The Evolution of Subcultures and the Power of Social Reading

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Sep 22, 2023

4 min read

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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.

However, geeks also need sociopaths to help grow the subculture and capture more value. Sociopaths have the ability to monetize the cultural capital and make the subculture more than just a geeky hobby or a passing fad. Geeks can learn from sociopaths and use some of their tricks to protect their subculture while still benefiting from their expertise.

The Power of Social Reading:

In parallel to the evolution of subcultures, social reading plays a significant role in expanding one's understanding and fostering meaningful conversations within a community. Social reading encourages individuals to go beyond their personal biases and engage in respectful debates. It allows for the exploration of different interpretations and perspectives, leading to the generation of new ideas.

When individuals come together to discuss a book or a piece of work, they not only share their own thoughts but also gain insights from others. This collective approach to reading replaces biased thoughts and personal judgments with constructive new ideas. It encourages individuals to apply what they have learned and to remember the concepts for future discussions and growth.

Conclusion:

The evolution of subcultures and the power of social reading share common points. Both involve the interaction between different individuals, the exchange of ideas, and the expansion of knowledge. To foster the growth of a subculture, geeks must learn from sociopaths and find a balance between excluding and including mops. In the same vein, social reading allows individuals to think outside their comfort zones and engage in meaningful conversations that lead to personal and communal growth.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Foster a healthy ratio of mops to geeks in your subculture to maintain a sustainable level of energy and avoid burnout among dedicated fans.
  • 2. Embrace social reading by actively participating in book clubs or online discussions. Engage in respectful debates and be open to new perspectives.
  • 3. Learn from sociopaths by understanding their strategies and tricks, but be cautious in order to protect the integrity of your subculture.

By understanding the dynamics of subcultures and embracing the power of social reading, we can create thriving communities that foster creativity, growth, and meaningful interactions.

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