The Global Cultural Community of Stray Kids

Course Description

Summary

This class will focus on this particular moment in an interconnected world that is full of political, environmental and social challenges. Reflecting on one contemporary analysis, Gen Z in confronting these challenges is looking for 'radical authenticity". This term can be defined as  real, live, creative spaces of community that come together through the Arts, Entertainment and Sports. One of the these global communities of Gen Z is the fandom of "Stray Kids". There have always been through history the concept of an 'idol'. Examples in recent popular music history are the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift and Beyonce.   Mythic narratives are created around their personas and their fans. What is interesting about the Stray Kids global fandom called STAY are the communities themselves that cross almost every country globally, where personal lives are all intertwined with the public.Other KPop groups have the scope of these communities like BTS and Alteez, but Stray Kids have a particular narrative that resonates with growing up different in a challenging world.  The communication between this group and its community, through live performances globally, social media, youtube platforms and live streaming is one of creativity, the acceptance of difference, gender fluidity, 'follow your own path' and rebel when conformity is hurting yourself or others. Is there any connection to the ideals of the Bennington educational pedagogy? Is this a type of public action by Gen Z that could be harnessed politically and socially to strengthen democratic ideals? Are youth globally in a process of discovering new ways of being in this crazy world right now?  Forming communities that foster real connection and meaning whether local, national or global are very important and may lay out some paths moving forward. These are all topics that will be explored in this class.