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About this quote

What does it mean?
Popular art reflects what society desires rather than questioning its values.
In plain terms
Art that is widely liked shows what people want to see.
What can you take from it?
Ask who benefits from what art becomes popular.

Where it applies

  • media criticism
  • cultural studies
  • marketing

Putting it to work

  • analyze bestsellers
  • review viral content
  • study audience reactions

Questions to consider

  • What does the most popular art today say about us?
  • Does art serve us or lead us?

Another view

Not all popular art avoids self-examination.

More from Margaret Atwood

  1. No one knows what causes an outer landscape to become an inner one.

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  2. Put yourself in a different room, that's what the mind is for.

    Permalink to quote #76
  3. Never pray for justice, because you might get some.

    Permalink to quote #73

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