Popular culture tells us much about the values of a society. Begin by discussing with students the concept of popularity, including both the positive and negative aspects of popularity. Discussion may include issues surrounding the popularity of people, objects, events or ideas, and the impact that this popularity may have on individuals and society as a whole. Students might discuss, for example, what happens when one person in a group takes a stance that goes against popular opinion. Resources listed in this column appear in the Secondary Level Arts Education bibliography .
Citations appear in full in the bibliography, alphabetized by title.
The Lump , which is a sharply critical parody of the superficiality of those qualities that lead to popularity and power. The video features a short and unattractive man who develops an inert but highly attractive lump on the top of his head. By buttoning his shirt over his face, he changes his life. Ask students to discuss their interpretations of the video, and comments on the many personal, social and political implications of popularity.