Merchants of Cool [HW #29]

Since this assignment is already graded, I'll come back to it once I'm done with making up the other ones.

Informal Research: Internet, Magazines and TV Shows [HW #28]

CJS Online

Routledge, . "Freaks, Geeks, and Cool Kids: American Teenagers, Schools, and the Culture of Consumption.." CJS Online (2004): n. pag. Web. 21 Dec 2009. .

This is an online book review for Murray Milner's Freaks, Geeks, and Cool Kids: American Teenagers, Schools, and the Culture of Consumption. It sums up Miler's key points about how high school teenage lifestyles and consumer capitalism "are not inevitably linked, but they are mutually supportive and highly compatible with one another" and about teenagers acting cool in attempt to gain status, since high school is a hierarchy.

Miler makes the point that both coolness and capitalism feeds off of what it produces. Coolness depends on capitalism to provide its core and its signifiers. Capitalism depends on coolness to provide its products and revenue. I agree that they are intertwined, and that both of these are significant aspects in our lives. However, I think that to just focus in on teenage high school lives would be kind of ignorant. I think that our teenage years are the peak of our attempts of trying to be cool. Everyone, throughout their whole lives tries to be cool, but just in different forms. I think that by critiquing teenage lives, the author is separating himself from this category of: Fools who care about what others think, and tries extremely hard to become significant. But just him having a title like that for his web page contradicts him not trying.

What's Cool? (What's Hot? What's Not?)

Fenichel, Michael. "What is "Cool"? (What's Hot? What's Not?)." Dr. Michael Fenichel's Teaching Tools (2008): n. pag. Web. 21 Dec 2009. .

Michael Fenichel tries to explain the reasons of why we try to be cool. He says, "If we were "cool" with our parents, assuming we had parents of course, we usually felt pretty good as long as people were loving and caring for us." According to him, teenagers try to hold a spot in people's lives because we've held one in our parents lives, and because of our hormones.

I would agree with his point about us trying to expand our territory in people's lives. We've already conquered our parents' hearts, at least most or some of us. So our next step is to do the same with other people. I would add that, we start off planting our seeds during our teenage years (maybe even before). To those seeds, we are only remotely significant to them. But once something has developed into a boyfriend/girlfriend, we become even more important. And eventually, we become important to the kid(s), that is a product of the development of that initial seed. Kind of cheesy, but it's interesting how we usually feed off of the plants we grow.

NY Times: What's Cool Online? Teenagers Render Verdict

Bossman, Julie. "What's Cool Online? Teenagers Render Verdict." New York Times (2005): n. pag. Web. 21 Dec 2009. .

According to NY Times, customization is what's cool online. It allows for people to express themselves freely (through the limited options). Their online profiles, or designs in their example, can reflect on what they think is cool, or "who they are".

I think it's true that people would prefer to have a canvas in which they can paint on. Many people are looking to put their own tweak on things, and customization creates that availability. By having their own ideas on things, it's kind of like they're marking their territory. If they're the first one to have that design within that canvas, then they are original- they are authentic. And isn't being original part of being cool?

Informal Research: Interviews and Surveys [HW #27]

Stranger
It was just me and my homeboy,John Li. We were walking along third avenue, after being rejected on second avenue. Being all discouraged and stuff, we were talking about our plans to interview people from our internship- people that we know, kind of. It right after that discussion when we saw this one female from afar. She was short, relative to either one of us. She was also chubby, relative to either one of us. This female was just standing there, looking around. But I noticed the neon vest she had on, which indicated to me that she was just standing there, with a purpose.

As we walked crossed the street, getting closer and closer to this female, I was aware that my mouth was slightly opened, and my cheeks (on my face) were higher than usual. I began by telling her that we go to School of the Future (actually I said, "that school over there," and I pointed behind her. "School of the Future.") and were doing interviews for our cool unit. She nodded, and I took that as I sign that she was willing to be an interviewee.

When asked about what she thinks are some of the characteristics of a cool person, she responded by saying, "someone who is cool... His outfit, he has a unique outfit. Knows what he wants in life." John expanded by asking if there were certain stereotypes based on how people try to act cool. She responded: clothes are not representative of their personality. She said that she sees a lot of kids from the School of Visual Arts dressing gothic-like, but it doesn't mean that they worship the devil. She mentioned this point, three times.

