Chapter 7 – Culture for the Price of Admission
The author
begins by explaining what one typically receives in return for an exchange. For
example, money for a car is a clear exchange of economic currency for a good.
However, when it comes to cultural norms such as orchestras, one cannot
guarantee that the price that they pay for a ticket will guarantee them the
satisfaction of good music. Rather, this is a risky bet when looking at it from
an economic perspective. The author then shifts his tone by explaining that not
everything can be valuated through the lens of economics, but some cultural
aspects need bypass economical logic. For example, much money is gifted to
orchestras so their music can be played and enjoyed; if this did not happen,
many would not pay the price of admission and that would lead the extinction of
an important aspect of American culture. In sum, the author concludes that in
order to preserve culture, we must pay more than we should economically
speaking, and hence pay the “Price of Admission.”
When
Brandon and I discussed the issue at hand, we thought of the issue in a
different light. Just like all of the businesses that have shifted from tastier
foods to healthier foods to adapt to millennials, maybe the music industry is
no different. As young culture is adapting, so should its surroundings. We
believe that if it is no longer economically viable to have orchestras, maybe
they should fane from existence. Gift money is a temporary solution that will
soon fade. This is not a solution that can keep orchestras in existence
forever, but rather a short-term solution to a deeply rooted issue. We as a
society have a responsibility to shift our norms to appeal to the next
generation, whether we like it or not.
This is an interesting idea on orchestra's, I never realized our unsustainable they are from an economic standpoint.
ReplyDeleteI think your points are especially relevant for orchestra's, but how do you think it applies to classic rock, jazz, or soul? In general, other music that is outside of the modern pop form.
ReplyDeleteI think school would also be an example. We would not know if the money we put in would be worth it but we still know its good for us. Same thing with culture.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually really interesting. It also depends on what each individual considers a valuable investment. Some people won't pay the extra money for healthy food or pay to see orchestras.
ReplyDeleteI find that the orchestras example is very interesting. It is true that we pay extra to preserve culture. At the end of the day, we cannot measure everything in this world with money.
ReplyDeleteYou have an interesting point of view about the orchestras. I wonder if a lot of the "old school" entertainments will stick around or fade out in the next few decades.
ReplyDeleteI think that this passage shows the importance of keep up with trends and adapting to new ways so that you're not left in the cold.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you two that their solution is not sustainable in the long-run.
ReplyDeleteThe changes in society are happening so quickly, and it's fascinating to see that money can act as a mean to preserve a culture.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to think how differently people may value cultural events
ReplyDeleteI like the example of the orchestra because I am actually in a similar situation! I was recently hired by an old high school friend to build an iOS app for his company. The app requires a lot of aspects that I've never programmed before so hopefully I figure it out and work out for him lol.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how you said you can't put a price on culture and arts. Museums would also not be sustainable if it did not receive donations that keeps its operations running.
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