Postmodernism in Little Pieces.
Introduction.
What is postmodernism? Postmodernism covers a broad range of topics from architecture to philosophy. In fact, it is described as, “Postmodernism is the late 20th century movement in Western philosophy marked by skepticism, subjectivism, and relativism. It challenges the idea of objective truth and emphasizes the role of ideology in shaping in shaping political and economic power of structures. Postmodernism is characterized by a general suspicion of reason and an acute awareness of how narratives and beliefs are constructed and maintained. This movement has influenced various fields, including literature, art, and architecture, questioning traditional boundaries and embracing complexity and contradiction.” [1] For the purpose of this blog, I will only focus on its effects on culture.
Traditional and Modernism
As our cultures have evolved from traditional practices [2] past modernism and now into postmodernism, the changes have created confusion among many. Some of the more noticeable changes or transition from traditionalism into modernism are in social structures, technology and innovation, and our attitude toward changes.[3] For instance, traditionally, family and community are the main emphasis while the role of individuals and leadership are defined by age, gender, hierarchy. Contrasting against, modernism where it focuses on individualism which emphasizes freedom for personal choice and flexibility in roles. Other example is manifested in the attitudes toward changes: traditionally, we often seek stability by resisting changes to preserve cultural identity. While on the other hand, modernization encourages changes and adaptation as a way for improving and meeting the need of the changing world.[4]
Postmodernism and Culture
Postmodernism, a theoretical framework that emerged in the middle of the 20th century which questioned the ideas of modernism which dominated the Enlightenment and the industrial age. As it does reject and argue that truth is both subjective and a social construct.[5] To understand the basic of postmodernism in culture, it is essential to explore these foundational concepts, which are as follows; (a.) deconstruction, (b.) hyperreality, (c.) pluralism and fragmentation, and (d.) power and knowledge.[6] A basic explanation is, “Postmodernism refers to the state of culture where media is produced in such staggering quantities that it has crossed the boundaries into reality itself and hyperreality prevails.”[7]
Postmodernism In Micronesian Framework
Traditional (Cultural) form of governance used to be system by which our Islands used to be governed. Chiefs were not elected, but passed down through the lineage, just as some other duties that were needed within the community. Then as influenced by the effects of colonialism, our Micronesian Islands first organized to be the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) [8] under the care of the United States. As modernization progress, The TTPI has fragmented into little pieces, and each wanted their own form of self-government – one of them became the Federated States of Micronesia.
March 4, 2025, there was an election that took place; this election was for national congress (representatives), state governors, and state legislators (Senators & Representatives). After the tabulation, most of the results were questioned, lawsuits were filed, and the certification for elected governor were ordered by the court to be put on hold. Leading up the day of the election until the day of the election, media has played a major role in disseminating confusing information which has created chaos. Until today, no elected governor is declared and there is just too much information to know what is real. Moreover, this is done by the leaders within the community and the government.
Concluding Remarks
After being exposed to this term ‘postmodernism’ and the basics of it, questions of would a leader navigates in this changing and chaotic environment. Within the Micronesian context, traditional (cultural) leaderships still exist, however, most of them in titles only. Positional leaders/authorities are in power as they are elected by people to serve. And church leadership come into place, mostly on Sundays and special days like Christmas and Easter.
As I reflected on the cultural shifts resulted from these periods such like modernism and postmodernism, I am reminded of the three major contributing factors in unpreparedness in times of crises which were: “(a.) denial of reality, (b.) lack of open communication, and (c.) minimal if any collaboration between major institutions and world leaders.”[9] In this setting, I would say denying the reality of these cultural shifts and its influences, moreover, lacking to communicate it could result in crises for the leadership.
[1] Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/postmodernism-philosophy. Accessed March 20, 2025.
[2] Lifestyle Rule. https://lifestylerule.com/traditional-vs-modern-cultural-practices/. Accessed March 22, 2025.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] A Postmodernist View of Culture: Sociological Perspective. https://easysociology.com/sociological-perspectives/postmodernism/the-postmodernist-view-of-culture-a-sociological-perspective/. Accessed March 23, 2025.
[6] Ibid.
[7] The Media Insider: Postmodernism explained for beginners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D86_ptqd8I. Accessed March 20, 2025.
[8] University of Hawaii Library. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/tta. Accessed March 23, 2025.
[9] Beerel, Annabel. Rethinking Leadership: A Critique of Contemporary Theories (p. 163). Taylor & Francis. Kindle Edition.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
4 responses to “Postmodernism in Little Pieces.”
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Hi Noel, What you wrote about the recent elections of Micronesia was interesting. How does this change of leadership style impact the daily lives of people living in Micronesia compared to more traditional leadership?
Hi, Julie. This changing of leadership style from the cultural way of leadership to the elected leadership style is known by many as the “foreigners” way of leadership. As we practiced this new way, those running for office will try to get approval and support from the traditional leaders in order to get more votes. But last election was chaotic, candidates (I would say) use confusion to gain votes. Thanks Julie.
Hey Noel. Thank you for familiarizing us with Micronesia. How would identify the role deconstruction has played in the Micronesian culture?
Hi, Daren, thank you for your comment. Our cultures and traditions are our identity. It is what and who we are, though it may not be much. When they are taken away, or de-valued, we would be confused.
However, we are grateful that above our culture is the Word of God, or the culture of the Scripture. I believe that if we don’t have the values from the Bible, we would be very devastated. Thank you once again, Daren.