Lyotard’s “What is Postmodernism?”
makes much more sense after class. He classifies postmodernism as a series of
different perspectives making the movement/thought a very dynamic idea.
Postmodernists try not to see postmodernism in direct opposition with modernism
as modernists had a narrow mindset whereas postmodernists has as many ideals as
thinkers wish.
He is also critical of Habermas and
Benjamin for being too nostalgic about the past. Much like I am nostalgic of
aspects of high school even though some parts were brutal, Habermas and
Benjamin are nostalgic of a society that might not have even existed. Lyotard
is on the outside looking in at all of their ideas, but he still is unsure. He
criticizes grand metanarratives even though he puts forth one. Despite his on
hypocriticism, he does open your eyes to realizing that maybe Habermas and
Benjamin overreact.
We, as college students, are
nostalgic of our youth. It’s why N64 gets played more than Nintendo Wii and
shows like All That are held in high
regard.All That in the past six months than I
did in the 10 years the show was on and I am certain I have played more Super Smash Bros. and Pokémon Stadium in the past two months
than I did pre-middle school. While we may criticize current video games,
television, etc for not being “as good” as when we were younger or it lacks the
certain allure that old stuff had, Lyotard would argue that we need to
understand the different perspectives of all and to really analyze whether or
not things were that great. Lyotard also rationalizes the commoditization of
art as it does spread art’s meaning and message, while opening the door for
capitalistic gain, it could still be good.
Lyotard seems to stress the
perspectives of postmodernism and the overall belief that societies progress
for better, as oftentimes many feel things are worse because they are too
nostalgic about their past.
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