The Evolution of Subcultures: From Geeks to Sociopaths and the Role of Mops

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Sep 07, 2023

4 min read

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The Evolution of Subcultures: From Geeks to Sociopaths and the Role of Mops

Introduction:

Subcultures have a fascinating evolution, starting from a small group of creators who invent something new and exciting. Before a subculture emerges, there is a scene, where creators come up with a musical genre, religious sect, film animation technique, or political theory. This scene attracts not only fanatics but also a different kind of fans called mops. These mops are enthusiastic supporters who contribute minimally and relate to each other in "normal" ways. However, as the subculture gains popularity and cultural capital, sociopaths emerge, taking advantage of the creators and the mops. In this article, we will explore the dynamics of subcultures, the role of mops, and the need for geeks to be slightly evil to protect their creations.

The Power of Mops:

Mops play a crucial role in the success of a subculture. They are the fans who show up to have a good time and contribute in their own way. While geeks want to discuss the intricacies of the New Thing during intermission, mops prefer to engage in conversations about sports or celebrities. However, mops also become entitled over time, treating the fanatics as service workers. Despite this, mops generate liquid capital, i.e., money, when properly engaged and squeezed. They provide the financial support that helps sustain the subculture.

The Emergence of Sociopaths:

As the subculture gains traction, sociopaths enter the scene. These individuals quickly befriend the creators, dressing and talking like them, and even engaging in some form of creation themselves. Sociopaths become the coolest kids in the room, demoting the creators from their initial position. Their objective is to extract the cultural capital generated by the creators and exploit the mops. They take advantage of the popularity to sleep with the best-looking mops, using them as a means to an end.

The Role of Barriers to Entry:

To protect the subculture and prevent it from being overrun by the uncommitted, geeks create barriers to entry. These barriers, often referred to as poseurs, keep out those who are not genuinely interested in the New Thing. The optimal mop to geek ratio is around 6:1, where mops provide more energy than they consume. However, a ratio above 10:1 becomes unworkable, leading to burnout among supporting fanatics. By effectively excluding or limiting mops, geeks can also deter sociopaths from infiltrating the subculture.

The Need for "Slightly Evil" Geeks:

While geeks may be reluctant to admit the importance of mops, they play a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of a subculture. To prevent sociopaths from ruining the subculture, geeks need to embrace a slightly evil mindset. This means learning and utilizing some of the sociopaths' tricks to capture more of the value they create. By doing so, geeks can protect their creations and become better at ejecting true sociopaths who only seek to exploit the cultural capital.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Maintain a healthy mop to geek ratio: It is essential to strike a balance between engaging mops and preventing them from overpowering the subculture. A ratio of around 6:1 ensures that mops provide more energy than they consume, without overwhelming the fanatics.
  • 2. Establish clear barriers to entry: To safeguard the subculture, create barriers that deter those who are not genuinely interested. This will help maintain a committed and passionate community while deterring sociopaths from infiltrating.
  • 3. Embrace a slightly evil mindset: Geeks need to learn from sociopaths and utilize their strategies to protect and capture the value they create. By being slightly evil, geeks can safeguard their subculture while ensuring its growth and success.

Conclusion:

Subcultures evolve from scenes where creators invent something new and exciting. Mops, the enthusiastic fans, contribute to the energy and financial support of the subculture. However, sociopaths often emerge, taking advantage of the creators and mops. By maintaining a healthy mop to geek ratio, establishing barriers to entry, and embracing a slightly evil mindset, geeks can protect their subculture and ensure its long-term success. Subcultures hold immense power and meaning for their members, and it is crucial to defend and nurture them against exploitative forces.

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