I asked this person: why do you think people would try to be cool over being smart? She said "they just want to fit it." She emphasized on how people wanted to "belong" and seek for acceptance. I then asked: wouldn't a smart person contribute more to society than a cool person? She restated her point about people wanting to fit in.

We said our thank you's (mostly because she allowed us to get one of our interviews done). And we headed back towards the school, and reflected on what just happened in our lives.


John "nice SAT teacher" Ma
I wasn't sure if I would be comfortable in asking another stranger for an interview (mostly out of the fear of rejection), so I began to brainstorm a list of people I knew that I could interview. Being that this mental process took place on a Wednesday, I thought: I could interview my supervisor when I go to internship tomorrow. And so I went to my internship the very next day, which happens to be the school I went to for SAT prep. It turns out that he had something else to do, and didn't show up.

Moving onto plan B, I emailed him. After asking for asking for permission, and exchanging a few words of appreciation, I received this email:

"1. Why do you think people (specifically teens) have more aspiration to be "cool" than to be intelligent, even thought intelligence is what's going to contribute to society more?
Coolness is an attitude, a style, or rather a way of living. Intelligence is, i think, reasoning, problem solving skills, relating to people, setting and achiving objective, etc.. Both are very complex concepts, but they are not necessarily contradict each other. I think one can be both cool and intelligent.
if you think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, "Coolness" of teens satisfies lower level of needs, so it comes first.. intelligence satisfies higher level of needs, so it takes a few years (perhaps in college) for teens to realize that intelligence is the tool they need to reach higher goals.


2. Do you think trying to be cool is a distraction, or is all just part of life? If it's a distraction, what is it distracting us from? If it's just a part of life, do you think this is a good way of living?
I think being cool is just part of life. There are two kinds of cool : Cool with originality, or Cool by immitating others..
Cool with originality and creativity is a good way of living.
Although one pays prices for being cool.


3. Is it possible to be cool without trying to attain: attention, approval, attraction, and/or power? If so, how?
Yes, it's possible. A philosopher named Ludwig Wittgenstein, he went into the mountain and started a school to teach village children for many years. I thought that's cool. His dad was the richest man in Europe at that time."

I read it, and posted it on www.blogger.com


Sister (aka. my cousin)
Of course, even with that email I was still missing one more interview. I decided to ask my cousin. I first asked her through the phone. She agreed, and I told her I'd meet her at our grandma's house that night. That didn't happen until the night after. The interview didn't even happen during that night after. Nobody felt like recording.

The time finally came when I felt like recording the interview. We were sitting in a car, waiting to arrive at Chinatown, and what I recorded was:

Me: What does the word "cool" mean to you?

Sister: The weather. It's cold out.

Me: I meant in terms of your attitude.

Sister: Nonchalant. Cool people I know are relax. They have their own philosophies [I thought she said velocities] on life. Such as this one person I know. His name is Sherman.

Me: So you think he's original?

Sister: He is very original.

Me: Can you expand on how he's cool and original?

Sister: At the time, I was an uptight, college sophomore. And I met him in my Japanese class. After getting to know him, he taught me that I shouldn't hold everything so close to heart. As long as you do what is needed to be done. There is no use stressing over things that inevitable.

Me: I don't agree with that.

Sister: I'm not done....Because you're going to spend most of your time stressing rather than doing. And whatever gossip that he hears regarding him and bad attitudes regarding him, he confronts it with the same nonchalant and with an international hand gesture. He will not get angry or get violent. At that time, I was stressed by still adjusting to a new academic environment and situation in the household so his attitude was very refreshing. And I feel refreshing equals cool. HOLLA!!

The conversation took a pause. In a lame attempt to milk the interview for all it's worth, I asked if his fashion sense had an effect on his coolness. She said things pertaining to (I got too lazy to write down all her random thoughts word for word): guitar, bright clothing, being different from everyone in school, leopard printed book bag, tall, fobby, HK style (Hong Kong style), photographer, drinks alcohol).

Sister: Is that it?

Me: Yeah.

Big Fish in a Small (Koi) Pond [HW #26]

[Amanda "Gertrude" Yu]



What general patterns do you see in how "cool" people act or behave?
"Fun. Chill-axed. Different."

Who's the coolest person that you know?
"ME. LOL. i unno. everyones equally as cool. Kus like even if other people don't think that the buddies you hang out with is cool. Your their buddy and obviously you think they're cool kus you hang out with them."

