Question 1

Appropriating another group's culture but refusing to use the art to further racial domination is an example of what?
A)racist cultural appropriation
B)strategic amnesia
C)highbrow culture
D)antiracist cultural appropriation

Accepted Answer

Antiracist cultural appropriation refers to the borrowing of cultural elements from other groups without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or perpetuating racial domination. It involves using and showcasing the art and cultural elements with respect and understanding of their significance and history.

Question 2

Achieving commercial success at the expense of a political message or an artist's authenticity is often referred to as what?
A)going native
B)cultural appropriation
C)cultural capital
D)selling out

Accepted Answer

The phrase "selling out" refers to compromising one's values or message for the sake of commercial success. It often implies that the artist or their work has become too commercial or mainstream and has lost its authenticity or political message.

Question 3

Black Entertainment Television BET)is an example of what concept?
A)cultural appropriation
B)narrowcasting
C)highbrow culture
D)racist aesthetic

Accepted Answer

Black Entertainment Television (BET) is an example of narrowcasting, which means targeting a specific audience with content that is tailored to their interests and preferences. In this case, BET caters to the African American community with its programming.

Question 4

According to sociologist Georg Simmel,what happens when lower classes begin to copy the fashions of the upper class?
A)Social divisions between groups begin to dissolve.
B)The fashions are adopted as near universal norms.
C)The upper class abandons the style and finds something new.
D)The lower classes experience upward mobility.

Accepted Answer

According to Simmel, when lower classes start copying the fashion of the upper class, it loses its exclusiveness and appeal to the upper class who then adopt a new trend to maintain their social standing. This means that the upper class abandons the style and finds something new, and therefore, the correct answer is choice C.

Question 5

What is an example of cultural appropriation?
A)the presentation of whiteness in Abercrombie and Fitch ads
B)the hypermaterialism of some hip-hop music
C)the labeling of dashikis as "unprofessional" attire
D)mass production and sale of the Palestinian kaffiyeh in the United States

Accepted Answer

Cultural appropriation involves adopting elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without understanding or respecting the original cultural significance. The mass production and sale of the Palestinian kaffiyeh in the United States by those outside the culture, often reducing it to a fashion accessory, is an example of cultural appropriation.

Question 6

What is one way antiracist art responds to the racist aesthetic?
A)belittling the artists who create the racist aesthetic
B)refusing to work with white sponsors
C)correcting distorted representations of nonwhites
D)misrepresenting white people

Accepted Answer

Antiracist art responds to the racist aesthetic by correcting distorted and harmful representations of nonwhite individuals. It focuses on creating accurate and inclusive depictions of people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, challenging the stereotypes and biases perpetuated by the racist aesthetic. Belittling or misrepresenting white people or refusing to work with them does not necessarily address the root cause of racism and may even perpetuate divisive attitudes.

Question 7

The "discovery" of quilts crafted by the African American women of Gee's Bend,Alabama,did not make them more _______ but it did label them ___________.
A)valuable;rare
B)special;art
C)unique;common
D)exotic;unique

Accepted Answer

The quilts were already valuable and significant to the women of Gee's Bend before their "discovery" by the art world. However, the labeling of their quilts as art did give them a new level of recognition and appreciation, making them more special in the eyes of the art world.

Question 8

The sale of imitation Native American headdresses at popular music festivals by non-Native groups to be worn predominantly by non-Native Americans,thereby weakening the political and cultural significance of the headdress,is an example of:
A)cultural capital
B)narrowcasting
C)strategic amnesia
D)antiracist cultural appropriation

Accepted Answer

The sale of imitation Native American headdresses by non-Native groups at music festivals amounts to cultural appropriation which erodes the cultural and political significance of the headdress. The act of cultural appropriation, where one culture adopts the symbols or practices of another culture, often without proper understanding or respect, is an example of strategic amnesia. The appropriators, in this case, have forgotten the cultural significance of the headdress and are profiting from it by selling it to people who wear it as a fashion item.

