In “Black Postmodernist Practices,” Anders Stephanson interviews Cornel West. They discuss the postmodernism movement among the black community in America. West explains that it was much different for blacks because they had a different idea of reality than the typical upper-middle-class American. The postmodernist movement led to several black artist creations., including Parker’s jazz music. However, West explains that once it has reached a level of popularity amongst white Americans, it can no longer be considered unique to the black community. In the case of Parker, he was no longer “highbrow.” Another example, given by Stephanson is Michael Jackson. He became “a middle-American product,” not unique to the black community.
In a much more broad sense, we can consider any product released as a part of a niche. Once it becomes a part of the larger pop culture group, can it still be considered niche? This is especially prevalent in thinking about nerd culture. Many nerds pride themselves on having read Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter (at the time of its release). They enjoyed video games with starting with the original Nintendo, or perhaps even Atari. These ideas were once considered unique to nerds. If mentioned outside of your circle of friends, others wouldn’t have a clue what you are talking about. Now they are all household names.
Most people probably still don’t read Lord of the Rings, even some nerds haven’t due to its great length, but the movies have made them more accessible to the masses. Just as Parker made jazz more accessible to white people. We can consider this almost an inevitability of products with great quality. But does the widespread production of them demean their quality or remove their previous status? I would argue not.
The first followers of jazz or Harry Potter have a sort of claim on the movements. They share a special connection that those who “jumped on the bandwagon” just don’t have to the products. Nerds probably sit and watch the 726 minutes extended edition, while the average consumer likely sticks with the original 558 minute running time. Early followers of Parker are more likely to know that he began his musical career with Jay McShann’s territory band. Both of these examples demonstrate that when there is a good product or performer, even if it is underground, there is a great chance that it can become a part of the mainstream popular culture. Even though our view of it may change, the origins of it do not. We do not need to consider it exiled from its previous community.
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