Cultural Politics and Film Narratives

This chapter examines the interplay between culture and politics, focusing on the rise of conservatism and the transformation of political identities influenced by shifts in contemporary media and postmodern thought. The discussion contrasts traditional narrative approaches with the aspirational storytelling found in films like 'Top Gun: Maverick,' highlighting the evolution from postmodern cynicism to a more hopeful narrative framework. Additionally, it critiques the oversimplification of cultural narratives and emphasizes the necessity of constructing new, affirmative stories that reflect complex societal realities.