Question 9

What is the way for nonwhite artists to free themselves from the dominance of the white gaze?
A)represent people of color as exotic
B)imitate successful white artists
C)depict people of color as full,complex humans
D)depict whites solely based on stereotypes

Accepted Answer

Depicting people of color as full, complex humans allows nonwhite artists to break free from the limited, stereotypical depictions often imposed on them by the white gaze. This approach empowers nonwhite artists to take ownership of their own narratives and presents a more accurate and nuanced representation of the diverse experiences of people of color. Options A and D perpetuate a fetishization and marginalization of people of color, while option B perpetuates the narrow standards of success set by white artists.

Question 10

The turning away of hip-hop from its political roots can be traced back to what?
A)the white domination of artistic production
B)the successes of the Civil Rights Movement
C)the popularity of the racist aesthetic
D)The backlash against violence in media

Accepted Answer

The turning away from hip-hop's political roots can be attributed to the white domination of artistic production, which influenced the direction and focus of hip-hop music, often steering it away from its politically charged beginnings.

Question 11

Presenting racism as an individual,psychological issue while neglecting structural and institutional racism is a part of what concept?
A)the white aesthetic
B)the racist aesthetic
C)colonization
D)racist appropriation

Accepted Answer

Presenting racism as an individual, psychological issue is known as the racist aesthetic. This approach neglects the existence of structural and institutional racism, which are deeply embedded in societal structures and practices. Racism cannot be reduced to individual attitudes and behaviors alone.

Question 12

An art museum recently decreased the price of admission,instituted admission-free Sundays,and offered free art education classes at a nearby low-income public school.These efforts can help the museum to:
A)increase attendance among the poor and working class
B)limit accessibility to only those in the working class
C)decrease attendance by the upper and middle class
D)increase attendance by those with highbrow taste

Accepted Answer

By decreasing the price of admission and offering free educational classes to a nearby low-income public school, the art museum is making art more accessible for those who may not have had the resources or means to participate before. Admission-free Sundays also make it easier for families and individuals with limited financial means to visit the museum. This can ultimately lead to an increase in attendance among the poor and working class.

Question 13

The symphony,as a cultural organization,is an example of what?
A)the merging of different aesthetic styles
B)legitimating the artistic preferences of some racial groups over others
C)the institutionalization of art forms designed to appeal to all social groups
D)the institutionalization of artistic divisions between highbrow and lowbrow culture

Accepted Answer

Symphonies, as cultural organizations, often exemplify the institutionalization of artistic divisions between highbrow (culturally elite) and lowbrow (popular) culture, reflecting and reinforcing societal distinctions in cultural taste and consumption.

Question 14

What is "narrowcasting"?
A)casting an actor or actress in the same types of roles repeatedly
B)creating television shows designed to target specific racial or ethnic groups
C)casting an actor or actress based on racial or ethnic stereotypes
D)creating television shows to confirm racial or ethnic stereotypes

Accepted Answer

Narrowcasting refers to the practice of creating television shows or content that is specifically targeted towards a particular niche audience, such as a specific racial or ethnic group. This type of programming is often used to appeal to the interests and preferences of a particular demographic, and can include everything from language to cultural references. By creating content that is specifically tailored to these audiences, networks and broadcasters can increase viewership and attract more advertisers who are interested in reaching these demographic groups.

Question 15

What is the sociological term that refers to the sum of one's knowledge about established and valued cultural activities and practices?
A)human capital
B)cultural appropriation
C)political capital
D)cultural capital

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital is the term that refers to one's knowledge about established and valued cultural activities and practices. This includes knowledge about art, music, literature, etc. It is a key concept in sociology, particularly in understanding social stratification and inequality. Possessing cultural capital can be an important factor in achieving social and economic success.

Question 16

Audience conduct that is "orderly,regulated,learned,prosperous,and civilized" is characteristic of:
A)highbrow culture
B)cultural capital
C)lowbrow culture
D)cultural appropriation

Accepted Answer

The characteristics listed in the options are often associated with highbrow culture, which is typically associated with refined taste, intellectual pursuits, and a certain level of sophistication in behavior and conduct. This is often contrasted with lowbrow culture, which is seen as more crude, vulgar or unsophisticated. Cultural capital, on the other hand, refers to the social and cultural resources, knowledge and skills that a person possesses, which may include elements of highbrow culture, but is not limited to it. Cultural appropriation refers to the borrowing or adoption of elements of another culture, often without proper recognition or respect, and may have negative cultural, social or political implications.