Do you think it's important to have a mainstream view to be cool?
"I think im pretty special. Everyones special :-D"

Do you care about being cool? And what if someone called you a loser?
"Not really. Kus then you wont be cool. You'll be like everyone else. NON SPECIAL. coolios comes naturally ;-)"

":-( They'r delusional. I unno.. no one tells other peopel that they'r cool or not.. Its like a silent rule. Cool people dont call other people losers. they just call other people cool"


[Gai]



What are some characteristics of a cool person?
"Gotta talk the talk and walk the walk. Dont dress too much or too little."

Which one do you think is more important? the freshness or the attitude?
"I dont think it work if you dont have them both. But if i have to pick, i'll say the freshness" {Is there a reason that you'd pick that?} "Because everyone person consider "cool" have a different type of attitude."

Do you have any extra thoughts about "cool"?
"You have to stay cool wit things. Cant go OD and cant b carefree. Have control, but still flow with it."








[Gordon]



Would you consider yourself cool? Do you think others think you're cool?
"Of course, man. I always got people to chill with wherever I go. If I wasn't cool, would they really hang out with me? And plus, you think I'm cool. Or else you wouldn't be interviewing me, right?"


So do you think being popular is the same as being cool?
"I think there are some people are well-known cause they're assholes, but that doesn't mean they're cool. So no, but I think being cool also means that you are liked by many people."

How big of a role does being cool play in your life?
I'm not like constantly worrying about impressing people, or getting people to like me. Matter of fact, fuck what other people think. If they like me, then they like me. If they don't, then oh well. It's just like, if people think I'm cool, then great. If not, then whatever.

Story Comments and Analysis [HW #25]

PART I: COMMENTS

Comments for Gavin's Story:

As expected from John Galt. This story a...maybe not "alternative" but a less popular view on "cool." I think that if more people valued deep and meaningful conversations like your character (and you) over fresh kicks, our world will be way better, way smarter place to live in.

Your story was, of course, articulate. I don't really gotta talk about that for you or anybody else to be aware of that. Yeah...so...great story. I think this is definitely up there amongst the stories that people wrote for the PePo class.

Comments for Esther's Story:

I think it's very interesting how you highlighted the part of the day that we usually don't value, or even remember, in order to demonstrate coolness. Oh, I liked how you also highlighted those moments of "[pause]"s and deducing.

This story is very realistic. It doesn't create this fantasized extremely cool, or extremely lame person. He was normal. But I'm still uncertain about whether or not he's a cool person, or a lame-o, in your perspective. I'm guessing cool.

I like how you semi-incorporated the digital unit, and how like being trapped by these DRDs is part of being cool.

"Cool story" said the chinese kid to the pinay.

Comment for John's Story:

Hello, my name is Ryan and I like to skkaaaateboard.

It'd be pretty cool if this actually happened. It's definitely weird and different enough to be. Aside from the random outburst of juking, another aspect of coolness I got from your story was the need to keep up with the latest trend. In your case it would be the song choice of Thriller. I also saw how being cool means to break out of your roles. The students: supposed to be taking notes, but is instead now dancing. The teacher: supposed to keep order, but is now creating a new order.

Totally random story, but definitely cool.

Comment for Sandy's Story

Aye. You made some good points in your story. I think we constantly say stuff along the lines of: "Let's just walk and see where we end up" or "Pretty good, can't complain." We just say whatever that allows us to avoid the issue temporarily.

Based on the way that I read your story, I think that your idea of cool is having issues, but not letting that show. Like you're able to put up a front, but still understand your situation. Not quite sure though. She might also fit into the mystic coolness role.

I'm just as curious as anyone else about what actually happened. But I think that, contrary to what Julie and Gavin said, it would be better if you left it as it is. It leaves room for the reader's imagination. Maybe the readers can comment their own interpretations of what happened.

Anyways, nice story Sandy. It depicts our current situation quite accurately, but still gives it that twist.

Comment for Arden's Story

Hey,
I agree with Remy. At least, I thought your idea of cool would the sociable kid that slaps high fives to all his friends. But it turns out that the cool-cool kid is the one that doesn't give a crap about everyone else. In fact, quite the opposite of Dakota. Plus, in terms of coolness the name, Hawk totally pwns Dakota.

PART II: ANALYSIS

From the stories I've read, most of the cool characters shared an element of unexpectedness. In order for them to fit into the role of being cool, they'd have to break out of their other roles first. In John's story, Ryan was, at first, playing the role as the teenager, giving people pounds, and the role as the student, taking his notes. However, he was only able to achieve the cool rank when he broke out of those roles, and began to dance out of nowhere. The same goes for the person, who broke out of their role as "teacher."

