Term Paper on "Pop Culture Cultural Elements of a Society"

Term Paper 4 pages (1361 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Pop Culture

Cultural elements of a society reveal a lot about it. Historically, culture aesthetics have been revealed by various forms of knowledge and learning, architecture, religion, and artwork. Whereas during previous eras art typically encompassed various facets of music, visual art, painting, sculpture, and literature, in contemporary times art is often reflected via technological means. Thus, it is extremely important to analyze popular culture, especially television, to understand what such culture reveals about a particular society. In that respect, an examination of N.C.I.S. For its sociological ramifications is in order, especially when one pauses to consider the length of time it has been airing (for over 10 years) and the various accolades it has won during its tenure -- which is still ongoing. Therefore, an analysis of the various aspects of this show that resonate with audiences and enable it to pave the way for popular culture in one of its most accessible forms will inevitably demonstrate a number of key aspects about the society that creates and supports such a show.

One of the most salient aspects of N.C.I.S (which is an acronym for Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is the fact that it depicts the government agency operating in the general field of law enforcement (albeit with a decidedly military slant). From a sociological standpoint, then there is a strict adherence to moral virtues that are both demonstrated by the show and which reflect those of the surrounding society. The show essentially depicts military officers in their pursuit of virtue. There are cut and obvious 'good guys', and a never-ending supply of 'bad guys'. Audiences, therefore, are spared the decision of having to actually, say, think about any sort of moral ambiguity, and can successfully root for the heroes, who just so happen to be playing heroes in this popular television show. Virtually all of the actions that Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Gibbs, aside from his womanizing tendencies, a point which is underscored by the fact that he has been married four times and is currently single on the show) conform to a traditional view of ethics and morality with which people can easily identify. Gibbs and the vast majority of his teammates do not engage in socially deviant behavior, which encompasses a variety of different factors (Giddens, 2001, p. 151) and would result in their engaging in criminal behavior. As such, the clear cut distinctions and lines of morality, particularly as exemplified by the behavior of Gibbs' team and the criminal they pursue, more than likely explains this show's popularity.

Another fairly eminent aspect about N.C.I.S. which is intrinsically related to the fact that the show depicts morally defensible military personnel who engage in law enforcement is that doing so involves a good deal of gun play. The issue of gun control is certainly at the forefront of contemporary American society (Zakaria, 2012). This particular aspect of N.C.I.S. (that there is frequent exchanges of gun fire and plots revolving around firearms, shooting, and the eventual wounding and deaths that naturally occur in their wake) presents a facet of reality to the show. People can relate to it since it depicts several episodes involving issues of gunplay. One should not underestimate the polarizing effect of the issue of gun control in modern America. Some people, particularly those who have lost loved ones in high profile shooting sprees such as at the elementary school in Connecticut or at the Virginia Tech in 2008 (King, 2013), are staunchly in favor of gun control and believe that firearm usage should be restricted or outright outlawed. Others seize upon the ubiquity of this topic to champion the rights afforded to them by the Second Amendment and staunchly oppose those in favor gun control. Regardless, this important sociological issue is readily on display week in and week out on N.C.I.S, which contributes to the shows immediacy and representation of contemporary American society.

Another sociological issue regarding N.C.I.S., which is closely related to contemporary society's fascination with the issue related to guns, is the concept of terrorism. Ever since the September 11, 2001 destruction… READ MORE

How to Reference "Pop Culture Cultural Elements of a Society" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

Pop Culture American Idol and or Reality TV Term Paper

Pop Culture

American Idol: Reflection of Popular Culture society's way of life is a reflection of its culture. Culture has many forms, through which we could define the way we… read more

Term Paper 3 pages (806 words) Sources: 1+ Style: MLA Topic: Film / Movies / Television

---

Cultural Diversity Differences in Cultures Essay

Cultural Diversity

Differences in cultures provide the uniqueness that abounds in the world. Countries have variant approaches to living, food, language and other cultural elements. This diversity means that there… read more

Essay 3 pages (1103 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Government / Politics

---

Japanese Culture Past and Present Term Paper

post-modern Japanese cultural society and its effects. It looks at the similarities of the culture that existed in the past and present. The paper also takes a look at cultural… read more

Term Paper 5 pages (1595 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Sociology / Society

---

Mark Ryden and Lowbrow Art Movement Essay

Lowbrowart

Mark Ryden is a Pasadena, California-based artist who, according to the biographical material on his Website, "first garnered attention in the 1990s when he ushered in a new genre… read more

Essay 4 pages (1284 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Art / Painting / Sculpture

---

Popular Music Essay

Davis, for one:

Miles Davis' artistic interest was in the creation and manipulation of ritual space, in which gestures could be endowed with symbolic power sufficient to form a functional… read more

Essay 7 pages (2706 words) Sources: 5 Topic: Music / Musicians / Instruments

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>