- How has the academic reception of popular genres changes over time?
Traditional academic studies of culture have tended to focus on “high” culture subjects, such as Art, classical music and literature. This academic study was based on European and Western culture. Contributors to this kind of culture were predominantly White/European males with access to education and wealth. To create such cultural contributions the authors needed independent wealth or wealthy benefactors. This made it unlikely for the mass population to be able to contribute to culture in this way.
With the technological progression of printing presses rose a new form of cultural literature. These were often in the form of pamphlets, newspapers, short stories and novellas. Further technology rose to include coloured printing and the ability to print pictures in mass. These mass produced materials became popular with the less educated classes and were described by academics as being of “low taste” verses the “high taste” literature studied by the elite.
“Despite the popularity and critical impact of comics and graphic narrative, academics have been late to the examination of the field.” Freedman, A. (2011).
With the increased publications and creation of more than classic literature, telling stories, academics must accept that these forms of popular genres have a place in the study of society, McAlister, J. (2018). Popular genres, such as television, film, comic books, radio, fantasy and science fiction are also using subject material to give voices to those more marginalized members of society.
- What might the value be of studying them?
“The mixture of advocacy and analysis, fandom and critique, amateur and professional study, and artistic self-definition and critical examination characteristic of comics criticism poses challenges to the border between high art and popular culture and between word and image.” Freedman, A. (2011).
Popular genres offer another window into society’s popular culture. By studying these works we can ascertain more about societies political, social and religious beliefs. Popular genres often give voices to those not traditionally celebrated in classic literature or “high taste” culture. These included women, the working class, sexually diverse, gender diverse, culturally diverse and indigenous voices and those affected by post colonization.
Furthermore, popular genres are less constrained by classic literature. They can explore notions of magic, science fiction, the future, fantasy worlds etc. For example Tolkien (1954) Lord of the Rings Trilogy explores the notions of philosophical consequences, Mountfort, Paul (2020). Likewise, Hergé’s series of books give Tintin an opportunity weave in social and political discussion, as is shown in Hergé (1931)The Blue Lotus, where Japanese invade China.
References:
Freedman, A. (2011). Comics, Graphic Novels, Graphic Narrative: A Review. Literature Compass, 8(1), 28.
Hergé, (1931) The Blue Lotus
McAlister, J. (2018). Defining and Redefining Popular Genres: The Evolution of “New Adult” Fiction. Australian Literary Studies, 33(4), 1–19.
Mounfort, P (auth). (2020). ENGL602 popular genres. Retrieved from https://blackboard.aut.ac.nz/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=96250_1&content_id=_5273101 1&mode=reset
Tolkien, J. R. R (writ). (1954). The lord of the rings. United Kingdom: George Allen & Co
Pop Genres 2020 