Critical theory is a general cross between social constructionism and Marxism. Critical theory is a cross between creating your own reality and the material circumstances we hope to change. Critical theory critiques society and the culture around us. It is oriented towards changing society as a whole and critical theorists critique the given social order and focuses on transformation. This then ultimately creates a series of wants because choices are limited and skewed by the cultural industry. Goals of critical theory include bringing awareness and liberation. Oppressions in society cause people to gain a desire for unnecessary wants, such as name-brand expensive clothing and even accessories and electronics such “the new cool phone” everyone seems to have.
All sorts of series of wants and what we think we need drive the culture industry we are oppressed by in this society. The cultural industry doesn’t leave much of a choice for individuals and consumers but many people think they still have a large option to choose from. Following trends from fashion to electronics is important to society because everyone focuses and judges others on what sorts of clothing they are wearing or what kind of phone they are using. For example, if you’re wearing a cheaper brand of shoes (something without a huge marketed name) as opposed to a new pair of Nike’s or Jordan’s, people within the society may often judge and create assumptions. Yes it is true that both pairs of shoes will get the same job done, (having something on your feet as you are present in public) but with the advertising techniques and today’s media, some of the “cool” trends are clearly not available to every consumer. This is where we can distinguish the difference between a want and a need. We don’t need those hundred dollar pair of shoes, we simply want them.
Advertisements we see today tend to get the best of us and provide some sort of power over the cultural market. This power is created to keep the people of society obedient and respondent to their products. As consumers we are not aware of the oppression that is occurring within our society. Majority of people today are only interested in following the trends that are occurring, even though the products are almost all the same. Corporations depends on the media and advertising to promote their new items and these images adapt into our mind and thus cause us to create a sudden urge of want (even if we know we really do not need it). Many people continue to follow the trends that are still occurring and for this to change there must be more social awareness and action.
All sorts of series of wants and what we think we need drive the culture industry we are oppressed by in this society. The cultural industry doesn’t leave much of a choice for individuals and consumers but many people think they still have a large option to choose from. Following trends from fashion to electronics is important to society because everyone focuses and judges others on what sorts of clothing they are wearing or what kind of phone they are using. For example, if you’re wearing a cheaper brand of shoes (something without a huge marketed name) as opposed to a new pair of Nike’s or Jordan’s, people within the society may often judge and create assumptions. Yes it is true that both pairs of shoes will get the same job done, (having something on your feet as you are present in public) but with the advertising techniques and today’s media, some of the “cool” trends are clearly not available to every consumer. This is where we can distinguish the difference between a want and a need. We don’t need those hundred dollar pair of shoes, we simply want them.
Advertisements we see today tend to get the best of us and provide some sort of power over the cultural market. This power is created to keep the people of society obedient and respondent to their products. As consumers we are not aware of the oppression that is occurring within our society. Majority of people today are only interested in following the trends that are occurring, even though the products are almost all the same. Corporations depends on the media and advertising to promote their new items and these images adapt into our mind and thus cause us to create a sudden urge of want (even if we know we really do not need it). Many people continue to follow the trends that are still occurring and for this to change there must be more social awareness and action.