Billy Hogger

The essay is concerned with the production of cultural content in capitalist societies. It critiques the supply-driven nature of cultural economies as well as the apparently inferior products of the system. Horkheimer and Adorno argue that mass-produced entertainment aims, by its very nature, to appeal to vast audiences and therefore both the intellectual stimulation of high art and the basic release of low art. The essay does not suggest that all products of this system are inherently inferior, simply that they have replaced other forms of entertainment without properly fulfilling the important roles played by the now defunct sources of culture.

Horkheimer and Adorno make consistent comparisons between Fascist Germany and the American film industry. They highlight the presence of mass-produced culture, created and disseminated by exclusive institutions and consumed by a passive, homogenised audience in both systems. This illustrates the logic of domination in post-enlightenment modern society, by monopoly capitalism or the nation state. Horkheimer and Adorno draw attention to the problems associated with a system that ‘integrates its consumers from above’, arguing that in attempting to realise enlightenment values of reason and order, the wholistic power of the individual is undermined.

Extracted from www.wikipedia.com

Adele is a perfect example of someone that goesagainst the theory. She holds her own individuality andunique style and is someone that manages to getherself out to a mass audience by using her real talent(an amazing voice) rather than hide behind a form offakeness. Adele writes her own songs on event thathave happened in her life, this shows how unique she isand how unlike other artists/band she doesn't geteverything wrote for her to appeal to a certainaudience. Adele was once told she needed to looseweight to be successful and this made her come backand argue that she refuses too and therefore portraysher real passion for the music. Adele hardly has anyform of merchandising or advertisement and thereforethe cultural industry does not exist. Adele's latestalbum ‘21’ was a great success and managed to earn 3number 1’s including the songs; Someone like you, Setfire to the rain and Rolling in the deep.

Adele Performance - Someone Like You