The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Culture as Commodity - The Descent of the Public

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Culture as Commodity - The Descent of the Public

Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that holds different meanings for different people. It can be seen as a way to honor our ancestors and elders, a sacred aspect of life that connects us to our roots. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as a commodity, something that can be bought, sold, and commodified for personal gain or attention.

In the context of Native American culture, this tension between the sacred and the commodified is particularly evident in the discussion around pow wows. Are these gatherings meant to be sacred ceremonies, deeply rooted in spiritual significance, or are they simply social events akin to a high school dance? This debate raises important questions about the true essence of culture and its role in our lives.

Symbols have always played a significant role in conveying spiritual meanings within cultural communities. These symbols were once reserved for specific individuals, families, or clans, and held sacred or ceremonial purposes within the tribe. They often represented rites of passage, the acquisition of new spiritual power, or the commemoration of important historical events. However, in today's world, Native art has been reduced to a representation of tribal identity in contests of authenticity or as a performance.

This commodification of culture, driven by the values of competition, has both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it pushes artists to strive for higher quality in their artistic expressions and encourages the preservation of cultural traditions. It can also provide economic opportunities for individuals and communities, allowing them to escape poverty and improve their quality of life.

On the other hand, the commodification of culture can lead to the loss of its true essence. When culture becomes a product to be consumed, it runs the risk of losing its spiritual and intrinsic value. It becomes a means to an end, a tool for personal gain rather than a source of deep connection and identity.

Similarly, the concept of the public has undergone significant changes throughout history. In the past, one's identity was tied to a specific geographic location or religious affiliation. However, with the advent of the Westphalian Operating System, the notion of a geographically delimited and Other-referenced identity became possible. People started to identify themselves as Greeks, Romans, Christians, and eventually as Europeans.

Hannah Arendt, in her analysis of history, argues that the modern human condition is akin to that of women and slaves in ancient Greece. It is characterized by confinement, lack of access to the public sphere, and a reduced capacity for free action. The meaning of life is reduced to fleeting moments of relief amidst the relentless labor imposed by existence.

According to Arendt, the only true public is the one that shapes history. Discoveries and achievements on frontiers are only significant insofar as they contribute to the shaping of the public narrative. It is the return of the warriors from battle, their appearance in public, and their immortalization in history that truly matter.

However, this notion of the public has its shortcomings. It is rooted in a European understanding of public life, one that has shaped the idea of the nation-state as we know it today. This understanding of the public, deeply ingrained in the European unconscious, was woven into the fabric of the state at the Peace of Westphalia.

The Westphalian consciousness, based on the idea of a public record, has played a significant role in the decline of the public. As the European idea of the public has influenced the global idea of the nation-state, it has contributed to a larger decline in the true essence of public life.

In conclusion, the commodification of culture and the descent of the public are two interconnected phenomena that have shaped our world. As culture becomes increasingly commodified, it runs the risk of losing its sacred and intrinsic value. Likewise, the concept of the public has become diluted and reduced to a bureaucratic, homogenized existence.

To navigate these challenges and preserve the true essence of culture and public life, we can take the following actionable advice:

1. Foster a deeper understanding of culture: Instead of reducing culture to a mere performance or representation, strive to understand its spiritual and historical significance. Engage in conversations with elders and cultural leaders to gain a deeper appreciation for the sacred aspects of culture.

2. Promote cultural authenticity: Encourage artists and creators to stay true to their cultural roots and traditions. Support initiatives that celebrate and promote authentic cultural expressions, rather than commodified versions of culture.

3. Reimagine the public sphere: Challenge the traditional notion of the public and explore new ways to create spaces for genuine public engagement. Foster inclusive, participatory environments where diverse voices can be heard and collective action can take place.

By taking these steps, we can strive towards a world where culture is respected and preserved, and where the public sphere is a thriving space for meaningful connection and action.