Post Modern Dictionary.

We have been asked to put together a dictionary of postmodern terms, this will help us to understand what the terms mean so we can later apply them with theorists in our exam.

Bricolage- Bricolage is a process where traditional images or text are given a new meaning or put into a new context.

For example; The picture of a safety pin through a punks nose, seems somewhat rebellious, when thinking about a safety pin their 'safe' that was their purpose of being made. But in this picture they are taking out of their natural context and made unsafe. Never before has a 'safety' pin made rebellious.

Pastiche- Pastiche is a tongue in cheek imitation commonly used in music, television and movie. It is done in a respect or in homage to its 'muse' as opposed to being sarcastic (a parody. 

For example; The Simpsons in every episodes features a form of pastiche, one that springs where the episode starts with a road runner style sequence, with Bart being chased by Homer. 

Simulacra- A simulacra is basically a copy of a 'copy' but it stands so far away from its original that its gained a status and can stand alone or even replace the original. 

For Example; Betty Boop the cartoon character who was originally based on Clara Bow, exactly who?... This is a good example of Simulacra as the copy of the original has become more known it its own right. For instance when you first think about Betty Boop you think about her in a comic strip or as a cartoon, at no point do you think of Clara Bow.

Hyperreality- Hyperreality is a symptom of postmodern culture where a person loses their ability to distinguish reality from fantasy. The hyperreal world is often thought of as an idealized enhancement of reality, much preferable to the life equivalent. 

For example; The Mc'Donalds M, when you see this M you instantly think of fast food, burgers, chicken nuggets when in fact its just the letter M. This is common with any form of company branding, for instance a Nike tick, you instantly think of trainers.