After reading the assignment, I’d say that I would consider myself a postmodernist. Although the reading was a little challenging for me, I was able to identify with certain aspects of postmodernism. One such example can be found on page 8 from “The Postmodern”, by Simon Malpas. In this secetion, Malpas refers to literay Critic Ihab Hassan and his list of differences between modernism and postmodernism. The section of the text that helped me in identifying with post modernism is when Malpas states, “Broadly speaking, however, the key difference between the two columns can located in the closure and ridgid organisation of those terms listed under modernism (with ideas such as form, hierarchy, mastery, and detrminancy) against the openness of those linked to postmodernism (with its play, chance, disperasl, combination, difference, and desire. From this excerpt, I concluded that modernism is this rigid art that focuses on perfection. This description gave modernism this sterility and coldness that I would want no part in. Postmodernism seems to focus on emotion and exploration. I see myself as not only a person who loves to explore the world around me, but also a person who loves to put emotion and passion into my life. Modernism seems to focus on mastering a path, while postmodernism focuses on creating new ones. I too see myself as a person who tries to avoid “the beaten path” as much as possible.

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September 5, 2007 at 2:18 pm
bastianm
I liked how you said that ‘modernism seems to focus on mastering a path’ –the modern path is identifiable since it would reflect a norm from whatever time period the piece was created. I am having trouble distinguishing the two isms, and you say that postmod has a path? Not that I disagree, but I am unclear- I can’t separate the notion of chaos and postmodernity in that there shouldn’t be a path. The post modernist would have to look back on their work and then discover the path that they created. The architect has the purpose to build a dwelling before he/she starts- so there has to be a blue print right?
September 5, 2007 at 6:35 pm
lakersgirl
YAYYY!! I thought I was all alone in my post-modernist world.
I’m sorry to say though, that I was thinking about it more and updated myself to be a bit more of a modernist in my most recent blog. However, because of my indecisiveness (which is normally never me) and probably also my confusion, some of the points you brought up in the blog make me want to convert back to the post-modernist side again. Your last few sentences about postmodernism’s focus on emotion and exploration were powerful and even if people don’t fully embrace postmodernism, I’m sure most would say that they want to live life to the fullest. That’s what makes it difficult I think — there are aspects of postmodernism that I’m all for and think sound great, but then there are other pieces that I just can’t quite figure out if I like or not (ie: anarchy, for one). However, those last few sentences you have might get a few people to convert….