Postmodernism & Deutschland 83: blog tasks

Media Magazine - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past


Media Magazine 73 has a feature exploring Deutschland 83 as a postmodern media product. Read ‘Deutschland 83 - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past’ in MM73  (p18). You'll find our Media Magazine archive here - remember you'll need your Greenford Google login to access. Answer the following questions:

1) What were the classic media representations of the Cold War?

Cold War media traditionally showed East Germany as negative, strict and oppressive, while West Germany was shown as positive, free and democratic.

2) Why does Deutschland 83 provide a particularly good example for postmodern analysis? 

Deutschland 83 is a good example because it mixes history with entertainment and does not show a completely realistic version of the past.

3) Pick out some of the aspects of the opening of episode 1 and explain why they are significant.

The opening shows military training and tension between East and West. This is important because it introduces conflict and danger straight away.

4) How does the party scene at Martin's mum's house subvert stereotypes of East Germany in the Cold War?

The party scene shows young people having fun and enjoying music. This challenges the stereotype that East Germany was always dull and controlled.

5) What aspects of the episode set in West Germany offer postmodern elements?

West Germany is shown as bright, modern and full of products. This creates a strong contrast and exaggerates differences, which is a postmodern feature.

6) Finally, how does the article apply postmodern theory to Deutschland 83 and link it to the potential target audience?

The show mixes different styles and uses music and nostalgia to entertain viewers. This attracts a younger audience and focuses more on enjoyment than accuracy.

Postmodernism Factsheet

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #54: Introduction to Postmodernism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets. If you need to access this from home you can find our factsheet archive here (you'll need to use your Greenford login).

1) Read the section on Strinati's five ways to define postmodernity. What examples are provided of the breakdown of the distinction between culture and society (media-isation)?

Media is part of everyday life and shapes how people think and behave. This shows how culture and society are closely linked to media.

2) What is Fredric Jameson's idea of 'historical deafness'? How can the idea of 'historical deafness' be applied to Deutschland 83?

Fredric Jameson says people do not fully understand history. In Deutschland 83 the past is shown in a stylised and entertaining way rather than being completely accurate.

3) What examples and theories are provided for the idea of 'style over substance'?

Postmodern media often focuses more on visual style and music than deep meaning. This can be seen in the strong colours, editing and soundtrack.

4) What examples from music are provided for the breakdown of the distinction between art and popular culture? Can this be applied to Deutschland 83?

Postmodernism mixes high culture and popular culture. In Deutschland 83 pop music is used in a serious historical drama.

5) What is bricolage? What examples of bricolage can be found in Deutschland 83?

Bricolage means mixing different styles together. The show mixes history, spy drama and 1980s culture.

6) How can the audience pleasures of Deutschland 83 be linked to postmodernism? Read 'The decline of meta-narratives' and 'Media texts and the postmodern' to help answer this.

The show gives pleasure through nostalgia, excitement and entertainment. This fits postmodern ideas of choice and enjoyment.

7) Now look at page 4 of the factsheet. How does Deutschland 83 demonstrate aspects of the postmodern in its construction and ideological positioning?

The show mixes fact and fiction and does not show clear good or bad sides. It focuses on entertainment and different viewpoints.

8) Which key scenes from Deutschland 83 best provide examples of postmodernism? Why?

Scenes like the supermarket, the training montage and the party scene show mixing of styles and exaggerated representations, which are key postmodern features.

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