Postmodernism & Deutschland 83: blog tasks

 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 of the Cold War often fit into rigid binaries with pro-west messaging and viewpoints.

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

Its particularly good as it breaks the binary good and evil conventions through blurring lines of establishes veiwed through an Eastern protagonist.

3) Pick out some of the aspects of the opening of episode 1 and explain why they are significant.

One aspect of the opening that is significant is the parody of typical spy conventions that introduces the protagonist, presenting how Martin is not wishing to to through with the narrative, a form of Todorovian equilibrium.

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

This scene subverts stereotypes of East Germany as its in a bright sunny setting with young people, family, drinking, dancing and music, quite contrasting as the common perception of East in Western media, opening up the reality of the Easts humanity, care and affection instead of succumbing to stereotypes.

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

West Germany connotes western opulence through the setting and consumerism through the variety and eye catching nature of the supermarket as well as the typical conventions of a spy training scene, therefore challenging perceptions of this period of history.

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

Post-modern theory links to Deutschland 83 through its criticism and accurate breakdown of the reality of life during the cold war on both sides, the mixing of the accuracy and pop culture aspects allow me to believe the target audience is the German youth and audiences.