About The Writer
Mr Jason Edward Lance Bogart
IB Examiner, Diploma Coordinator, EE Coordinator and English Language & Literature Teacher with 20+ Years of Experience. Graduated with B. Ed Secondary Education & Teaching with a Major in Secondary English at Acadia University (Canada).
The Pop Culture Connection
As Theory of Knowledge (TOK) students, pop culture is more than just entertainment—it’s a prism through which you experience the world, shaping your conversations, interests, and even your sense of identity. From the latest viral TikTok trends to the gripping twists of “Squid Game,” these cultural phenomena serve as the platform for modern discourse. As Darren McQuay, a TOK teacher, aptly puts it, “Pop culture is the backbone of many of our students’ extracurricular and internal lives.” If pop culture holds such relevance, why not leverage its power to enrich your TOK journey?
Bridging The Gap
Pop culture is often seen as a distraction in education. But what if we flipped this perspective? As Morpheus from “The Matrix” wisely said, “Time is always against us,” but using pop culture can make that time more productive and engaging.
Cultural Contexts and Cross-Cultural Learning
Each of you enters the TOK classroom with unique belief system cultural lens. Shows like “Squid Game” offer a perfect opportunity to dive into discussions about complex ethical dilemmas while simultaneously reflecting on deeper societal issues like inequality and survival. For some, these TV shows are more than fiction—they are windows into socioeconomic and cultural realities. By sharing your insights, you turn a learning moment into meaningful group discussions, and cross-cultural learning experiences.
Pop Culture as a Learning Tool
Instead of resisting the tide of social media and pop culture, why not harness it? Imagine using Instagram or TikTok as part of your TOK assignments. These platforms are treasure troves of content that can be critically examined through TOK like “justified true belief” or the “constraints of pursuing knowledge”. Critically analyzing your social media feeds can foster metacognition and self-reflection, key components of TOK.
Using Pop Culture in TOK Essays
When it comes to your TOK essays, pop culture can provide a rich source of real-world examples and case studies. Take “Black Mirror” or the societal implications of a viral meme, for example. These pop culture scenarios can illustrate TOK concepts such as perception, emotion and reason that can trigger complex ethical questions surrounding technology, privacy, and human autonomy. By grounding your essays in familiar cultural references, you can make your arguments more insightful and engaging. Darren McQuay emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives, reminding us that “the only unacceptable opinion is not having one.” Use this as a guiding principle to explore and articulate your unique viewpoint.
Incorporating Pop Culture into TOK Exhibitions
TOK exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to showcase how TOK concepts manifest in the real world. Pop culture artifacts—such as movie posters, music videos, or social media trends—can serve as powerful objects for your exhibition. For example, you might explore how a film like “Inception” challenges our understanding of, or how a popular song reveals societal attitudes toward gender or identity. By selecting pop culture artifacts that resonate with you, you can create an exhibition that is both personal and insightful. Darren McQuay warns against passive consumption, stating, “We leave them in Plato’s cave, watching shadows on a reel.” Your exhibition is a chance to step out of the cave and critically engage with the world around you.
Guiding Principles for Success
To make the most of pop culture in your TOK journey, keep these strategies in mind:
- Be Clear on Objectives: While using pop culture can be fun, maintain an academic focus. Whether analyzing philosophical themes in a film or dissecting the societal implications of a meme, approach these texts with a critical eye.
- Foster Open Dialogue: A vibrant TOK classroom thrives on diverse opinions. Encourage open dialogue and share your thoughts without fear of judgment. Remember, “the only unacceptable opinion is not having one.”
Keeping Up with the Times
TOK should evolve alongside the culture or context it seeks to examine. While some traditional resources might feel outdated, contemporary texts like “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” offer relevant themes to explore. By incorporating these into your studies, you not only stay relevant but also develop the skills to critically evaluate the ever-changing cultural landscape you venture.
In the end, if you don’t question and analyze the pop culture you consume, you risk remaining in Plato’s cave, passively watching shadows on the wall. Empower yourself to step into the light and see the world with a critical and informed perspective.
