‘THE sociological theory that the loss of the support of objectively established religion, the dissolution of the last remnants of pre-capitalism, together with technological and social differentiation or specialisation, have led to cultural chaos is disproved every day; for culture now impresses the same stamp on everything;’ so starts the article, “The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception” by Theodor Adorno.
As these polemical authors go, Adorno is the least interested in concealing his intense Marxism / anti-Capitalism. This doesn’t necessarily discount his points, many of which are well-grounded, but it does make the article less enjoyable to read. Adorno starts by talking about how mass media (which he simply calls “culture” [and is made up of movies, music, etc.]) is completely industrial and lacks any relation to that higher order of Art. He further articulates that the opinions of the public (which actually favor this industry system) is a part of this whole blighted system and not an excuse for it. The sphere of power that creates this culture is made up of an interwoven collection of smaller industries, whose ideologies are apparently in line with easy-going Liberalism and Jewish intellectuals (?).
How can different media and different products all fall under this category? Because they can all be boiled down to the same thing: whatever the vested interest of the capital investor is. Another easy way to gain insight into how encompassing this Gesamtkunstwerk is to look at how rigidly all popular media fall into formats, be them of length, set-up and payoff, melody, or any other of an infinite possibilities. Also, he argues that “art” is trending towards the medium of sound-film, which allows for no imagination on the part of the viewer and is seen as deeply connected to real life. Yadda yadda yadda; every deviation from the norm somehow confirm the validity of the system. Artists have never really disguised their subordinance to those with power/money, be them noblemen or the government; if they were to eat, they were at the mercy of their benefactors. If not, they would become economically, spiritually, and otherwise self-employed [read: screwed].
Humor, intrigue, and all pleasure that is to be found in these activities are (you guessed it) one and the same. Simple diversions, expected and stale, presented in such a way that the consumer believes to be in complete control of whether or not he or she relates to or enjoys the work. Advertisements are almost unnecessary in this community, where those who would be affected are ready and willing to buy and use products that they see through. As Adorno so crassly puts it, in this lifeless society, “personality scarcely signifies anything more than shining white teeth and freedom from body odour and emotions.” The term culture itself endeavors itself towards replication, imitations of imitations, and thoughtless products that will no doubt best-sell their way into the places where our hearts used to be. Jesus, this is bleak.
