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| PROGRAMS AND COURSES |
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Questions to Consider Before and After Viewing the Video "Merchants of Cool"
Questions to Consider Before and After Viewing the Video "Merchants of Cool"
1. What is it, ultimately, that MTV and other advertizers are selling? [Hint: Take a look at the title of the documentary.]
2. Many (if not most) rock groups (like Limp Bizkit, to name just one mentioned in the documentary) and rock disc jockeys (like Howard Stern) have portrayed themselves as "rebels" who "rage against the establishment" and reject the whole uncool, unfeeling, corrupt, corporate establishment world. Is this an authentic self-portrayal? Or are they as much a part of the corporate world of consumerism as anything else? Explain. If these hip, cool "rebels" are as much a part of the corporate world as, say, the president of Exxon, why do they portray themselves as "outsiders"?
3. Does MTV represent "authentic" youth culture? If not, what does represent "authentic" youth culture? By the way, what is "authentic" youth culture?
4. Why do groups like MTV study the youth of America so carefully? Is it because they want to help solve the problems of today's youth? Is it because they really, really want to "understand" teenagers as unique, individual persons?
5. Does viewing a documentary like this one make you more jaded and disillusioned about American culture? Why? Did you ever really think you could put your faith in rock groups and television? Okay, so if you can't put your faith in rock groups and television, what can you put your faith in? Anything? Anybody? Or is all of life just an empty, meaningless illusion? And if you say "no" to life being an empty, meaningless illusion, then what kinds of things, in your view (and in your experience), are not ultimately empty, meaningless, and illusorsy?
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