To argue that popular art reflects society is to oversimplify what is really a complex process. Popular artworks are a reflection of society insofar as they address contemporary issues and treat them in ways consistent with current perspectives, but the popular arts are never merely a reflection. In the course of representing or portraying our lives and culture, the popular arts popularize and glamorize the ideals, values, attitudes, and beliefs that exist within our culture. In this way, the popular arts contribute to the power of culture to shape lives. The popular arts reflect a culture they help to create.