An Introduction - POP goes our ♥♥♥

Hi there, welcome to SingaPOP!
Where the nation's entertainment heartbeat takes a trip down memory lane...

PURPOSE
This blog aims to increase the awareness of Singaporeans of their own popular culture history. We feel that this is essential, as being an integral part of national history, popular culture represents the way everyday Singaporeans enjoy(ed) entertainment. As an overlooked yet vital part of Singapore’s history, we hope to bring back the attention that pop culture deserves. After all, it is an aspect of history that each and every one of us can relate too. By looking at it through the years and noting its evolution, we seek to at the same time explore the external influences that have led to its development as such.

THEME
Our focus will lie mainly with the effects of globalization, particularly pertaining to that of westernization. With a history of colonial rule, the ways of the west had from the very beginning extensive influences over all facets of local life. Over the years, this phenomenon of westernization has increased in its reach together with the effects of modernization, and Singapore is no exception. Our unique embrace for Western technology, no doubt a result of us being a rapidly developing young nation, has inadvertently opened the doors for Western popular influence to seep in, despite attempts at the “anti-yellow movement” and reiterations of “Asian values”.

Hence we feel that it is only right to look at our island nation, in association with the constant exposure to the values and ideals of westernization. But of course, addressing the interconnectedness of pop culture locally together with foreign influences, we will acknowledge how these different influences and interact with each other to produce a culture that is Uniquely Singapore.

SCOPE
We chose to cover different features of pop culture instead of adopting just a single focus, in order to best encompass our interpretation of what constitutes “popular culture”. The topics we decided to incorporate are fashion, music & dance and television, as we feel that these aspects are probably the best representations of pop culture. They appeal to the largest set of people, a reason being that they are easily expressed through what we wear, watch, listen. Basically, these features constituted a colossal part of our lives, then and now, and present themselves as continuity. Also, the three main areas of research are highly linked, and often presented together with each other. For instance, a television experience will not be complete without the usage of appropriate music accompaniment and distinct character attire.

METHODOLOGY & MEDIUM
To substantiate our content, information was gathered through secondary methods like books and websites, as well as via primary sources from museum visits and even drawing from our own and our parents’ memories. By using a blog as a medium, we have the advantage of including videos and pictures that will aid in understanding the evolvement. Most importantly, we feel that as blogs are a key part of today’s popular culture, what better way to talk about and reach out to others about pop culture, than through a popular culture medium itself.

Please click the links on the left to navigate the respective topics.
We hope you'll learn something new :)