POSTMODERNIST INCLINATIONS AND THE MEDIA: UNLEASHING THE INCUBUS?

Abstract

Since postmodernism made its hideous entry into the body of knowledge, attempts have been made repeatedly to fully understand its ramifications and true values. Its amorphousness has constantly been a huge challenge. More worrisome is its gradual invasion of media content and technique. Here is one effort in the continuing task of gaining a better understanding of the tenets and benefits of postmodernism. This is with the hope of perhaps, appreciating its principles and applications just a little better. Some of the principal theories and philosophies usually associated with postmodernism, such as Deconstruction, Existentialism, and Post-structuralism have been examined and discussed in this study. The cardinal stance of postmodernism in scholarship and life, as well as what it appears to portend, have been dealt with. Additionally, the rather strong manifestation and associations of postmodernism in the media, constitute another critical aspect of this article. The fact that the ‘postmodern’ has found its way into Radio, Television, Film, Print and Emerging Media calls for heightened caution. This becomes especially so, considering the awesome power and influence of the media, locally and globally. Viewed against the backdrop of a world full of adventurous youths, who embrace everything thrown at them, the status calls for much concern. With a qualitative methodology, a descriptive approach, and an observational technique, this investigation has been greatly enhanced. This has enabled the discussion of relevant theories and concepts, whilst relating same to perceived developments in both the traditional and emerging media. The paper has attempted a modest contribution to on-going contemporary discussions on postmodernism, as well as its disturbing presence and influence in the media. This work also sends an alert to scholarship and humanity on the seemingly underestimated danger inherent in the postmodernist thought; and its malignant infiltration of the media space.