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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.