Daniel M. Koo

Convergence Culture

9/22/2014 

            Media is spectacle and people will always care about media so long as there’s something spectacular about it to care for. The society of the spectacle is a group made up of the people who take part in the spectacle. Those of us who watch television, play online video games, have accounts on popular social media sites, etc. Anyone who owns a modern cell phone that includes access to the internet and its various mainstream social media websites, appear to be taking part in the spectacle nonstop. As a result they become in and of themselves part of the spectacle whenever they upload a status or a video log.

            Debord writer of, The Society of the Spectacle, describes the spectacle and its impact as, to put it simply, something that is all-encompassing. Dating back to the early days of television, for one example, it was something that brought people together to marvel at. To be seated and watching television was a way of taking part in the spectacle, and it is one way that is now seen as old fashioned.

            If something significant were to happen, like for instance the story of Caitlyn Jenner, it eventually makes it to newspapers and internet newsfeeds everywhere. We the public, are then invited to read up on the latest happening, we buy a copy of that day’s newspaper, or log on to Facebook to read the article for free, we learn of all the news worthy current events. Bearing witness to these events, and gathering all the knowledge we choose to on them, puts people in the know. Now that we’re in the loop, we’re given free say of our opinion towards the day’s stories. In this we are made part of the spectacle. From this point it continues to grow, or the cycle continues to carry on. Bringing more information in to be reacted to.

            When discussing commodity of spectacle, the easiest thing to point out when searching for an example is the latest technology or fashion trends. Things that when bought and then owned give us the illusion of being insiders of the modern day lifestyle. Commonality becomes part of the spectacle. We find it normal to see people look down to catch a glimpse at their cell phones, and we find it very strange when someone happens to not own the latest phone. Or if they own a separate phone, mp3 player and computer, we find it odd whether this person be friend or family. There is something to be said about how such commonality may make us feel superior to those who simply don’t have what we have or know what we know. Sometimes by choice, and other times not. Times change, this will not always be the norm, people who keep up with the idea of normalcy, and remain part of the spectacle are openly accepted, where as those who don’t are seen as being on the outside of something greater. It’s a constantly moving and shifting culture.