Monday, November 8, 2010

Postmodernism and Master Narratives

1.


The first example we have that critiques a master narrative is the television show titled “Sister Wives” that is broadcasted on TLC. This show stars a polygamous relationship with one husband and four wives and aims to offer a glimpse into their everyday lives. I feel that this show critiques the master narrative of monogamous relationships by comparing the problems of a regular marriage to a polygamous relationship. The standard in the U.S. is a monogamous relationship, but with the openness of society today more alternative lifestyles are becoming accepted. The purpose of this show is to educate society on the subculture of polygamous relationships to potentially increase their acceptance. Currently polygamous marriages are illegal so by participating in the show, this family is putting their family at risk of scrutiny. They try to showcase their values of believing in God and supporting their children to try to have regular families feel as though they can relate to them. The show even discusses the benefits of a multi-parent family by suggesting that the children involved have a better parenting situation because there are more people available to pay attention to them and help raise them.

2.

Religulous is a documentary movie that stars Bill Maher where he questions religion. He travels the world and discusses religion with various people of many different backgrounds. The movie tries to identify each individuals one God. It also questions who's God is "the one God". In doing so the movie analyzes the master narrative of religion. This type of movie would not have been able to be made or viewed in the past. Since the postmodern era religion has slowly been questioned and this practice has been more widely accepted.

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