Shape-shifting Paradigms
Using the concept of Shape-Shifting in Rhetoric
Typical statement of a guy called 'Paradigm'
Paradigm shifts, in a way, correlate with shape-shifters. Shape-shifters do not just switch their shape without reason, they do it when necessary (at least the responsible ones). Based on the deamand of the situation, they alter their appearance, along with their traits, function and over-all existence. Similar is the case of paradigm shifts.
A 'paradigm' is a typical example or a pattern of something; a model, when defined by a dictionary. It reflects occurrences in the real world, normal occurrences, that gradually change over time. These changes are catalyzed by current scenarios of the world, slowly, to facilitate or solve a particular (new) concern. These problems can be recurring, which means that paradigm shifts are recurring too.
2 such examples are:
1. Change in super-hero movies
2016/17 witnessed a massive change in the way super hero movies are made. With Logan, Wonder-Woman and the Civil War, DC and Marvel beat the notion that superhero movies lack depth. This trend started with the Dark Knight series, or the character of Batman in general, which better emerged through this series. It provides a darker side to super-fictional movies, 'humanizing' the super-heroes in a way, making them more relate-able to the audience.
This change is perhaps a result of a change in the cinematic needs of the people. Gone are the days when cinema was simply a form of leisure and entertainment. The audience of today, in most of the countries (countries which can afford luxury), prefers the 'real cinema', or defined/realistic story lines, that not just entertain, but educate. Directors, to quench this thirst of the audience, draw down the fantasy quotient from their films, and add a humanistic touch to the unreal. This is a sever contradiction from what would happen in the 80s and 90s, where VFX was new, and fantasy and magic a matter of thrill.
While movie-goers still debate the introduction of dark, realistic, story lines in superhero movies, the appeal of the latest super hero movies is evident. Deadpool is now considered one of the most popular superhero movies of our time, due to the real, raw and simultaneously entertaining character of the hero.
2. The craze behind "hand-made"
Throwback to the 90s, where computers were a BIG deal. Calling something 'digital' was the alternative to Ryan Wilkin's famous quote "talk dirty to me". This is when digital "e-cards" for festivals, factory processed 'ready-to-eat' meals, fancy blueprints and emails thrived. Receiving anything digital and 'fancy' made the receivers happy, for it showed consideration, expense and effort. This was a major shift in trend, and a wide scale one at that.
However, jumping back to 2017, this trend is now seeing a reversal. Digital is no longer fancy, it's easy. Companies hiring architects want to see hand-made sketches, instead of ultra-detailed, elegant CAD rendering; girlfriends want hand-made cards; kids want home-cooked meals; the elite wear 'hand-made' scarfs, drinking coffee made with hand-crafted beans. The effort that goes behind anything hand-made, is valued, and the labor adds a significant importance to it. Anything made without machines, is organic - another trend which is a result of a paradigm shift - and organic demands more time.
More labor - more work force - more work-force - more money. There is a dual reasoning involved here. 1. We need more employment opportunities for people, with machines replacing the same. This increases the demand for handlooms and any other 'hand-made' industry, which had seen a massive decline in the past. Since they sell for a higher value, it offers higher profit opportunities, this again catalyzes the change in trend from machine-made to man-made.
Lastly, the emotional appeal to anything touched by human hands is incomparable. It is something lacking in today's world, where we interact more via screens than in person. Here is a video about the effect of such technological progress, and why it emphasizes the value in hand-made products today:
This is why a smile is brighter when receiving a letter in the mail box, than when one receives an e-card in their email. Cause think about it, "Oh honey, you took the time to write me card" v/s "Oh honey, you took the time to type me a message and send it over text" - what appeals more to you?
Paradigm shifts, they happen for a reason.
I almost made one of my topics about superhero movies too! I thought it would be a very interesting analysis to see how they have changed. The reason I didn't write about it, however, was because I was concerned about the research potential for the topic. I did not think I would be able to incorporate many sources and it would be difficult to account for any exceptions to the pattern you observed. However, if you think there's a chance to do it I think you should take it. The second topic is also an interesting idea in that it is a reversal, but it also might be difficult to find research on it.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with your line "gone are the days when cinema was just a form of entertainment and leisure." I think that the change in superhero movies doesn't reflect a shift in the nature of movie making but more a shift in peoples taste. That being said, I think that the evolution of superhero movies into "better movies" is a shift working looking at and I think that you could find similar things to pair with it that would help you understand why peoples tastes have changed. The hand made phenomenon is another interesting topic. However, I think that it may be wroth thinking about what greater shift in the culture allowed for the "hand made craze" to emerge in order to better understand what the shift shows about our society.
ReplyDeleteSuperhero movies are indeed no long what we used to watch as kids. "Back in the day", the superhero movies used to be simple escapism. Now, as Christopher Nolan comes into the scene, Superhero Movies became much more sophisticated and generally use the superhero as a platform to discuss contemporary social issues. This certainly is a really cool paradigm shift I'd really like to see you develop it. You could also incorporate other things such as superheroes in other cultures.
ReplyDeleteThe superhero movie paradigm shift, to me, seems like it would be easier to research, easier to write about, and easier to follow for the reader. I got a little confused as I was reading through your description of the "hand-made" craze paradigm shift, but the superhero topic is very straightforward and I think you would be able to go far with this topic. There's a lot of conflicting views, which you touched upon, as to if the changes in superhero movies are for the better or for the worse. With superhero movies being some of the most successful at the box office, especially in recent years, I think that this would be a very interesting topic to study as your paradigm shift.
ReplyDeleteIn a world where we are so easily connected online and can send a quick "Happy Bday!!" text in seconds, I agree that most of us now crave authentic human interactions. I think the shift from a technology obsessed generation to a generation that has never lived without it would make an interesting analysis. Yes we are more connected, but how genuine are those connections and conversations now? I also think it's true that we are now seeing people shy away from mass produced items and things that lack meaning. Although it is nice to have a microwavable pizza that can be ready in 15 minutes, we still want the same kind of homemade meals that our parents grew up with.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these topics have great potential -- I wish you the best in selecting between them, Shwetanc!
ReplyDelete