The level of contemporary culture

The definition of contemporary culture makes it apparent that the level of contemporary culture is defined by the level to which cultural aspects such as fashion, art, and design are conformed to by the members of the society (Samuel 2012). The paper below uses illustrations with the aim of discussing whether is possible to differentiate between ‘high’ and ‘low’ in contemporary culture ‘High’ in Contemporary Culture The origin of contemporary culture is culture itself. In the course of the evolution of culture, it has been possible to state, define, and distinguish between high and low in culture. As a result, it is also possible to differentiate between high and low in contemporary culture. Basically, high in culture is an aspect that denotes all components of contemporary culture that are said to be the very best based on their value.

As a result, high-quality cultural products are limited to a given population in the society bringing forth the term ‘high’ in contemporary culture (Marshall 2009). The illustrations below give a clear definition of high in contemporary culture. Figure 1 Source: http://fashionfinder. asos. com/womens-outfits/high-culture-celfie-405939 Date: Feb 5, 2015 Figure 1 is an image that shows fashion products that are produced and marketed by Radley London Company. They are sold in high-status jewellery stores. They are as well acquired by different members of the society for high-value cultural events such as marriage ceremonies. As a result, their utilization brings about high contemporary culture considering the fact that masses that conform to them are differentiated in the community. Contemporary culture is defined by conformity. In the event that a certain product such as gold jewellery is only accessed by masses of high economic and social class, contemporary culture for the high in the society emerges.

In addition to the distinction defined above, low in contemporary culture is characterized by cultural products that are produced for the masses, not for depicting value and but rather for the generation of massive profits for the culture industry. While high in contemporary culture depicts important aspects such as power and fame, low in contemporary culture creates an anti-enlightenment effect on the viewer that conforms to a given aspect of contemporary culture (). Taking an example of technological products and designs, low contemporary cultural, technological products and fashion products are produced to please the masses while still making massive profits. Their presence is defined by popularity. Their presence in the society is as well very limited. The fashion products are easily accessible, their lifetime and value is limited, and can be easily acquired by many members of the society.

Conclusion More or less, it is much evident that the only significant way through which high and low in contemporary culture can be distinguished is through the meaning and the primary purpose of various cultural products. While high contemporary culture products are produced based on the illustration of value and class, low contemporary culture products are produced for the masses and the generation of massive profits. However, this distinction is only in the mind of the people. The gap continues to widen considering the fact that equality is yet to be realized taking into consideration the disparities that come with the economic and social class of different members of the society. radley. co. uk/ Samuel, R. , 2012, Theatres of Memory: Past and Present in Contemporary Culture, London, UK: Verso Books.