Originally Posted by ARTelevision

To clarify, mixedmedia, I think what culture does is reveal the specific forms of programming that are being promulgated via existing power structures. In that sense, it reflects something about us. But because it also constitutes the actual programming itself, it is the means by which existing control structures exercise power over individual consciousness and identity. I see this as especially true for what is often referred to as "youth culture," "popular culture," "alternative culture," and so forth - as these are the most virulently powerful sets of memes used to control and nullify potentially free-thinking individuals.