In the act of breaking out of their daily roles, these cool people might actually just be trying to stand out. That is because cool is not really something you be, or become. It's something you're acknowledged as. So if other people don't notice you, it's near-impossible for you to be cool.

In all of these stories, no one really has a completely different life style. All of them revolve around the same dominant way of life, but they have their own little detours along the way. We add our own interpretations, that is a coalesce of past interpretations. Being that we were advised to write about teenagers, most of stories have teenagers in them, that are in school. Teenagers and school are directly intertwined. But we try to find chances during the in-between's and the on-the-side's to be cool. Our cool lifestyles never drift too far from the dominant AWOL. Regardless of how "different" we are, and as a result: how cool we are, we all still have the same cores. We all fit in, but perhaps not perfectly in.

Short Story [HW #24]

Look at that back- where's the structure? He clearly has no class.

He was just sitting there, next to the tree. Perhaps he is waiting for someone. No... well, whatever I gotta go home, gotta sign on AIM; people are waiting.

But look at him. What a loser. What is he even looking at? The clouds? What is there to look at? It's so plain, and gloomy. They don't really have one consistent shape. It's pretty dark, but not completely dark I guess. Looks kind of like... Hmm...Like the color of the Apple icon, and has the form of...Cousin Itt.

Oh! Owww. Stupid lady poked her umbrella into my eye. Eh, it doesn't hurt that much. "Ohhhh, owwww. My eye... It hurts! If only someone would watch where they were going..." Yeah, she probably heard that. Alright, onto home.

How did that guy reacting to this injustice of eye-poking? Did he not notice? He's still there, and still looking upwards. How long can you stare a clouds? Maybe, he's feeling the rain. What a loser.

The rain does feel nice.

Doesn't this guy have work? Doesn't he have school Doesn't he have a family? How does he have time to just sit there? Maybe he has a day off today. But still, he should have so many better things to do. If I had the time he had, I would already be level 100.

I wish I had the time that this guy has. I would be able to do some many other things than just sit in a classroom and listen to the teacher talk. It's not like they have anything good to say anyways. They're always so repetitive. I can't wait until I am free from school. I would finally be able to do what I want, and it's probably going to be more productive.

Oh look, I have the light. Time to go home.

Constructivist Exploration of Cool [HW #23]

Aside from the typical "to be cool means to be: different, original, popular, fresh, attention-grabbing, etc.", one thought that have come to my mind about being cool is that the older you get, the easier it is to be cool.

Being cool, of course plays a big role in teenage life, but it seems that its role slowly becomes less and less important. And since it plays such a big role, people just have this high standard of what being cool is. There are certain clothes you wear, have certain way of speech, hang out with certain types people, do certain activities, intake certain types of substances,etc. Of course, all of these varies based on the environment you are in. But it seems that regardless of what the specifics are, if you are older and you do any of those things, you will be instantly be called cool (by teenagers, of course). People have this mentality that old people are "lame" or "wack." So if they do anything remotely cool up to the teenage standards, then they are super-cool, because they are different and breaking out of their roles.

When we talk about coolness, a lot of people say that people are always trying to be cool. But I don't think being cool is what the people are so concerned about. Like people don't try to be cool for the sake of being cool. I think that people act "cool" or "different" because they want to get acknowledged. It goes back to how we are constantly trying to make meaning in our lives- reassuring ourselves that we are a significant being and that we really matter. If someone acts cool, and draws a lot of attention, then they are momentarily significant to the people who are noticing him/her, because that is their current focal point.

If there are cool people, then there are of course losers. Recently, I've noticed that the stigma of being a loser is not as great of an impact any more. Less people are being made fun of because they can keep up with the trend. It might be that I'm maturing and so are the people around me. It might also be that people are just becoming nicer and nicer. But I suspect that it also has to do with the whole cool act. People used to make fun of the losers and were considered cool. That is just what people did. But if everyone is mocking the loser, then the person that stands out would be the one that did the opposite- the person that accepted the loser and talked to him/her. Accepting the person for who they are, and talking to them when no one else will, are both very nice gestures. But if the person is, in fact, doing this because they want to stand out and be cool, then I'm not sure if that's even remotely nice. The "cool" person would be treating the "loser" as though he/she is a tool.