Cool (African aesthetic): Difference between revisions
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Deeceevoice (talk | contribs) Cool as an AESTHETIC (what this article is about) is an African/African-American concept. Reworked. |
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| ⚫ | '''Cool''' is a complex [[aesthetic]] of motion and interval, of tension and tranquility, of juxtaposition and coexistence, that has its roots in various [[West Africa|West African]] cultures. The cool aesthetic permeates traditional West African cultures and [[African-American]] culture, as well — in [[Blacks|black]] artistic and [[African American music|musical]] expression, in the hitch in the "[[pimp]]" strut of urban black men, in dress, demeanor and speech. |
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The modern concept of '''Cool''' is a complex [[aesthetic]] indicating in both [[Standard English]] and [[popular culture]] to fashionability and composure in a person, especially in times of [[stress]]. Applied since [[1728]] to large sums of money to give emphasis to amount, in [[1825]] it was used meaning "calmly audacious." Slang use for "fashionable" began around [[1933]], in Black English, said to have been popularized in jazz circles by tenor saxophonist Lester Young. |
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The concept of "cool" in its original West African context, has a range of related meanings which have parallels in [[AAVE|African-American slang]]. One meaning it shares with [[Standard English]] is an absence of excitement in a person, especially in times of stress. However, in an African and African-American context, the concept of cool also encompasses a state of [[Wellness (alternative medicine)|wellness]], calm, general well-being; and harmony — an absence of [[conflict]]. |
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Over time, African American use of the term grew to include related meanings. "Cool" came to describe something "hip" (from the [[Wolof]] word "hipi," meaning to open one's eyes, to be aware), meaning fashionable and current. It also described something desirable, or aesthetically appealing, or something of sublime or understated elegance. |
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| ⚫ | "Coolness" often is associated with an element of arrogant self-awareness. In the context of a mutually reinforcing ethnic, cultural or social group, or [[clique]], being perceived as "uncool," "lame," or "wack" can be a source of [[embarrassment]] or shame and engender ostracism by the "cool" group. Shared standards of what is "cool" or "uncool" can help establish group identity and belonging, as well as define outsiders and outcasts. In this sense, such standards act as mechanisms of control and conformity. Likewise, outsiders may often deride the "cool" group as merely self-centered or conceited. |
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| ⚫ | The mainstream slang usage of 'cool' to mean “excellent" or "superlative” was first recorded in written English in the early [[1930s]]. Over time, other African-American uses of the word became assimilated into American vernacular English. In the [[1940s]] and [[1950s]], 'cool' became an integral part of the vocabulary of mainstream youth eager to embrace the language of their jazz-musician idols. Since then, the word has become ubiquitous in world [[popular culture]]. |
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| ⚫ | "Coolness" often is associated with an element of arrogant self-awareness. In the context of a mutually reinforcing ethnic, cultural or social group, or [[clique]], being perceived as "uncool," "lame," or "wack" can be a source of [[embarrassment]] or shame and engender ostracism by the "cool" group. Shared standards of what is "cool" or "uncool" can help establish group identity and belonging, as well as define outsiders and outcasts. In this sense, such standards act as mechanisms of control and conformity. Likewise, outsiders may often deride the "cool" group as merely self-centered or conceited. |
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| ⚫ | While slang terms are usually comprised of short-lived coinages and figures of speech, 'cool' is one of the more ubiquitous slang words in Western countries. It continues to be a very popular response in conversations, especially among young people, and is ranked number one on the Top Ten Word Lists of [[California]] Youthspeak in [[2003]]. Young people around the world use the term 'cool' to express peer group-related values and a connection to American pop culture. |
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| ⚫ | While slang terms are usually comprised of short-lived coinages and figures of speech, 'cool' is one of the more ubiquitous slang words in Western countries. It continues to be a very popular response in conversations, especially among young people, and is ranked number one on the Top Ten Word Lists of [[California]] Youthspeak in [[2003]]. Young people around the world use the term 'cool' to express peer group-related values and a connection to American pop culture. |
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In African-American Vernacular English, "cool" has other associated [[meaning]]s, as well. It can be used to communicate agreement or compliance, or an absence of [[conflict]]. It also can describe a state of calm or general well-being; something "[[hip]]", meaning current and desirable, or aesthetically appealing; or describe any intellectual, [[literature|literary]], material or [[music|musical]] expression of sublime or understated elegance. |
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See also: [[Cool]] |
See also: [[Cool]] |
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Revision as of 02:20, 18 June 2005
Cool is a complex aesthetic of motion and interval, of tension and tranquility, of juxtaposition and coexistence, that has its roots in various West African cultures. The cool aesthetic permeates traditional West African cultures and African-American culture, as well — in black artistic and musical expression, in the hitch in the "pimp" strut of urban black men, in dress, demeanor and speech.
The concept of "cool" in its original West African context, has a range of related meanings which have parallels in African-American slang. One meaning it shares with Standard English is an absence of excitement in a person, especially in times of stress. However, in an African and African-American context, the concept of cool also encompasses a state of wellness, calm, general well-being; and harmony — an absence of conflict.
Over time, African American use of the term grew to include related meanings. "Cool" came to describe something "hip" (from the Wolof word "hipi," meaning to open one's eyes, to be aware), meaning fashionable and current. It also described something desirable, or aesthetically appealing, or something of sublime or understated elegance.
The mainstream slang usage of 'cool' to mean “excellent" or "superlative” was first recorded in written English in the early 1930s. Over time, other African-American uses of the word became assimilated into American vernacular English. In the 1940s and 1950s, 'cool' became an integral part of the vocabulary of mainstream youth eager to embrace the language of their jazz-musician idols. Since then, the word has become ubiquitous in world popular culture.
"Coolness" often is associated with an element of arrogant self-awareness. In the context of a mutually reinforcing ethnic, cultural or social group, or clique, being perceived as "uncool," "lame," or "wack" can be a source of embarrassment or shame and engender ostracism by the "cool" group. Shared standards of what is "cool" or "uncool" can help establish group identity and belonging, as well as define outsiders and outcasts. In this sense, such standards act as mechanisms of control and conformity. Likewise, outsiders may often deride the "cool" group as merely self-centered or conceited.
In popular culture, "cool" also often describes someone or something which conforms to a set of social or moral values perceived as countercultural, i.e., which challenge the norms, mores, or values of a dominant group or prevailing regime.
While slang terms are usually comprised of short-lived coinages and figures of speech, 'cool' is one of the more ubiquitous slang words in Western countries. It continues to be a very popular response in conversations, especially among young people, and is ranked number one on the Top Ten Word Lists of California Youthspeak in 2003. Young people around the world use the term 'cool' to express peer group-related values and a connection to American pop culture.
See also: Cool
References
Lewis MacAdams, Birth of the Cool. Beat, Bebop and the American Avant-Garde, Free Press, 2001. The title of the book comes from Miles Davis's 1949-1950 jazz recording sessions. This is not intended as a scholarly work, and is reported to have many (relatively minor) inaccuracies.