1. How do postmodern media differ from other media?
Modernism is a movement in the arts that established traditional conventions
concerning the representation of reality. Its response, postmodernism,
challenges these conventions in a playful way, as it is a concept characterized
by the distrust of theories. Postmodern within media therefore differs greatly
to other media, as it remixes the idea of representation, and makes light of it.
Some view this as a historical development, however others suggest that
postmodernism is just a different way of thinking about media and it has
always been that way. These ideas will be explored using the texts 30 Rock
(NBC 2006-2013), Beastie Boys – Sabotage (1994), Minecraft (2009) and The
Inbetweeners (Channel Four 2008-2010) which each display postmodern
elements suchas hyperreality, intertextuality and pastiche.
Key elements of postmodernism involve the merging of different genres. This is
significant in postmodern media whereas in other media periods, possibly the
modern period, sticking to generic conventions is important. For instance, in
Channel four’s ‘The Inbetweeners’ (2008-2010) the show mixes genres of
comedy, romance and drama to create bricolage. In addition, the writers mix
important social issues such as peer pressure with slapstick. Evidence of this is
clear in the sequence involving Will being thrown in to a lake by some
mechanics.
Furthermore, a key aspect of postmodernism not present in other media is the
involvement of the audience with the media. In terms of postmodern
television shows which include this element, ‘30 Rock’ (NBC 2006-2013) is a
prime example. The fast paced ‘blink and you’ll miss the joke’ editing keep the
audience engrossed and the director therefore challenges the audience to
keep up with the jokes, whereas in texts that are not postmodern, this layering
of jokes is not widely used. Also, the consistent use of intertextual referencing
challenges the audience to figure out what the characters are referencing,
however even if they don’t fully understand the reference, the joke remains
funny. This demonstrates how in postmodern media the audience is respected
and is viewed as being intellectual; therefore they choose to challenge them so
they are involved in the text.

2. In the recentmedia industry, postmodernism is present in new media forms
such as video games. Minecraft (2009) displays excellent examples of
postmodernism, specifically relating to Baudrillard’s theory of hyper reality and
simulation. The entire game centers around the player building their own
world and doing this becomes obsessive for players. The players can meet in
this alternate world and interact with one another, suggesting it’s a simulation
of real life; thus directly relating to Baudrillard’s theory. Players can share their
creations with each other online, showing some real life interaction. It also
features less realistic elements such as characters called ‘Endermen’ which are
simulations of humans; being described as three-block-high humanoids, which
can turn hostile when provoked. Postmodern video games such as this are
extremely popular and are becoming increasingly used as they develop and
become more realistic.
In addition, pastiche and parody are significant components within
postmodern texts and a key example of this is evident in Beastie Boy’s 1994
music video for their song ‘Sabotage’. The entire video pays homage to 1970’s
US cop shows in a playful way; with the costumes being the key indication. The
actors wear fake moustaches and large aviator sunglasses while jumping over
cars and ‘chasing bad guys’. These are key stereotypes of 70s cop shows and
the director is making light of this. Also, intertextual references are used
throughout, with the main reference being shown by the close-up shot of the
flashing beacon on top of the cop car. This is an exact replica of the shot in
Hawaii 5-0, a popular US cop show in the 70’s.
Postmodern media has become increasingly popular in the media industry and
it shows no signs of stopping. The involvement of the audience and playful
attitude towards the text has been intriguing audiences since it has become
more widely used. Furthermore, the creators of the text deliberately expose
their nature as constructed texts and make no attempt to pretend they are
anything else, which has been refreshing for television and film audiences
alike. However, some view postmodern views as racist and stereotypical at
worst, suggesting there are some people who resist this theory.