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.