The Evolution of Subcultures and the Power of Social Reading

The Evolution of Subcultures and the Power of Social Reading

Introduction:
Subcultures are born out of scenes, where a small group of creators invents something new and exciting. These scenes attract not only fanatics, but also a larger group of fans known as mops. However, as the subculture evolves, sociopaths may infiltrate and exploit the cultural capital generated by the creators. In order to understand the dynamics of subcultures and foster their growth, geeks need to learn from sociopaths. Additionally, social reading plays a crucial role in expanding one's understanding and fostering meaningful conversations within a community. In this article, we will explore the commonalities between the evolution of subcultures and the power of social reading.

The Birth of a Subculture:
Before a subculture emerges, there is a scene where creators invent something new and exciting. This could be a musical genre, a religious sect, a film animation technique, or a political theory. The scene is initially composed of the creators and a small group of fanatics who are deeply invested in the New Thing. However, as the scene gains popularity, it attracts a larger group of fans known as mops. These mops are not as dedicated as the fanatics, but they contribute to the subculture in their own way and provide energy to the community.

The Role of Mops and Sociopaths:
Mops, unlike fanatics, relate to each other in more "normal" ways, which can be seen as a negative trait by the fanatics. They talk about mainstream topics like sports or celebrities during intermissions, rather than obsessing over the New Thing. However, mops play a crucial role in the subculture by generating social capital. They form numerous relationships, both strong ones among the geeks and weaker ones with the fanatics. These relationships help in expanding the reach and influence of the subculture.

On the other hand, sociopaths quickly befriend the creators and mimic their style and behavior. They become the coolest kids in the room and extract the cultural capital generated by the subculture. They may even contribute creatively, albeit not as innovatively as the creators. However, sociopaths can also ruin the subculture if they are not managed properly.

The Need for Sociopaths and Costly Barriers:
While geeks may be reluctant to admit mops into the subculture, it is necessary to maintain a healthy ratio of mops to geeks. The optimal ratio is around 6:1, where the mops provide more energy than they consume. However, a ratio above 10:1 becomes unworkable and can lead to burnout among the fanatics. Excluding or limiting mops can also serve as a strategy to exclude sociopaths, as they tend to exploit the mops.