Janet Payne - Commercialization

This whole chapter on commercialization was intriguing. There were sections that I could relate to and others that I took umbrage with. In the section, Arguments that all commercial culture is less worthwhile (77), McKee explains that academic writers argue that "all commercial culture, whether quality or trash, is bad because it's produced under capitalism." He further explains the term capitalism used to describe forms of social organization where the ultimate level of decision-making in society rests on the individual. Since Habermas developed his theories to the exclusion of minorities and women, he left whole cultures in abeyance. For example, Langston Hughes, a prolific writer during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond, developed a character named Jesse B. Semple. Jesse B. Semple was certainly no romantic hero, protest victim, militant leader or a charismatic character for the younger generation to emulate, but through this character, Hughes reached his most appreciative and widest audience because Jesse B. Semple appeared in newspapers readily available to black audiences. Hughes began to publish the tails in book form when he began to reach white audiences. Hughes identified with the black masses and could speak their language. By reaching an audience that was disenfranchised, Hughes discussed issues of the day as realistically as possible and created controversy which ultimately leads to growth and creativity. It was through Hughes individual talents that led to a form of socialization for many, thus enlightenment goals were aspired too, if not reached.