Free Citizens or Cultural Dupes (Essay Plan)

This is an essay plan, set out to understand whether I'm an active agent or a cultural dupe? In the answer I need to make reference to key texts we have studied and also the Orson Welles’ film F For Fake.

The question wants me to identify whether I’m an active agent or a cultural dupe. Do I feel compelled to buy and use products even though I can see through what is regarded as the triumph of advertising in the culture industry? For week 4 we discussed Popular Culture vs Mass Culture: Free Citizens or Cultural Dupes. We looked specifically at the critique of a key group of critical theorists (Max Horkheimer, Theodore Adorno, Walter Benjamin) who employed a neo-Marxist approach to interrogate culture after the second World War. We also watched a film screening of the Orson Welles film, F For Fake (1974).

I'm going to conduct research by analysing key texts; I mentioned Max Horkheimer, Theodore Adorno, Walter Benjamin when I identified what was expected from the essay question. I also want to identify other key figures and research through the library catalogue and expand on the indicative reading list and include references from Dialectic of Enlightenment. I want to reference mediation in Marxist theory which refers to the reconciliation of two opposing forces within a given society. I also aim to look at the references in the bibliographies of these texts as they will provide ideas about how to extend my own research. From the film screening of the Orson Welles film, F For Fake (1974) I want to analyse perhaps the most celebrated segment of the film, treating the power of art and the nature of authorship. Welles narrates a montage sequence of the medieval French landmark, Chartres Cathedral. The film poses many questions; It's pretty but is it art? How is it valued? Who’s the expert? Who’s the faker? I want to analyse these questions and provide an interpretation which will relate to the question about whether I’m an active agent or a cultural dupe. I will use the Harvard Style adopted by Leeds Metropolitan University and adhere to it strictly.

After I have completed research, I will follow the basic structure to present my findings; a brief introduction and include the thesis statement, the main body which will include the theme and develop the argument whilst referencing the material and providing evidence, and the conclusion will be a summation of the essay question and I will provide a clear idea of how I have reached the outcome.

I will begin constructing the bibliography at the planning stage and allow it to evolve as the essay does. The author-date or ‘Harvard’ method of referencing is the standard at Leeds Metropolitan University. Harvard has the advantages of flexibility, simplicity, clarity and ease of use, both for author and reader. Sources are cited in the body of the text and listed alphabetically in the bibliography or list of references.

Murder On The Dance Floor

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The HIFI Club was always going to be special, offering a delectable selection of cross genres including 50's Jump Blues, Latin Boogaloo, Jamaican Ska, Gritty Soul, Fried Funk Breaks and other international oddness. I admit that I was tempted by Propaganda but I really enjoyed the night with my extended family! Sadly, today was their final day in Leeds and they departed once they managed to navigate around the one-way system. A few weeks ago our group intended to participate in Carnage, Leeds but due to limited funds available, I was the only one representing. To be fair this was largely due to working for the promoter! I enjoyed the night but didn't manage to stay the duration because someone threw an ice cube at my face. Maybe I would have seen the funny side, had my nose not been streaming with blood! It wasn't a big look and as the guys I was working with were packing heat I decided to make a beeline for the exit and headed home to eat and complete an essay plan that needs to be handed in tomorrow!

How Will I Know

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Attempting to organise a night out between two floors, visitors and twenty different expectations was always going to be difficult. Thursday was entertaining, from the 'crack den' to the dance floor and then back again. I could have sworn that Whitney Houston made an appearance but there was no sign of her in the morning! Tonight I was eager to head out and experience the firework display at Hyde Park, Leeds. Hoping that this would provide a welcome distraction from missing another event that I annually share with the children. Having already missed Halloween! I was probably the first one ready, unfortunately being dependent on others meant that the clock shifted through the motions and minutes became hours. We then received an update that the display had finished! This was unfortunate because we'll have to wait another twelve months. The plus point was that one of my partners flat mates, who had managed to head to Hyde Park, managed to win a goldfish! Christened 'Joey' which made me haps! Eventually everyone headed out to a bar which was much hyped but resembled a retro museum. It wasn't bad but I sensed that my friend wanted to experience more of Leeds. Halo being the obvious choice, I enjoyed the night but clearly hadn't consumed as much alcohol as him. He sent me on my way in the end so that he could look for cougars! There's gratitude!

Nothing To See?!

