Culture is reference. My favorite definition of the word 'culture' in the Webster is 'the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations.' Referencing is the most effective way to renew a pattern of positive themes and ideas from generation to generation. The same dictionary says to 'refer' is to 'allot to a particular place, stage or period.' A reference can be direct, perhaps a quote, or indirect, perhaps an inspiration. The act of actual reference could possibly find the recipient unaware of its explicitness. However, the core ideas conveyed still serve to be perpetuated (the main goal) and could even stir curiosity as to the origin of the thought. In fact, referencing works so well, it's been used for ages, currently more than ever. Many ideas that date back millennia survive today thanks to references. If you were to take a document as old and unusual as the Bible, you'd find internal references aplenty. Disparate writers, many separated by centuries, reinforced each others' themes so successfully through quotations and vocabulary that the final product is regarded as a single volume. Later, Shakespeare would draw from, among other sources, Biblical ideas and prose to produce touchstones of English literature. Shakespeare's work is, in turn, heavily referenced by modern entertainment, possibly even by those who don't realize the inherent Biblical influence. I've heard the quote "Of those to whom much is given, much is required" rightfully attributed to President Kennedy, most often in ignorance that Jesus expressed the same thought, "Everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him," long predating Kennedy and most likely the Catholic president's inspiration. That is not to say all notions can be traced back to the Bible, but to illustrate that over the amalgamation of time, the origin of our cultural beliefs matters less then either their truth or falsehood. Few of us have the record-keeping skills of an expert librarian, but we can still take an interest in the way history informs our present, always with a keen eye to reevaluating the merit of what could be considered generally accepted. The word 'reference' unfortunately tends to fill me with a dryness that is matched by the necessary habit of fact-checking and source-listing that is part of communicating through writing. But pop culture has actually turned referencing into a joyously rewarding exercise for enthusiasts of any number of niches. It strikes me that pop culture, with all its perpetuation and globalization of iconic themes and ideas, is especially relevant to the definition of 'culture' from the original paragraph. Internet memes, movie franchise reboots and indeed popular music are all just repackagings of old ideas and more than ever heavily rely on direct reference. This serves to pass on core notions to new audiences in the most effective way possible. Globalization can be awkward due to local tastes and firmly-held ideals, and pop culture is the soothing, balmy adhesive that makes it work. One of my all-time favorite songs, which happens to be from a decade when the Internet wasn't even a twinkle in anybody's eye, reminds me of the Internet. "Desolation Row" is a scatter-brained marathon of references that could only have been scribbled down during a NYC taxi ride by Bob Dylan, but the pure fun that comes from listening to it is similar to what a nerd like me feels when they read the comments section on the latest bombshell entertainment news. The fact that there is a broad narrative about the Row through all 12 crazy minutes just drives up the elation. Last year, I quoted from this song on Instagram underneath a picture of a young Dylan, and it turned into a sprawling pattern of famous portraits and quotes that, in a certain way, work as a commentary-mosaic on feelings of emptiness, betrayal, togetherness, values and the endlessly fascinating theme of humanity. My habit of doing this has made me realize that referencing, far from its initial dry connotation, is actually creative. Creativity is mixing old with new. Reintroducing time-tested ideas in a modern way is pretty much the essence of creativity. And creativity is always powerful.
