UNDIP, Semarang (September 7, 2025) – The Public Relations Team of the Faculty of Humanities at Universitas Diponegoro (FIB UNDIP) recently interviewed Arido Laksono, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer known for his expertise in popular culture. In the interview, Arido provided an in-depth explanation of how popular culture operates in society and its relevance to the mindset of today’s generation.
“I focus on popular culture, especially in the context of cultural politics and cultural history,” Arido said. He added that beyond popular culture, he is also profoundly interested in issues of pluralism, multiculturalism, and folklore, which are closely linked to oral traditions.
Popular Culture: Between Industry and Identity
According to Arido Laksono, popular culture—or pop culture—is a cultural product shaped by industry to meet market demands. This culture is then consumed by society, particularly the youth, and indirectly forms their identity.
“The way someone dresses, the products they choose, even their lifestyle, are largely shaped by industrial representations. That consumption ultimately reflects who they are,” he explained.
Arido further noted that popular culture constantly cycles through trends. “What was trendy in the 1970s can resurface now as vintage. History repeats itself, and so does culture,” he added.
Pop Culture and Students’ Future
In an educational context, Arido highlighted the influence of popular culture on students, warning that an industry-driven culture could lead to excessive consumption.
“If they are not careful, students can fall into a consumerist mindset. In reality, culture should be the result of human adaptation for survival, not merely to fulfill market desires,” he said.
However, he emphasized that understanding popular culture also opens broader ways of thinking. It enables students to be more critical of social phenomena and more adaptable to change.
Career Opportunities for Humanities Graduates
Regarding career prospects for humanities graduates, Arido said that in today’s postmodern era, professions are no longer strictly tied to academic backgrounds.
“Many of my friends who studied history or literature are now thriving in marketing, the health industry, and the creative sector,” he shared. This phenomenon demonstrates that the humanities provide students with comprehensive and critical thinking skills, which are valuable across various fields.
“Humanities students are equipped to think in solutions and remain open to diverse perspectives. This skill is crucial in today’s dynamic job market,” he added.
Arido stressed that popular culture is not just entertainment or spectacle. It is a complex reflection of modern human life. By understanding culture, students not only learn about others but also discover themselves and their place in society.
“Culture is a space to think, to question, and to find one’s identity,” he concluded. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ FIB Team)
Reported from the website of UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities