefs. He explains how we’ve transitioned from larger more traditional cultural groups with structured beliefs and guidelines to a bunch of loose subgroups that form based off a multitude of those larger beliefs and ideals. From politics to religion, many social factors of society influence and shift our belief system. Postmodernism is a result of three major processes. The first is the “breakdown of old ways of beliefs” (Anderson). The second is “the conflict about the nature of social truth itself” (Anderson) and the third is the birth of a global culture with a worldview” (Anderson). He goes into depth on these three processes and explains the traditional versus modern shifts and what has influenced these shifts. The postmodern world provides more options to freely choose and support beliefs of all kinds including the choice of not. Thus the formation of many subcultures. These subcultures highlight the vast differences amongst society through different kinds of beliefs and the postmodern tendencies to be outspoken. Because of the extensive birth of subgroups, much more overlap and similarities between the beliefs are shown as they all originated from some larger aspect. This overlap is described to be shown through memes which display “replicating mental patterns” (Anderson). Through all this growth diversity is born.

Outside Example

Social media can be described as a large cultural group with many subgroups within. Multiple aspects of the reading reminded me of modern day influencers and their influence on society through a social media outlet hence their title. Influencers are generally individuals who have a large following and focus their posts on a specific topic or multitude of topics. They usually are sponsored by different products to promote because businesses and organizations know they have the ability to inform and convey their beliefs to individuals that will accept them. Additionally, if popular enough they are often paid to do so.

Reading Connection

Like higher powers and politicians have the ability to form groups and shape beliefs of people, social media has provided a similar outlet through the use of influencers. Individuals who have been granted a form of power through popularity and money are able to form groups of followers who share similar ideas. Because of their likeness, individuals often try to copy their behaviors and be more like them in hopes of achieving similar status. This concept fits in postmodernism as it has adapted to futuristic times and allows lots of freedom within to make decisions for oneself.