Assignment:
Theodor Adorno argues that popular music and serious music are fundamentally different forms of culture. According to his argument, how is popular music different from serious music? Further, why is popular music different when it is produced by the culture industry? What purpose does it serve for capitalism? Finally, does his argument still hold true for popular music today? For this final question, provide ample support with an example from contemporary popular music and if relevant, bring in additional concepts (such as hegemony) as you see fit.