What are the arguments for saying that a text is postmodern or not?

Postmodernism is a complex theory with several different meanings. You could argue it focuses on things after the modernist movement or you could interpret it as a reaction against modernism in all disciplines like art, literature, film and history. It is known to be an Anti-big Story, the opposite of large meta-narrative theories, like Feminism or Marxism. Postmodern texts are often criticised for having the elements to be this unique theory. There are many aspects of the movement that proves its worth, for example, Jean Baudrillards Simulacra signifies postmodernism in a text indistinguishable nature. However, irony plays an important role within the build-up of postmodernism, due to internal coherence. There are many other arguments as to whether a text is postmodern or not, including; convention, pastiche, relativism and presentism. Those arguments that prove a text to be postmodern include Simulacra, Pastiche and convention. Baudrillards theory of simulacra refers to the natural text no longer being distinguishable from the copy; hence why its called a copy of a copy. This simulacra is a result of the convergence of information technology with our society; having led to new technologies, globalisation, social networking and much more. Thus, our society has evolved into new trends, where there is no difference between the real and the simulated. Musical readings are the epitome of postmodern texts, known to be Simulacrums they are copies, without the originals. This creates less authenticity, similar to the depiction of false performances and abstract visuals you see in music videos Queen and Robert Palmer being prime examples. Therefore, if a text is presented in an invalid manner, it is Postmodern. However some theorists have challenged this idea, like Willis, with his theory of certain art forms being more accurate than others, based on a high or low culture. Others simply base the value of a text on individual perception where you can easily recognize that the text is not postmodern. Pastiche is a key effect and tool of postmodernism; used in different forms of art and literature. Pastiche simply means referencing other forms of media, within another form, by putting things together. For example, my case study of Lady Gaga included many media forms being borrowed and included in her music videos especially Telephone; a video known for its intertextual references. You are able to comprehend the Postmodernity of the video, due to the fact that none of the pastiche and intertextuality is parodied. Parody forms the basis of following and relating to norms, a standard entirely rejected by postmodernism; therefore instead of copying aspects, they are cleverly incorporated. For example, Lady Gaga and Beyonce are given the roles of Thelma and Louise to perform; relating to the narrative, as they are portraying fugitives. Therefore, an argument for identifying a text as postmodern is intertextuality and pastiche, because it does not relate to a normative standard. Furthermore, the art of playing with convention and breaking codes presents the diversity within postmodernism, which leads to a lot of unanswered questions being raised; unlike with modernism. These unanswered questions lead to a sense of fun, sarcasm and nostalgia within many forms of media therefore subverting their usual ideologies and allowing the text to be identified as different and definitely postmodern. On the other hand, criticisms of postmodernism refer to relativism, presentism and internal incoherence. These arguments against postmodernism prove that not all texts resemble aspects of this unconventional theory. For example, relativism refers to the idea of anything being possible which is truthfully not the case with any text let alone a media text. Therefore, a text cannot be argued to be postmodern on the basis if relativism, as there is no elements that can defeat impossibility.

Presentism strengthens this argument of the inability to make everything possible, as postmodernism doesnt consider what happened in the past and what will happen in the future. Now, postmodernism theorists are enhancing this movement to be interesting, playing with the codes and conventions of media and to bring a sense of nostalgia to people. however when the times arises to focus this theory on future endeavours, like further globalisation or evolving society into new technology more, then they are trapped in the present. They argue themselves that despite many changes and improvements to our world, we havent evolved enough to free ourselves from consumerism the idea that we are what we consume, forming our identities. Therefore, if a text includes elements of history or the future, then it is to be argued as not postmodern. Lastly, internal incoherence simply refers to the issues and problems with a theory, as a result of the theory itself it has not been created by other problems. Postmodern theorists argue the movement to be an objective description of what society truly is, however they claim there is supposed to be no space for truth or reality in Postmodernity. This clearly presents the biggest incoherence within the theory to be irony. Therefore, a postmodern text can be known for its ironic description and application to all media forms. Also, it is said that postmodernism is a theory arguing that there are not theories of everything however it is a theory itself, conveying the irony of the entire view. Thus, it can be argued that a text is not postmodern, unless it includes indications of irony and invalid information. In conclusion, a text can be postmodern if it includes elements of simulacra, pastiche and the subverting of the media codes and conventions. Although, unless the text includes irony, refers to the past and future and is invalid, it cannot be postmodern.