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Interpreting the psychological dynamics of ‘cool’
At one level, young people frequently use the word ‘cool’ to mean simply ‘yes’ or ‘OK’. But at another level, the desire to be cool, or even to look cool, has a big influence on hopes, imagination and behaviour. To be ‘uncool’ is dreaded – the ultimate social condemnation. It is at this deeper level that the meaning of cool has significance for young people’s search for identity. They divide the world up along the spectrum, one of which is ‘cool’ while the other end is the description, ‘it sucks’.
The notion of cool figures prominently in both ‘projective’ and ‘defensive’ identity functions for young people: it helps them project a desirable image of self; and it helps protect them from psychological harm, by distancing them from, or immunising them against hurts. Its psychological and sociological dynamics warrant detailed analysis. If cool identification has become one of the dominant motivating forces for young people, then understanding it is not only important for educators but for health agencies and all concerned with their upbringing. This section introduces some
Cool is a very tangible influence on adolescent thinking and behaviour, while at the same time difficult to pin down and analyse. However, acknowledging that it is socially constructed, communicated and marketed brings it out from the psychological shadows into the open where it can be identified and evaluated. Questions about the anatomy and function of cool, its history and commercial implications are pertinent to the spiritual and moral education of the young.
The Projective identity function of cool and its relation to targeted consumerism:
The image of cool applies to those who are perceived by peers as trendy and individualistic, while being laid back, somewhat emotionally detached and unflappable – a kind of undemonstrative distinctiveness. On the face of it, this seems like a tricky posture to...