Practice

In merging Marxism with (to put it bluntly) reality, Williams’ made Marx’s political theories relevant to me when he said, “The critical demystification has indeed to continue, but always in association with practice”(62). I think this process of “demystification” coupled with “practice” can have a large impact on digital media. Because “the modes of ‘naturalization’” in television and film are “so powerful, and new generations are becoming so habituated to them,” (62) demystification is essential. However, in television and film this process of demystification is pushed to the margins in our society. For example, it took a college education for me to come into contact with the basic principles of continuity editing in film. So only through higher education was I able to witness “the real activities and relations of men” that were purposely, “hidden behind a reified form, a reified mode, a ‘modern medium’” (62).

So although it is possible to come into contact with (if you have enough time, money, and curiosity) processes of demystification in television and film, these processes are still removed from common consumption. However, through the use of Williams’ “practice,” and in the “the production of alternative ‘images’ of the ‘same event,’’ (62) I believe there is great promise. For me, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of South Park) have come to exemplify the possibility of demystification through “the production of alternative ‘images’.” Through a mainstream television show they have been able to provide social critiques that help demystify messages produced by dominate institutions, such as BP. In Episode 11 from Season 14, they provide a relevant response to BP’s apologetic ads (e.g., at: 11mins 24secs): South Park's Episode 11. Although Frontline also had a great response (more informative and critical than South Park’s), it addressed a more specific audience; an audience that can watch television without entertainment value (an educated audience): Frontline on BP.

Through the use of comedy and satire, South Park is able to balance relevant social critiques with mass appeal, reaching many who don’t have the time, money, or curiosity to mistakenly wander into a college film studies course (like I did). So in the production of messages that critique other highly produced messages of the same medium, it becomes possible to show others “the real activities” that are, “hidden behind a reified form.” As USC professor, Henry Jenkins would say, social networks and YouTube open up the possibilities for sharing “fan art” in ways that were never possible before: Henry Jenkins Clip . Although, the web provides a great opportunity for demystification and practice, it currently has not come close to reaching its potential in this area.

So what happens when questions of Furbies and Soviet atrocities cannot be answered (for obvious reasons, he’s dead) by Marx? As Luke says, people either dismiss Marx or cling to an outdated model. In adding “practice” into the discussion, Williams provides an option that refuses to choose between dismissing and clinging.