Popular culture (commonly known as pop culture) is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the late 20th and early 21st century. Heavily influenced by mass media, this collection of ideas permeates the everyday lives of the society. By contrast, folklore refers to the cultural mainstream of more local or pre-industrial societies.
Popular culture is often viewed as being trivial and dumbed-down in order to find consensual acceptance throughout the mainstream. As a result, it comes under heavy criticism from various non-mainstream sources (most notably religious groups and countercultural groups) which deem it superficial, consumerist, sensationalist, and corrupted.
The term "popular culture" itself is of 19th century coinage, in original usage referring to the education and "culturedness" of the lower classes. The term began to assume the meaning of a culture of the lower classes separate from and opposed to "true education" towards the end of the century, a usage that became established by the interbellum period. The current meaning of the term, culture for mass consumption, especially originating in the United States, is established by the end of World War II. The abbreviated form "pop culture" dates to the 1960s.
It's trendy- as each generation finds its niche, and the last group to "Control" the pop culture feels the "sting" that COUNTLESS older kids felt upon becoming adults.
Heck I'm 30 and to a degree still feel as 17 in mind/ spirit, but that's only cause right now- what I grew up with G.I.-Joe, TMNT, Transformers, are all hits Star Wars is big, it's a great time to be Geek. the other hand, I hate that Poke mon Yugioh Natato Digimon BS
But the other thing is that the internet has made way for YOUNGER KIDS to have a say!! 4- and 5 year old opinions are starting to effect things. A parent plays something for their kid, their kids love it the end up playing it over and over and over.
But Gaga- her sound is very late 80s mid 90s to a degree. In those cases you see a lot of "Recycled style" but she's got a very sophomoric humor to her lyrics.
-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast