Kitsch: From Education to Public Policy

Kitsch is used by political actors to shape and limit our knowledge of ourselves, our past, and our future, influencing public opinion and understandings through various historical and contemporary examples.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Kitsch, often associated with simplistic and tacky art forms, has been employed by various political actors to shape and limit our understanding of ourselves, our past, and our future, as well as our present-day public policy options. Through a wide range of historical and contemporary examples, the author explores how kitsch is utilized in various political and educational sites to influence public opinion and understanding.

One notable example of kitsch's impact on public opinion is the film Forrest Gump. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film tells the story of a man with a low IQ who becomes a successful businessman and a hero during the Vietnam War. Despite its critical acclaim, Forrest Gump has been criticized for its simplistic portrayal of American history and its glorification of the military. The film's use of kitsch, such as the use of patriotic music and the depiction of the Vietnam War as a heroic adventure, has been seen as a way to manipulate public opinion and promote a particular political agenda.

Another example of kitsch's influence on public opinion is the Boys Town film. Directed by Norman Taurog, the film tells the story of a young boy who is sent to a reform school in Nebraska. Despite its positive portrayal of the reform school system, Boys Town has been criticized for its simplistic portrayal of juvenile delinquency and its promotion of a particular religious ideology. The film's use of kitsch, such as the use of religious music and the depiction of the reform school as a utopia, has been seen as a way to manipulate public opinion and promote a particular religious agenda.

In addition to its impact on public opinion, kitsch has also been used in various political and educational sites to shape public understanding of our past and our future. For example, the use of kitsch in museums and historical sites can help to create a sense of nostalgia and a sense of connection to our past. However, the use of kitsch can also be problematic, as it can oversimplify our understanding of our past and our present-day public policy options.

One of the challenges of using kitsch in political and educational sites is the potential for it to be seen as a form of propaganda. Kitsch is often associated with a particular political ideology or a particular religious ideology, and its use in these sites can be seen as a way to promote those ideologies. However, it is important to recognize that kitsch can also be used in a positive way to promote social justice and to challenge dominant ideologies.

To address the potential for kitsch to be seen as a form of propaganda, it is important to be aware of the historical and cultural context in which kitsch is used. Kitsch can be used to challenge dominant ideologies, but it can also be used to reinforce those ideologies. It is important to approach kitsch with a critical eye and to be aware of the potential for it to be used in a harmful way.

In conclusion, kitsch has been used by various political actors to shape and limit our understanding of ourselves, our past, and our future, as well as our present-day public policy options. Through a wide range of historical and contemporary examples, the author explores how kitsch is utilized in various political and educational sites to influence public opinion and understanding. While kitsch can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and challenging dominant ideologies, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and to be aware of the potential for it to be used in a harmful way.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138974043