Mainstream Culture Research Articles

Determinants of Middle Eastern immigrants’ entrepreneurial success in Australia

This paper presents findings on Middle Eastern immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia. The extent to which perceived discrimination and acculturation influence their social and psychological capital, and the effects of social and psychological capital on their firm performance, are explored. We found that such immigrants, who are highly acculturated to the mainstream culture, not only tend to have many social interactions outside their community but also possess strong psychological capital. Although perceived discrimination has been associated with low social involvement outside an immigrant community, we found that perceived discrimination does not exert a statistically significant effect on psychological capital. Importantly, both social and psychological capital are found to exert positive effects on firm performance. The findings have implications for enhancing the capacity of policy makers to provide high impact to immigrant entrepreneurs. Specific interventions are suggested to assist such entrepreneurs to leverage their social and psychological capital.

The Phenomenon of “the Other" in the context of the American Dream in American Proletarian Literature and Left-Wing Political Discourse of the 1920s and 30s

The global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic generated serious social upheavals, intensified the politicization of the literary process and awakens literary discourse, highlighting the “enduring reality" of national identity and social class. The proletarian literature of the USA of the 1920s and 30s and the left-wing political discourse of this period echoing it are a vivid example of understanding these issues in American society and in the life of the common man. This article aims to analyze and summarize the most fundamental aspects of American proletarian literature, as a phenomenon of the 1920s and 30s, and left-wing political discourse, shedding light on the relationship between two phenomena directly related to American identity – the "Other" and the "American Dream". The themes of identity and otherness in American history and literature of this period were critically analyzed using the example of historical documents, literary texts and theoretical studies. The novelty of the study lies in its synthesizing nature; the important aspects and patterns have been identified that combine a body of sources of various scales on the topic of the American Dream and the concept of the Other, relating to individuals or groups who are excluded from the idealized vision of success due to the existence of systemic obstacles to access to the same opportunities and results that the mainstream or dominant culture possesses. The results of the study open the way for further literary studies of the broader socio-political contexts that shaped the production and perception of proletarian literature, and their significance for the modern understanding of American society and the social challenges that it faces.

Disordering Dance: Foundations of an emerging neuroqueer choreography

The neurodivergent embodied psyche challenges dance to extend beyond neuronormative conventions. Considerations with how to securely hold divergent modes of thinking, feeling, learning, being and behaving within both the choreographic process and moment of performance are essential. As a choreographer with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD (with autistic traits) – alongside significant experience of exclusion and trauma from normative dance environments – this inquiry forms the basis of my practice and now the discussion of this article, as I articulate core foundations of my doctoral research and emergent neuroqueer choreographic aesthetic. Instead of focusing on how to support the neurodivergent bodymind in systems of exclusive dance practice, such an aesthetic seeks to radically resist neuronormative performance and creatively embrace neurodivergent embodiments and consciousnesses. This article adopts a critical stance of disordering to challenge taken-for-granted neuronormative assumptions and traditions of mainstream western dance culture. Concepts of neurodiversity are elucidated and practices of neuroqueering are introduced, whilst my own positionality of ‘neurodivergent outsider’ exposes neuronormative tensions within dominant western dance culture. Discussion unfolds that situates neurodivergent modes of mindbodily being through a choreographic lens, embodying neurodivergent-centred practices that support non-neuronormative wellbeing, identity and embodiment for both artist and audience in the present moment of dance performance.

The trend towards anti-capitalist dystopia in contemporary serials: Narrative analysis of the Korean tragedy Squid Game

Nowadays, the spectator lives surrounded by television series in which increasingly complex, depressing and denouncing themes proliferate. About this, the Netflix hit Squid Game (2021) is a clear representation of a mass culture increasingly virtuous in staging, as well as more horrifying, preachy and sensationalist. Based on the observation of the phenomenon that the series has meant, narrative content analysis has been carried out in which we have sought to find evidence of how mainstream culture continues to popularize and stylize audio-visual abjection in the context of the third golden age of television and the fascination with the plots of torture porn or postmodern cinema of cruelty. The results show that Squid Game is a faithful product of its time: as a current prestige series, it is dark, depressing, pessimistic and has an artistic aura without neglecting entertainment and explores human complexity in themes such as suicide, genocide and violence.

The Role of Popular Culture in social media on Millenniums’’ behaviors and social Identity

Popular culture is comprised of “mainstream” attitudes, beliefs, ideas, and images that are created by different media outlets ranging from print, television and the Internet. Popular culture is being greatly endorsed and promoted by the notion of globalization. Where it’s the idea that the world order is homogenous and harmonized. According to Hebdige, (2012) he defined popular culture as “a set of generally available artifacts: films, records, clothes, TV, programs, modes of transport, etc.” he argues that it is often known as market culture or mainstream culture. Due to the effect of Media globalization and popular culture, adolescents are being exposed – both negatively and positively- to numerous influential figures through radio, Internet, print media and television (Giles and Maltby 2003). At the peak of media globalization and with the rise of popular culture the phenomenon of celebrity culture has emerged (Gamson 1994; Holmes and Redmond 2006;).

Accessibility in Gaming

Abstract Steve Andrews CITP MBCS reflects on the place of gaming in mainstream culture, the social model of disability and how the industry is working towards improving accessible design.

