QuoteProject
Popular culture is a contradiction in terms. If it's popular, it's not culture.
Vivienne Westwood
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Vivienne Westwood suggests that true culture cannot be mass-appealed, as popularity dilutes its authenticity.

In this quote, Vivienne Westwood highlights the paradox inherent in popular culture, arguing that if something is widely embraced for its commercial appeal, it loses its cultural significance. She implies that authenticity and depth are sacrificed for mass acceptance, thereby questioning the value of trends and fads that dominate public interest. The essence of true art and culture lies in its ability to challenge and provoke thought rather than merely cater to popular tastes.

Themes

CultureAuthenticityPopularityArtMass Appeal

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on cultural studies, one might quote this to discuss the impact of commercialization on art.

More from Vivienne Westwood

I wish you didn't have to design so often. Try to do quality and cut down on quantity. I think fashion is very, very important.
Vivienne WestwoodRead
I just use fashion as an excuse to talk about politics. Because I'm a fashion designer, it gives me a voice, which is really good.
Vivienne WestwoodRead
The fight is no longer between the classes or between rich and poor but between the idiots and the eco-conscious.
Vivienne WestwoodRead
Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody's buying far too many clothes.
Vivienne WestwoodRead
Instead of buying six things, buy one thing that you really like. Don't keep buying just for the sake of it.
Vivienne WestwoodRead
I think it is a good thing to buy less and choose well - it's good for the environment and to be fair it's also good for me because my clothes are quite expensive.
Vivienne WestwoodRead

Similar quotes

Hip-hop gave a generation a common ground that didn't require either race to lose anything; everyone gained.
Jay-ZRead
The pro skaters I know are responsible members of society. Many of them are fathers, homeowners, world travelers and successful entrepreneurs. Their hairdos and tattoos are simply part of our culture, even when they raise eyebrows during PTA meetings.
Tony HawkRead
But I feel music has a very important role in ritual activity, and that being able to join in musical activity, along with dancing, could have been necessary at a very early stage of human culture.
E. O. WilsonRead
What makes Harlem special is that at any given time, food seekers can not only find food deeply rooted in Southern, Latin and African traditions, but also can taste the newer Senegalese, Chinese, and Italian influences as well.
Marcus SamuelssonRead
Hollywood likes to put actors in boxes, and it likes to put Asian actors in really small boxes.
Sandra OhRead
The priest has just baptized you a Christian with water; and I baptize you a Frenchman, daring child, with a dewdrop of champagne on your lips.
Paul ClaudelRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.