C. P. Snow’s concept of two cultures is based on the observation that scientists and
artists are sometimes incapable of conversation and collaboration. Scientists are
too disciplined by their learnings to appreciate novelty, while artistic people don’t
enjoy the dullness scientific studies entail. Nevertheless, as technology advanced, a third culture that facilitates collaboration between art and science emerged — a nerd culture. “While nerd culture deeply honors the rigor of the scientific method, its thrust is not pursuing truth, but pursuing novelty”.
Growing up in a family that’s involved in the music industry, I see the clear distinction between artists and technological people, and collaborations between them really resonates with the idea of a third culture. I remember being at Hans Zimmer’s studio with a new musician/artist while a sound engineer teaches the artist how to create various sounds from a computer program. A few days later, the artist wrote a song that was completely different from his usual style.
On the other hand, UCLA’s separation of North and South Campus is a great example of division between two cultures. North Campus houses humanity majors, while South Campus houses science majors. Knowing people from both sides, I see the difference between them from all perspectives, but mainly their approaches to problem solving. In my opinion, UCLA should encourage North and South Campus collaboration to facilitate innovations, which could help bridge the gap between rich and poor.
Sculpture garden at North Campus
a very modern walkway at South Campus
Furthermore, as an aspired movie producer, I should keep in mind the innovative power of the third culture because that could be the key to my career.
Sources:
Snow, C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. New York: Cambridge UP, 1959. Print.
Kelly, Kevin. "The Third Culture." The Third Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. Feb. 1998
Wilson, Stephen D. “Myths and Confusions in Thinking about Art/Science/Technology.” College Art Association Meetings. New York, New York, 2000. Print
Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” Leonardo 34.2 (2001): 121-25. Web.
Hans Zimmer's Studio. 2010. Stuckincustoms.com, Los Angeles <http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2010/04/18/hans-zimmers-studio/>
Hi Scott,
回覆刪除I really enjoyed reading your blog! I also have friends that are parts of both north and south campus and I clearly see the differences between them and why they choose the major they did. I also agree with you that UCLA should encourage both north and south campus to collaborate, which could help close the gap. Do you think people from both north and south campus would be open minded to the collaboration of both cultures?
Film production as an example of the Third Culture seems apropos given its role in the democratization of The Arts during the Industrial Age. Science, (with the advent of the camera, for example) brought Art to the masses. Your introduction to music production at a young age should serve you well in the film industry. Few get a glimpse of what is actually involved in scoring a film.
回覆刪除As an aside, I thought Zimmer's score for Batman v. Superman was a blast. Bombastic AND poignant. Able to express the hearts and minds of alien AND man, (and one pretty rad amazon.) Cultural bridges all around! ;-)