The New Now Jan 30

Class Overview

  • Title of the Class: The Next New Now: The Performance of Culture from Romanticism to Punk

  • Focus: Examining performance and cultural identity with a starting point in punk

Punk Culture

  • Definition of Punk:

    • Not merely a musical genre; encompasses attitude, lifestyle, and fashion.

    • Emerged prominently from late 1960s to mid-1970s.

  • Evolution of Punk:

    • Initial raw and aggressive ethos in late 60s/early 70s.

    • Transition to more self-aware forms in late 70s and 80s.

    • Ongoing evolution with various offshoots and adaptations.

  • Cultural Relevance:

    • Many feel a connection to punk, embodying some of its ethos without fully adopting the lifestyle.

Personal Reflections on Punk

  • Growing Up in the 70s:

    • Witnessed societal norms being challenged.

    • Environment at the time encouraged alternative thinking, particularly through post-punk movements.

  • College Experience:

    • Attended a liberal arts college, fostering a sense of identity through arts rather than commerce.

    • Relationships and community driven by shared interest and rebellion against mainstream expectations.

Culture and Self-Definition

  • Concept of Culture:

    • Seen as a backdrop for personal identity, encompassing experiences and societal norms.

    • Individuals define themselves through choice in cultural engagement (e.g., music, food, fashion).

  • Influence of Media and Technology:

    • Contrast between past media consumption (limited TV options) and current digital landscape (constant content availability).

    • Historical engagement with soul music and the cultural contexts surrounding it.

Racial and Cultural Awareness

  • Personal Background:

    • Discusses growing up in a predominantly white community and how it shaped understanding of race and identity.

    • Realized the unconscious acceptance of racial attitudes and their implications.

  • Awareness of Injustice:

    • Reflections on the societal ignorance surrounding everyday racism and the personal journey towards understanding.

Performance and Cultural Norms

  • Understanding Performance:

    • Performance is not limited to theater but encompasses any intentional display of identity or social role.

    • Performance emerges from societal constructs, embodying both cultural norms and individual choices.

  • Roles and Identity:

    • Individuals perform various roles (e.g., parent, professor) that influence their self-perception and social interactions.

    • Acknowledgment of the flexibility in performance based on context.

Modern Identity and Self-Expression

  • Changing Attitudes Towards Identity:

    • The current landscape offers more options for self-definition compared to previous generations.

    • Resistance against traditional gender and racial constructs is growing, highlighting the importance of personal expression.

  • Cultural Exposure:

    • Increased access to varied cultural experiences fosters a richer understanding of self and others.

Historical Context of Modernism

  • Interconnection of Past and Present:

    • Reflection on how cultural artifacts (e.g., music, theater) from past generations continue to shape contemporary identities.

    • Discussion on the significance of 20th-century changes allowing greater exploration of cultural performance.

Final Thoughts

  • Course Goals:

    • Encourage students to reflect on personal cultural connections and experiences.

    • Explore how societal norms can be challenged and reshaped through performance and engagement.

  • Reflection and Participation:

    • Students are encouraged to share personal stories and cultural influences that have impacted their lives.