Above vs. Below

In our most recent class, we discussed who or what is being served by particular social constructs, specifically in the construction of socioeconomic status. In this construction, the "above" benefits as it exploits the "below" culture and gives said culture a sense that they are being represented. However, it is usually the "above" culture that decides what representation of the "below" culture becomes a part of the "above" culture.

In class we used rap artists as an example. Most rap artists become popular underground before the powers that be see that the artist is marketable. This construct benefits the "above" because they give the facade that when a piece of "below" culture is accepted as part of the "above" culture, the people who are a part of the "below" culture are given more privilege, power and respect.

Me and What Not

My name is Karlee Johnson. I'm a third-year Journalism major who is definitely in the wrong field. I intend to double minor in Creative Writing and Queer Studies. I'm the Vice President of the LGBT Alliance on campus. I'm a heterosexual ally to the queer community and a strong advocate of gay rights. I know obscure bits of popular culture that will get me nowhere in life. I'm not sure I know how to properly calculate tip, but I do know the name of the cantina band in Star Wars. I'm not nearly as interesting as I think I am. I plan on going to New York to get my master's degree. I have a dream of both writing and voice acting for a living. I'm sure there's more about me that's fit to print but nothing seems to be coming to mind. Questions? Feel free to ask. I'm pretty non-threatening.