Discussed in Chapter 9 is the idea of 'authenticity'. Authenticity, as it applies to popular culture, could mean a large variety of things. But the most broad and easily-accepted definition is something that is original, non-replicated, and appealing to the general senses. The book gives a few words on 'authentic wilderness'. It says that authentic wilderness "came to be seen as a place free from human society, and economic activity in particular..."
So this raises the question; is it possible to witness authentic nature? Purely by the definition, once a human, or a human-made object comes into contact with this authentic nature, it is no longer purely authentic. Sure, we can see what has never been touched by man, yet, is it truly possible to know that authentic nature is exactly what we think it is? I do not believe so.
Authenticity, in my opinion, is a term that has been created, modified, and thrown around in human culture as a source of inspiration and possibly, slight ignorance. Authenticity is supposed to be seen as something that is pure, creative, and new. But still, don't all ideas originate from some previous plan? For example, some people may see a new fighter jet, and call it an authentic creation. Yet, the only way it was able to be created was by having previous knowledge of flight. (Going far enough back to the Wright brothers, who first took flight.) Yet, even the Wright brothers weren't authentic in their idea for flying. Mankind's hope to take to the skies has been shown for centuries before.
My main point being, I do not believe authenticity is something that is palpable. Instead, it is something that is ideal, theoretical, and unachievable.
I really like your whole take on authenticity. I must say you did a good job stating your case and stating the facts. All of your ideas were well developed and it is clear you know what you are talking about. I also believe that authenticity has been modified. only thing is i was a little confused about the authentic nature part. iam not sure what you mean exactly but this could just be because i didnt clearly read the chapter lol. over all good job and i agree with most of your thoughts on this.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the whole idea that Authenticity is a mankind created ideal. However i believe it is palpable if you look at it in the right scope. Your view is quite broad on the idea of a jet fighter and flight. Sure man has hoped and dreamed about taking to the sky, but isn't the first machine to achieve this authentic because it was actually accomplished, not just a dream. The idea was not authentic, but the working design was and in the way it was assembled and used. Most human ideals and morals are not palpable if you look at them in the broad view of things, but when used in perspective they have significance to our culture.
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