Image by The Library of Congress via FlickrI spend a reasonable amount of time in the company of my partner and her flat mates, forging strong relationships with them as they're on the same wavelength. Trying to keep the flat clean and in a good condition takes a combined effort because mess builds up quickly. Today marked the first round of term inspections, the communal areas would be graded and to ensure that the flat passed the inspection there was a list presented on the criteria that should be adhered to. We had previously removed all the posters from the walls and cleaned most of the front room but there was still a considerable amount of washing up when I arrived after lectures. I managed to work through this quickly and shortly afterwards the inspectors arrived and the flat was awarded a pass certificate. Amazing considering the mess that was visible a few days earlier, cleaning the hob with vinegar and water was definitely a well discovered remedy as I don't think the flat would have passed then. Not sure when the next inspection is scheduled but we have already started redecorating with a second wave of posters and flyers!!

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Image by joedawson via FlickrAlthough I was meant to allocate time for assignments, the lure of experiencing Halloween in Leeds was more appealing than writing essays. We weren't sure which venue offered the most attractive night so opted for Oceana. The nightclub has six themed bars and two night clubs all of which have a different look and feel about them taking you from one country to another. Working for the promoter meant that we were able to occupy the VIP area, the notable advantage being able to access the bar in reasonable time. I rate the venue but feel that the floor arrangement could have been better organised. The Secret Garden is probably the best aspect, providing space, sun lounges and a reasonable smoking area that's not just an after thought. There were great costumes on show, our attempt to resemble the Twilight cast passed unnoticed. Showering ourselves in glitter spray and eye liner was a minimal attempt but I thought we looked incredible. We didn't last the duration but enjoyed what the nightclub offered, I don't know why we don't spend more time at the venue?!

Once Upon A Dream..

Image by joedawson via FlickrThe adventures in Newcastle are to be continued... We enjoy the city too much, the [birthday] reunion didn't have Carnage like last year but it wrote it's own chapter in folklore. I was up early on Saturday morning like a child at Christmas, hardly able to contain the excitement I decided to head into town and pay bills, purchase plimsolls and return with McDonalds! An emphatic start, although our engines then stalled until the afternoon. A letter of apology was issued from 'cat girl', following her antics at the house party. I don't think she really needed to apologies as she was one of the highlights! It's a shame that the Guiness Book of Records weren't present when we ate lunch at a Chinese as we consumed the fastest all-you-can-eat meal ever. This was largely due to the happy hour/pricing applied! With hunger locked away, we returned to the house that my partner's cousin shares with friends. The place is incredible, spacious and features a scenic balcony, every essential necessary for student accommodation! Drinking games were introduced, I wasn't familiar with the rules but had a fair attempt before the taxis arrived to take everyone to Digital, Newcastle. The night was running smoothly until security nearly derailed everything. Confusion over the queues meant that I was banished! I returned after an interlude to permit everyone on my guest list entry to the nightclub through an alternative route. Brains triumphs over brawn! What made the charade even better was that I used the iPhone as a form of identification, Facebook profiles are now accepted, who knew?! The night was incident free until the journey home, I would have enjoyed revisiting the town but reminiscing at the end of the night was special. Especially as we were in good voice! Arriving back at the house, we were greeted by a wrestling free-for-all taking place. Not sure what started the spectacle but it provided entertainment value until the early hours. Another great weekend, let's do it more often...

Look For The Good In Others...

Image by joedawson via FlickrI could lose many hours attempting to understand the logic behind Leeds, the Inner Ring Road must have been built to prevent people leaving the city. We managed to escape yesterday, heading in the direction of Newcastle for the [birthday] reunion. The first installment was a fancy dress house party! I was unable to secure a last minute special and opted instead for a Rat Pack-esque tuxedo. This was chosen as it related to my partner and her sister costumes, who looked beautiful, dressed as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Also participating was my partners flat mate and his friend who was recovering from measles. Nice that! We arrived fashionably late but this meant that we had limited time to change and prepare for the event. We were soon changed and interacting with the other party goers, several tracks were rinsed but that added to the enjoyment. The main attraction was 'cat girl' and her pimp partner, who hadn't even come in costume. Not sure what they were about, my partner's sister could need a tetanus booster after 'cat girl' erotically scratched down her back. That should surely be confined to the bedroom?! This led to the end of their participation as embarrassed they departed soon afterwards. The party finished in the early hours, we slept on the sofa but were nervous that 'cat girl' and her pimp partner would return and drag us away like the scene from Paranormal Activity. Great night, didn't catch measles and looking forward to hitting the Toon tomorrow!

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