Collection of Lectures by Western Academic Masters

Author: Wang Fengzhen, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: With the development of globalization, visual culture and popular culture are replacing traditional cultural forms. The American mass culture model—movies, performances, fashion, music, movies, etc.—is shaping a dominant culture. American television, American music, Hollywood films, and a network culture centered on the United States are influencing the cultures of other nations. Culture is not only integrated into the economy, but the economy is also integrated into culture. Therefore, in the late 20th century, cultural studies began to flourish in Western countries while also emerging in China. Cultural studies have brought a significant impact on traditional literary studies, sparking anxiety and debate among scholars and intellectuals. However, cultural studies continue to evolve and have even become dominant. Some argue that cultural studies are close to current social realities and have the function of intervening in society, thus should be promoted. Others say that cultural studies are merely a temporary trend and will eventually return to the aesthetic study of texts. Still, others argue that cultural studies are overly broad, encompassing everything under the umbrella of cultural studies and overshadowing literary studies. It can be said that excitement and anxiety coexist, and the debate will continue. With the development of globalization, visual culture and popular culture are replacing traditional cultural forms, and the American mass culture model—movies, performances, fashion, music, movies, etc.—is shaping a dominant culture. American television, American music, Hollywood films, and a network culture centered on the United States are influencing the cultures of other nations. Culture is not only integrated into the economy, but the economy is also integrated into culture. Therefore, in the late 20th century, cultural studies began to flourish in Western countries while also emerging in China. Cultural studies have brought a significant impact on traditional literary studies, sparking anxiety and debate among scholars and intellectuals. However, cultural studies continue to evolve and have even become dominant. Some argue that cultural studies are close to current social realities and have the function of intervening in society, thus should be promoted. Others say that cultural studies are merely a temporary trend and will eventually return to the aesthetic study of texts. Still, others argue that cultural studies are overly broad, encompassing everything under the umbrella of cultural studies and overshadowing literary studies. It can be said that excitement and anxiety coexist, and the debate will continue.