Pop culture trends and social influence

Pop Culture

Cultural elements of a society reveal a lot about it. Historically, culture aesthetics have been revealed by various forms of knowledge and learning, architecture, religion, and artwork. Whereas during previous eras art typically encompassed various facets of music, visual art, painting, sculpture, and literature, in contemporary times art is often reflected via technological means. Thus, it is extremely important to analyze popular culture, especially television, to understand what such culture reveals about a particular society. In that respect, an examination of N.C.I.S. For its sociological ramifications is in order, especially when one pauses to consider the length of time it has been airing (for over 10 years) and the various accolades it has won during its tenure -- which is still ongoing. Therefore, an analysis of the various aspects of this show that resonate with audiences and enable it to pave the way for popular culture in one of its most accessible forms will inevitably demonstrate a number of key aspects about the society that creates and supports such a show.

One of the most salient aspects of N.C.I.S (which is an acronym for Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is the fact that it depicts the government agency operating in the general field of law enforcement (albeit with a decidedly military slant). From a sociological standpoint, then there is a strict adherence to moral virtues that are both demonstrated by the show and which reflect those of the surrounding society. The show essentially depicts military officers in their pursuit of virtue. There are cut and obvious 'good guys', and a never-ending supply of 'bad guys'. Audiences, therefore, are spared the decision of having to actually, say, think about any sort of moral ambiguity, and can successfully root for the heroes, who just so happen to be playing heroes in this popular television show. Virtually all of the actions that Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Gibbs, aside from his womanizing tendencies, a point which is underscored by the fact that he has been married four times and is currently single on the show) conform to a traditional view of ethics and morality with which people can easily identify. Gibbs and the vast majority of his teammates do not engage in socially deviant behavior, which encompasses a variety of different factors (Giddens, 2001, p. 151) and would result in their engaging in criminal behavior. As such, the clear cut distinctions and lines of morality, particularly as exemplified by the behavior of Gibbs' team and the criminal they pursue, more than likely explains this show's popularity.

Another fairly eminent aspect about N.C.I.S. which is intrinsically related to the fact that the show depicts morally defensible military personnel who engage in law enforcement is that doing so involves a good deal of gun play. The issue of gun control is certainly at the forefront of contemporary American society (Zakaria, 2012). This particular aspect of N.C.I.S. (that there is frequent exchanges of gun fire and plots revolving around firearms, shooting, and the eventual wounding and deaths that naturally occur in their wake) presents a facet of reality to the show. People can relate to it since it depicts several episodes involving issues of gunplay. One should not underestimate the polarizing effect of the issue of gun control in modern America. Some people, particularly those who have lost loved ones in high profile shooting sprees such as at the elementary school in Connecticut or at the Virginia Tech in 2008 (King, 2013), are staunchly in favor of gun control and believe that firearm usage should be restricted or outright outlawed. Others seize upon the ubiquity of this topic to champion the rights afforded to them by the Second Amendment and staunchly oppose those in favor gun control. Regardless, this important sociological issue is readily on display week in and week out on N.C.I.S, which contributes to the shows immediacy and representation of contemporary American society.

Another sociological issue regarding N.C.I.S., which is closely related to contemporary society's fascination with the issue related to guns, is the concept of terrorism. Ever since the September 11, 2001 destruction of the World Trade Center which launched the United States' War on Terror, a large amount of popular culture has portrayed issues related to terrorism (Thompson, 2002). N.C.I.S. reflects this particular aspect of contemporary American society as well. That is why the particular job of Gibbs and his co-workers is so important -- as federal agents, they deal with issues of terrorism on a national, and in some cases even international, level. Early on in the show's history during its second season, a Federal Bureau Investigations agent by the name of Vivian Blackadder was involved in counteracting the effects of a terrorist operation in Spain. This particular episode demonstrated the fact that in many ways, N.C.I.S. is chronicling the most important societal issues in America today. Also, it is worth noting that the particular episode referenced in this paragraph took place not long after the destruction of the World Trade Center. Thus, the show actually portrays the important sociological issues that people are concerned about. Moreover, by doing so it allows people to visualize and contextualize some of the dangers that are facing America in contemporary society. This fact has a two-pronged effect upon society -- it both heightens the issues of terrorism and makes them scary for people, and provides a strange sense of comfort by allowing viewers to regularly see their country triumph in these terrorist situations.