Cultures are numerous, but share elements and essential forms.
Cultural elements tend to relate to values; essential forms, to permanence and transience. Last week's news held the attention, then vanished. Such things as the Brandenburg concertos remain constant. In more visceral terms, so does a recording like "Mississippi Queen", by the rock group Mountain, or a film like Bullitt.
Directed by tradition, strive for originality of expression. Directed by media, passively consume and vicariously engage. The former reflects individuality, potency, progress; the latter, collective, or herd mentality. In terms of cultural significance, expressions of both style and substance yield the lasting meanings.
Cultural elements tend to relate to values; essential forms, to permanence and transience. Last week's news held the attention, then vanished. Such things as the Brandenburg concertos remain constant. In more visceral terms, so does a recording like "Mississippi Queen", by the rock group Mountain, or a film like Bullitt.
Directed by tradition, strive for originality of expression. Directed by media, passively consume and vicariously engage. The former reflects individuality, potency, progress; the latter, collective, or herd mentality. In terms of cultural significance, expressions of both style and substance yield the lasting meanings.
