Week10--Remix culture--LIU ZIYE

 

1) Summary:
"Remix Culture" is a cultural phenomenon that encourages people to create derivative works by combining or editing existing materials such as music, images, text, or videos. It emphasizes creative sharing and participatory expression. Examples include mash-up videos, humorous edits, dubbed re-creations, memes, and even adapted novels or fan animations — all of which reflect the spirit of remixing.

2) Interesting Point:
What I found most interesting is how remix culture turns “audiences” into “creators.” For example, on the Chinese video platform Bilibili , users remix old TV shows into new storylines, transform a single song into an entirely new piece, and even express social commentary through their edits. This form of expression feels freer and often resonates more deeply than traditional media. It may not always be professional, but it’s authentic and rooted in real life.

3) Question or Concern:
However, I’ve realized that remix culture often operates in a legal “gray area.” For instance, if an AI generates a “new song” using 1,000 tracks by Jay Chou, is that copyright infringement? Or when fans make non-commercial animations using Harry Potter characters, should copyright holders restrict them or support such creativity? These cases are difficult to judge, and current laws don’t always offer clear answers. Maybe a new legal framework is needed to better balance creative freedom with the rights of original creators. As remix culture evolves, so too must our understanding of intellectual property.