Introduction
The Proof is in the Details
In the Information Age of the 21st century we are becoming increasingly mired in the minutiae of the lives of others , whether it matters or not . Most of us couldn ’ t care less what Paris Hilton wore to last night ’ s party , yet there she is — in full , living color — projected into our living rooms every night .
Of course , sometimes this “ social stuff ’ should matter ; one only has to look at some of the touchstone topics of our time : terrorism , violence in schools , and homosexuality . While these are hot issues in general , it is in the specifics where the real story lies , and it is the job of writers to translate and stimulate and make us look again , to tie it all together and make us care even about this minutiae .
This is especially true in the arena of popular culture studies . This stuff may , at times , seem to be minutiae , but it is important because popular culture is a reflection of social attitudes . When we open dialogue about sociocultural issues , there is hope for change . Along those lines we have a great issue to present to you here at the beginning of the new year .
In a Popular Culture Review first , “ Spectres of Fear : Jihadism as the Global Bogeyman ,” by Arthur Saniotis , discusses terrorism . While he offers evidence from Australian culture , he could be talking about any nation which has had to deal with terrorists in their midst .
Then there are two offerings on Goth subculture . This subculture in particular has received a bad reputation for inciting violence as it has been associated with alienated children shooting their schoolmates . First up is “ Goth and Industrial Cultures : Differential Interpretations ,” authored by David Lopez and Karith A . Meyers . The article is an excellent look at the Goth scene in general . Next , “ George Trakl and the Goth Band L ’ ame Immortal ,” by Gabriele Eckart and Kevin Stueve , offers a specific and thorough look at music produced in the name of Goth . Both articles make it clear that affiliation with Goths is not necessarily a symptom of a problem looming on the horizon . Involvement in the subculture is simply an avenue for self-expression along certain lines . It must be remembered that not long ago the metal band Iron Maiden was sued over lyrics which supposedly led to the suicide of a listener who specifically mentioned one of their songs ( which vocalized thoughts about suicide ) in his suicide note . For those who are disaffected , alienated , or generally out of touch with reality , any reason will do to justify one ’ s actions .
Next on the list of hot topics is homosexuality . Mel Sheesholtz (“ Out of Focus on the Family : A Response to Argument about Same Sex Marriage ”) gives us a most in-depth critique of Dr . James Dobson ’ s “ Eleven Arguments