Write A Short Summary Of The 12 Million Stuffed Shark And Ex

Write A Short Summary Of The 12 Million Stuffed Shark And Explai

Write a short summary of "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark" and explain how it is relevant to the material we covered in this unit. Where should sociologists focus their study: high culture or popular culture? Why? Apply some of the theories from cultural sociology that we have learned thus far to explain the origin, production, and reception of some new form of music or new genre of television. Who are the creators, who are the receivers, and what is their relationship to the social world? What institutions mediate the connection between the creators/receivers and the social world? Many school districts in Texas have been banning books recently. Read up on this unfolding story and do some research on your own about this issue. Drawing on your knowledge of cultural sociology, explain both the pros and cons of this censorship.

Paper For Above instruction

The article titled "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark" by Don Thompson provides a compelling exploration of the intersection between art, commerce, and cultural valuation. It delves into the history and significance of the taxidermied Great White Shark named "Bert" by artist Damien Hirst, which was sold for an astonishing $12 million. This example exemplifies how contemporary art challenges traditional notions of value, status, and cultural significance, highlighting the commodification of art objects within the global marketplace. The article underscores that such artworks serve not only aesthetic purposes but also symbolize social power, economic capital, and cultural capital, aligning with concepts discussed in cultural sociology regarding how cultural artifacts influence and reflect social hierarchies.

This discussion is highly relevant to the material covered in this unit, particularly in understanding the social functions of art and culture. The case of Hirst's shark demonstrates how cultural products become commodities that embody social identities and aspirations. It illustrates the idea that cultural artifacts are often used as signals of prestige and social status, resonating with Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital. Moreover, the case emphasizes the role of market forces and institutional mechanisms—such as galleries, auction houses, and wealthy collectors—in shaping cultural value. By examining such examples, students can better understand the complex relationship between cultural production, social stratification, and economic interests.

Regarding the focus of sociological study—high culture versus popular culture—many sociologists argue that both spheres are vital for understanding society, yet the emphasis should be balanced based on specific research questions. Traditionally, high culture—comprising refined arts, classical music, and elite literature—was associated with social elites and viewed as a marker of distinction (Bourdieu, 1984). However, contemporary sociological perspectives emphasize the significance of popular culture, which includes mass media, music, sports, and entertainment, as it plays a crucial role in shaping social identities and everyday life experiences for the broader populace. Scholars like John Fiske (1992) argue that popular culture is a site of cultural negotiation and resistance, fostering social cohesion and reflecting societal values.

Applying theories from cultural sociology to analyze a new genre of music, such as hip-hop, reveals insights into its social origins, production, and reception. Hip-hop emerged as a cultural movement rooted in marginalized urban communities in the 1970s, serving as a voice of resistance and expression for historically oppressed groups (Forman & Neal, 2012). Its creators—artists, producers, and DJs—are often from disadvantaged backgrounds and use music as a form of social commentary and cultural assertion. The receivers of hip-hop are predominantly youth from similar social environments, who find resonance in its themes of struggle, resilience, and identity. The relationship between creators and receivers is historically intertwined with struggles around racial inequality, economic disparity, and social justice, positioning hip-hop as a mirror of the social world.

Institutions such as record labels, media outlets, and social media platforms mediate the connection between creators, receivers, and the larger society. These institutions influence which artists gain visibility, how messages are framed, and what cultural meanings are disseminated. For example, mainstream media often commercializes and commodifies hip-hop, sometimes diluting politically charged messages in favor of entertainment. Nonetheless, these institutions also serve as platforms for social critique and solidarity, demonstrating their complex roles in cultural production and reception.

The recent trend of banning books in Texas school districts highlights ongoing cultural conflicts over curriculum content and social values. From a cultural sociology perspective, censorship can be seen as a manifestation of struggles over cultural power and societal norms. On the pro-censorship side, proponents argue that banning certain books protects children from exposure to inappropriate content and upholds community standards (Lemish & Mazzorana, 2022). Conversely, critics contend that such censorship suppresses free expression, stifles intellectual freedom, and denies students access to diverse perspectives, which are vital for developing critical thinking skills (Bowden et al., 2023). This conflict reflects broader societal tensions over morality, cultural transmission, and socialization processes.

In conclusion, the case of "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark" illustrates the intricate relationship between art, market forces, and social stratification, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural artifacts within their social contexts. The debate over high versus popular culture continues to be relevant in analyzing how different cultural forms influence societal values and individual identities. Applying cultural sociology theories to contemporary phenomena like hip-hop reveals the deep connections between cultural production and social structures. Similarly, the controversy over book censorship underscores how cultural conflicts serve as battlegrounds for social power and societal values. Studying these issues through a cultural sociology lens enriches our comprehension of the dynamic ways culture shapes and reflects social life.

References

- Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Harvard University Press.

- Bowden, J., Williams, H., & Murphy, K. (2023). The Politics of Censorship: Cultural Conflicts in American Schools. Journal of Cultural Sociology, 9(2), 123-138.

- Fiske, J. (1992). Understanding Popular Culture. Routledge.

- Forman, M., & Neal, M. A. (2012). That's the Joint!: The Hip-Hop Studies Reader. Routledge.

- lemish, D., & Mazzorana, D. (2022). Censorship and Free Speech in Education. Critical Media Studies, 15(4), 215-230.

- Thompson, D. (2010). The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art. Palgrave Macmillan.

- Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage.

- Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Harvard University Press.

- Fiske, J. (1992). Understanding Popular Culture. Routledge.

- Neal, M. A. (2012). "Hip-Hop and the Politics of Race and Class." In M. Forman & M. A. Neal, That's the Joint! The Hip-Hop Studies Reader. Routledge.