Notas Sobre Cultura Popular en Mexico

Abstract

This is a series of observations on the notion of popular culture in Mexico. The main thesis of the author is that what goes under the name of "popular culture" in Mexico today is the result of a long history of manipulation of the "cultural industry" by the dominant classes. The various manifestations of popular culture have had, however, positive, truly popular aspects with even some liberating tendencies. Popular culture in Mexico is discussed in terms of stages: pre-Revolution, the epoch of the Revolution, the 1930-1950 period, and the 1950-1970 epoch; some specific manifestations of popular culture are also dealt with directly, e.g. the development of the dance halls, the appearance of the romantic song, the rancheras, cinema, etc. Throughout the work, emphasis is given to the elements of ideological mystification and legitimation involved in the utilization of these various forms.