Question 17

Elvis Presley's reputation as the "king of rock-and-roll" could be considered a result of:
A)lowbrow culture
B)antiracist aesthetic
C)strategic amnesia
D)racist aesthetic

Accepted Answer

Elvis Presley's reputation as the "king of rock-and-roll" is largely due to strategic amnesia, where the cultural establishment chose to forget the contributions of black musicians who were pioneers in the genre. While Elvis was certainly talented, his success was built upon appropriating and commercializing music originally created by black artists. This erasure of the black roots of rock-and-roll is an act of cultural and racial injustice.

Question 18

What form of art does Chapter 8 highlight as a "hotbed of the antiracist aesthetic"?
A)poetry
B)theatre
C)opera
D)sculpture

Accepted Answer

Chapter 8 highlights poetry as a "hotbed of the antiracist aesthetic," emphasizing its role in expressing and promoting antiracist ideas and values.

Question 19

What is one reason that the antiracist aesthetic is not featured as prominently in venues such as art museums?
A)Those practicing the antiracist aesthetic are less talented.
B)There are very few people working in the antiracist aesthetic.
C)Whites are overrepresented in positions of power in such venues.
D)Audiences are not interested in the antiracist aesthetic.

Accepted Answer

The antiracist aesthetic often seeks to challenge and disrupt traditional power dynamics and narratives, which can be threatening to those who hold positions of power in institutions such as art museums. As a result, whites may be overrepresented in decision-making roles and less likely to prioritize or feature antiracist works. This is also supported by data on the lack of diversity and representation in the arts and cultural sector, which indicates systemic inequities in the field.  Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they make false assumptions about the talent, prevalence, and audience interest in the antiracist aesthetic.

Question 20

Where can we find the roots of our problematic ideas about "cultural authenticity"?
A)performance artists
B)museum curators
C)multiethnic artists
D)European colonizers

Accepted Answer

The roots of our problematic ideas about "cultural authenticity" can be traced back to European colonizers who imposed their own cultural values and beliefs on the colonized people, often erasing and demonizing the cultural practices and traditions of the colonized. This legacy of cultural imperialism and domination continues to shape our understanding of "authentic" culture today. Performance artists, museum curators, and multiethnic artists may all have perspectives and insights into issues of cultural authenticity and appropriation, but they are not the originators of these ideas.

Quiz 8: Aesthetics

Appropriating another group's culture but refusing to use the art to further racial domination is an example of what?

Achieving commercial success at the expense of a political message or an artist's authenticity is often referred to as what?

Black Entertainment Television BET) is an example of what concept?

According to sociologist Georg Simmel,what happens when lower classes begin to copy the fashions of the upper class?

What is an example of cultural appropriation?

What is one way antiracist art responds to the racist aesthetic?

The "discovery" of quilts crafted by the African American women of Gee's Bend,Alabama,did not make them more _ but it did label them _____.

The sale of imitation Native American headdresses at popular music festivals by non-Native groups to be worn predominantly by non-Native Americans,thereby weakening the political and cultural significance of the headdress,is an example of:

What is the way for nonwhite artists to free themselves from the dominance of the white gaze?

The turning away of hip-hop from its political roots can be traced back to what?

Presenting racism as an individual,psychological issue while neglecting structural and institutional racism is a part of what concept?

An art museum recently decreased the price of admission,instituted admission-free Sundays,and offered free art education classes at a nearby low-income public school.These efforts can help the museum to:

The symphony,as a cultural organization,is an example of what?

What is "narrowcasting"?

What is the sociological term that refers to the sum of one's knowledge about established and valued cultural activities and practices?

Audience conduct that is "orderly,regulated,learned,prosperous,and civilized" is characteristic of:

Elvis Presley's reputation as the "king of rock-and-roll" could be considered a result of:

What form of art does Chapter 8 highlight as a "hotbed of the antiracist aesthetic"?

What is one reason that the antiracist aesthetic is not featured as prominently in venues such as art museums?

Where can we find the roots of our problematic ideas about "cultural authenticity"?