TV: Postmodernism and Deutschland 83
1) What were the classic media representations of the Cold War? The East is typically depicted as providing little resources and enjoyment to its residents and as being rigid and repressive, in contrast to the West, which is rich of popular culture and infinite resources that citizens can use to enjoy freedom. 2) Why does Deutschland 83 provide a particularly good example for postmodern analysis? Culture is becoming more media-ized, but it is also becoming less aware of its historical background. Documentaries and media portrayals of history serve as its foundation. This can be used to Deutschland 83 since, despite having the cold war as a backdrop, the plot is made up and doesn't really depict how people would have lived at the period. 3) Pick out some of the aspects of the opening of episode 1 and explain why they are significant. We can see the contrast between East and West Germany in the party scenes. 4) How does the party scene at Martin's mum's house subvert stereot