My essay rewrite.

1. What is post modernism?
Explain the transition between modernism and post modernism?
How and why are music videos postmodern?
How is your music video post modernism?
Some would say post modernism cannot be defined as that is therefore a
contradiction of its own theory. However I believe post modernism to be a a
reaction to modernism. It is a concept created in the late 20th century and is
typically associated with art and literature well as media, however it is also
associated with other aspects such as history and philosophy.
Modernism and post modernism are similar in some aspects, however post
modernism is said to be a 'reaction' to modernist values and beliefs. Modern values
and concepts are very conservative and the idea of God is a big part of their belief
system. Modernists believe in the idea of 'one truth', post modernists disagree with
this view, they believe that if you see something as true then it is true. In addition
to this, post modernists believes that there is no hierarchy in relation to anything,
for example a Picasso painting is no better than a painting by a year 1 student, this
is known as a high and low culture. Unlike modernists, post modernists do not
believe in a God. They are not atheist, however they just do not include it in their
values. Post modernism has been criticized as contradictory, as it states there is not
one truth, and no one way to think and believe, but then they tell people how they
should think and believe.
Music videos can be postmodern in many different ways, they can also be a
modern video, which displays aspects of post modernity. Some typical conventions
of postmodern music videos are irony, intertextuality, pastiche, cultural flattening
and hybridization. Some examples of typical postmodern artists are Nicki Minaj,
Lady GaGa, Madonna and Greenday.
For my case study I have chosen 'Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop', the song was
released in early 2013 and the music video was directed by Diane Martel. The song
was a number 1 hit in many countries all around the world. The clip depicts an
ongoing house party, where there is numerous bizarre activities taking place,
among these activities are the creation of a mountain made of white bread, the
kicking of a skull made of french fries, and the simulated slicing of a woman's
fingers. Miley has since made more postmodern music videos, in attempt to
reinvent her identity.
Throughout the music video there is the use of intertextuality, which is the concept
of bringing other references. There was product placement in the music video, with
shots in the opening scenes of Beats Pill speakers and other shots of her applying
EOS lip balms. However there are more subtle references, such as a shot of a skull
made from McDonald's chips. This could be here for no reason at all, or this could

2. be here for a reason, it may be referencing the fact that
McDonald's food is unhealthy and leads to obesity. However, this could be there
just for no reason and because it looks good and follows the strange theme to the
video, this is another convention of post modernism in music videos and is called
style over substance.
There is also the use of irony in the video, as Miley Cyrus was a child star on
Disney Channel and is looked up to by many as a role model. Miley was
interviewed many times on her views of alcohol and drugs, she claimed that she
'wasn't into things like that' and she believes it to be
'inappropriate and disgusting behaviour. But in the music video and the song there
are many references to intoxicating substances. Additionally, as a role model to
young children, she had to behave in a certain way and that included how she
dressed and spoke, but now she is trying to get away from that 'child star ' persona
she is seen wearing barley any clothing and acting very provocative. This could be
seen as ironic as this side of Miley is completely different to the teen star who was
on Disney Channel.
Everything in the music video appears to be exaggerated, the dancing, the makeup,
the clothing and jewellery is over the top and exaggerated and this is called magic
realism, you wouldn't see things featured in the video in normal life. For example,
the provocative clothing, the bread mountains, the pink blood, and the huge teddy
bear bags.