Postmodernism & Deutschland 83

Media Magazine - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past

Media Magazine 73 has a feature exploring Deutschland 83 as a postmodern media product. Read ‘Deutschland 83 - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past’ in MM73  (p18). You'll find our Media Magazine archive here - remember you'll need your Greenford Google login to access. Answer the following questions:

1) What were the classic media representations of the Cold War?

Classic media representations showed a clear binary opposition between East and West such as capitalism and communism.

2) Why does Deutschland 83 provide a particularly good example for postmodern analysis? 

It’s postmodern because it mixes historical facts with entertainment and challenges traditional Cold War narratives. It uses nostalgia (1980s setting, music, fashion) and presents multiple perspectives rather than one “truth.”

3) Pick out some of the aspects of the opening of episode 1

Military training scene shows tension of the Cold War and how severe training can be.Introduction of Martin presents an ordinary character who supposedly has a normal life

4) How does the party scene at Martin's mum's house subvert stereotypes of East Germany in the Cold War?

Instead of showing East Germany as dull and controlled, the party shows warmth, humour, and normal family life which displays the east in a positive light.

5) What aspects of the episode set in West Germany offer postmodern elements?

Bright consumer culture (brands, music, fashion),Contrast with East Germany (movement to a positive society)

6) Finally, how does the article apply postmodern theory to Deutschland 83 and link it to the potential target audience?

The article suggests the show appeals to modern audiences through nostalgia, irony, and mixed genres.

Postmodernism Factsheet

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #54: Introduction to Postmodernism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets. If you need to access this from home you can find our factsheet archive here (you'll need to use your Greenford login).

1) Read the section on Strinati's five ways to define postmodernity. What examples are provided of the breakdown of the distinction between culture and society (media-isation)?

Dominic Strinati argues media now shapes reality rather than just reflecting it.
Example: Social media influencing identity, or TV shaping how we see history.

2) What is Fredric Jameson's idea of 'historical deafness'? How can the idea of 'historical deafness' be applied to Deutschland 83?

Historical deafness is when  people lose a real sense of history and instead experience it through media versions such as through social media.In Deutschland 83 the 1980s are shown through stylised music and fashion, making it feel nostalgic rather than fully realistic.

3) What examples and theories are provided for the idea of 'style over substance'?

One example could be fast paced editing, music such as in the montage during the training.

4) What examples from music are provided for the breakdown of the distinction between art and popular culture? Can this be applied to Deutschland 83?

High art and pop culture mix together (e.g. classical + pop music).The series contained popular 80s music in a serious political drama.

5) What is bricolage? What examples of bricolage can be found in Deutschland 83?

Bricolage is mixing different styles, genres, and references.

In Deutschland 83

-Spy thriller + family drama

-Historical + modern storytelling

-Music, politics, and personal narrative combined

6) How can the audience pleasures of Deutschland 83 be linked to postmodernism? Read 'The decline of meta-narratives' and 'Media texts and the postmodern' to help answer this.

Personal identity-The protagonist has to change himself to become a spy and some people may relate to the feeling of having a hidden identity.This links to postmodernism because it rejects the idea of a single “true self” and instead suggests people have multiple identities, which audiences in modern society  can relate to.

Diversion-The show creates enigma and action codes which would keep audiences engaged meaning they can forget about real life situations going on around them and just focus on the show.Postmodern theorists argue media focuses on style, excitement and audience pleasure. The show keeps viewers engaged so they can escape reality, reflecting a culture where media is about instant gratification and entertainment.

Surveillance-The show is seen as educational due to the audience being able to learn german,learn how to become sneaky and unknown,how to have a hidden identity,Berlin war,cold war and most historical contexts.Surveilance links to postmodernism because of the ideas about power and culture which is educational.

7) Now look at page 4 of the factsheet. How does Deutschland 83 demonstrate aspects of the postmodern in its construction and ideological positioning?

The show is constructed to challenge traditional ideologies (e.g. West = good, East = bad). It presents more balanced viewpoints, showing complexity in both sides.

8) Which key scenes from Deutschland 83 best provide examples of postmodernism?

-Training scenes

-Binary oppositions between the east and west

-party that was in the east