Question #8

1. Karl Marx developed the basis for both cultural and political economics, two ideologies that as discussed in Grossberg’s article, “Cultural Studies vs. Political Economy: Is anyone else bored with this debate?” are often perceived as being completely different. Simply, cultural studies are developed around the way in which culture influences the world. Political economics, on the other hand deals more with the way in which the power of the economics influences the world. According to Grossberg’s article, “Cultural Studies vs. Political Economy: Is anyone else bored with this debate?” political economist continually criticize cultural studies, claiming that this study completely ignores the institutions of cultural production and economics. Furthermore, this article also states that political economist argue that cultural studies proves to only celebrate popular culture and as a result, fails to develop a capable understanding of “the real structures of power, domination and oppression.” (626) In addition, Grossberg’s article touches upon the fact that political economists believe that the focus of cultural studies is too local and therefore has “taken away from any sense of broader social context of unequal power relations.” (pg 626) This idea regarding cultural studies and the ideas surrounding political economics could in many ways be applied to “Mouse Trapped 2010” and “Mickey Mouse Monopoly.” Specifically, economical information given in both of these films helps the viewer, along with political economist, to better understand the way in which this company has developed into a “powerful, dominating and oppressive” structure. Furthermore, these ideas discussed in Grossberg’s article also support the idea that for the most part most institutions and businesses like Disney, are purely out for economic success rather than moral satisfaction.