Popular American Culture Paper
Marie Loggia-Kee
SOC/105
July 18, 2011
University of Phoenix

Popular American Culture Paper
When we talk about American Pop Culture, we are talking about society today, and how it has made a difference from the past. Culture is defined appreciating good music, food, and art. We see culture in our everyday lives; we eat, breathe, and speak culture in our homes. People become used to what is consider the new style. In our modern world, others refuse to participate. American Pop Culture is defined as culture that refers to the knowledge and customs of a specific group during a specific period of time, and simultaneously reflects and influences behaviors (Petracca & Sorapure, 2007). With the media changing through the years, our social habits have changed drastically for some, and not for others. For example I used to write letters to my family overseas, and now we email each other or use Facebook to keep in touch with all the updates within our family. Technology has gotten better throughout the years. With new technologies, everyone wants to be involved with in. Another great example of new technology is researching. We used to go to libraries to research on a book, product, or person. Now we are able to do it online in the comfort of our own homes. We also get to shop online which is another great example of pop culture.
American pop culture has influenced our lives in many ways, like fashion for instance. Some of us like the new trend that is out, while others prefer to stick to their own fashionable, and comfortable lives. Huge hats, Southern style hats, and mafia hats has been a cool look lately. The Paris Hilton sunglasses have made a hit last summer. Now it is Kim Kardashian and her sisters that are making a hit in our media scene, and fashion. Tattoos have also taken a hit in today’s fashion world. Many people are walking around with sleeves of tattoos from their neck to their legs. Some have tattoos on their faces of tear drops, stars, or animal prints. It has gotten out of hand from the outside looking in but for the inside looking out, it is a fashion statement or a testimony of their lives.
American pop culture has affected my decisions in different ways. I used to carry those big bulky cell phones until they came out with something new. As the years passed on, I continued to upgrade. Pop culture has also affected my fashion. I am into the new fashion that fits my personality, and my children’s. We also love to watch American’s Best Dance Crew on MTV, CSI, and many others that involve action. From time to time, we will watch drama, horror, or chick flick movies. However, every morning we watch the local news, then CNN afterwards. With all that is going on in our world today, we get involve to help others, or make a difference. As a family in my home, we stay updated with current events that are happening around us, which will include media, fashion, and educational budget cuts.

References
Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (2007). Common culture: Reading and writing about American popular culture (5th ed.). Retrieved July 17, 2011, In University of Phoenix electronic database.