Like a P(rayer)ostmodern World

After reading Welcome to the Postmodern World and The Precession of Simulacra, a few things stuck out to me. Anderson describes postmodernism as a world that still has the belief systems of the modern world along with the pre-modern world. But there is something besides the belief systems that we have and that is a suspicion that all belief systems are social constructions. There is an ongoing, constant battle of postmodernism. Anderson says, "It fills our daily lives with uncertainty and anxiety, renders us vulnerable to tyrants and cults, shakes religious faith, and divides societies into groups contending with one another in a strange and unfamiliar kind of ideological conflict: not merely conflict between beliefs, but conflict about belief itself" (Anderson 3). 

The postmodern world does not define itself by what it is, but by what it has now ceased to be. There are three processes that have begun to shape postmodernism: the breakdown of old ways of belief, the emergence of a new polarization, and the birth of a global culture. The artist I first think of who can match these descriptions is Madonna in her music video "Like a Prayer." 

In relation to Anderson's first process, Madonna's music videos are indeed a breakdown of old ways of belief. Madonna added so much imagery and symbolism to her music videos, creating a spark for her generation, causing people to breakdown their old ways of thinking and open their mind to new ways. In "Like a Prayer", Madonna used symbolism and imagery to reverse the usual role of male as the dominant sex. Some scenes included an African-American church choir, Madonna being attracted to the statue of a black saint, and singing in front of buying crosses. 

Anderson's second process, "the emergence of a new polarization" is very apparent in Madonna's music videos. Madonna sparked political controversy with class, race, and nationality in her video "Like a Prayer." Madonna's music video reflects her American and Hispanic mixed street style mixed with her lively glamour. In her music video she is able to add imagery and incorporate Hispanic culture as well as some Catholic symbolism. Her addition of such multiculturalism was very successful in a sense that it opened her up to large and varied audiences. 

Finally, the third process, "the birth of a global culture." This creates a new arena in which all other belief systems look at and become aware of other belief systems, causing people to find out who and what they are. Many of Madonna's songs have the imagery of the music video in strong context, while still referring to the music. There are many contradictory responses to Madonna's excessively provocative music videos, "Like a Prayer" for example. Madonna's music videos were created to promote the songs and their impact, which struck many conversations and debates regarding her work. Madonna also became a social idol, influencing the way people acted and the way people dressed. 

Madonna reflects Anderson's three processes very well, displaying an almost perfect example of postmodernism in media. Her music video breaks down old beliefs, sparked political controversy, and birthed a new global culture.