Professionalism in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Consideration of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

Purpose: This tutorial aims to provide an in-depth discussion of professionalism in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) with consideration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Students, practitioners, and faculty in CSD are taught and held to expectations of professionalism. However, criteria for professionalism often do not fully consider diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Method: Relevant literature on professionalism and diversity, equity, and inclusion is reviewed and summarized. Case scenarios are also shared to provide examples of how these aspects are not currently considered in the discipline of CSD. Results: The current definitions of professionalism are vague and oftentimes exclude cultural differences. Because the majority of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association membership and leadership groups are from the mainstream culture, the definitions and attributes of professional norms have been influenced by mainstream culture. Conclusions: Recent publications on professionalism and professional behavior in medicine have discussed the impact of racialized professionalism norms on increasing diversity of medical students and trainees. It is imperative to resonate such issues in the CSD profession, because there is a growing number of students and practitioners from minority groups. This tutorial addresses how the discipline of CSD can reflect cultural responsiveness to the standards for students, practitioners, and faculty. Several solutions are suggested.

The Analysis and Inheritance of Chinese Grand Canal Culture from the View of Positive Psychology

The deep psychological connotation conveyed by the Chinese Grand Canal culture contains people’s explicit or potential positive qualities. Because of this inheritance, human beings not only maintain a kind of self-esteem in the fierce struggle for existence, but also play a dominant role in the social system composed of other life forms. It also enables human society to develop in a way that all things coexist in most cases. The connotation of Chinese Grand Canal culture at the psychological level coincides with people’s positive psychological pursuit. This paper explores the deep psychological causes and changes of Chinese Grand Canal culture from the subjective level, individual level and group level of positive psychology. By analyzing the positive psychological pursuit of Chinese Grand Canal culture and combining with the mainstream culture, the paper explores the inheritance and application of positive psychological perspective of Chinese Grand Canal culture.

The Application of Traditional Hmong Patterns in Contemporary Ceramic Designs

China's ethnic minority cultures, with thousands of years of historical past, have exceptionally rich and profound cultural values and material creations. However, given modern society's rapid industrialisation process, these indigenous cultures are frequently marginalization and fail to be widely absorbed into the global mainstream culture. Many traditional designs, decorations, and costumes are currently just emulating the ancient manner. Meanwhile, modern porcelain design emphasizes utilitarian use and the minimalist aesthetics of modernity. What novel sparks could be generated by merging China's distinct traditional cultural aspects with modern design concepts? Exploring how to inherit and innovate these traditions, as well as how to make the perfect integration of modern life and porcelain design, can not only play a unique role in our daily work and living environment, but also promote a deeper "dialogue" between porcelain and its users.

Autonomy, Resilience and Life Satisfaction among Badminton Paralympians.

People with disabilities are marginalised in mainstream culture and they also experience increased restrictions in a variety of areas, such as sport. The barriers they encounter may adversely affect their life satisfaction, especially if they have a low perceived sense of autonomy and resilience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between autonomy, resilience and life satisfaction in para-badminton athletes and the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between autonomy and life satisfaction. Data were collected from 137 para-badminton athletes (male: 65.0% and female: 35.0%). Self-reported measures were used to assess the participants' autonomy, resilience and life satisfaction levels. A structural equation model analysis was performed; the model had sufficient fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.06, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.07). The findings showed that autonomy had a significant effect on resilience (β = 0.32, P = 0.001). Further, resilience had a significant effect on life satisfaction (β = 0.19, P = 0.011) and significantly mediated the effect of autonomy on life satisfaction (β = 021, P = 0.033). This study revealed that autonomy fosters resilience among athletes, in turn allowing them to achieve greater life satisfaction. Therefore, society and sport communities should actively seek ways to improve the autonomy and resilience levels of athletes with disabilities.

Music-making facilitates acculturation and reduces acculturative stress: Evidence from a survey of migrants living in Germany

Beneficial effects of music on wellbeing and group cohesion are well established. Furthermore, participation in music groups has been shown to be associated with increased orientation to the host culture, while orientation to culture of origin appears to remain unaffected. In order to gain insight into the effects of music activities on acculturative stress in adult migrants, a group of musically active migrants to Germany ( n = 80) was compared with migrants who had never played a musical instrument ( n = 86). We saw that music group members ( n = 42) reported lower levels of acculturative stress and a stronger orientation to mainstream culture compared to participants who are not actively making music. The association between music group membership and acculturative stress was mediated by orientation to host culture. Solo-musicians ( n = 38) did not differ from group-musicians and musically non-active subjects. We found no differences in orientation to the culture of origin between the study groups. The findings suggest that (group) music making can support acculturation processes in migrants.

Virtual Idol Fan Culture: The "Third Space" of The Digital Age

Virtual idol fan groups have gradually integrated with mainstream culture from the initial subcultural tribes, and formed a mature virtual idol fan group regional chain. The fan group space it creates not only carries specific commercial purposes, but also is a social collective memory and imagination community. The fan group regards virtual idols as totems for gathering, and individuals with values and resonance play their respective roles in the fan group. The various spatial members in the group are worth exploring. This article analyzes the most popular virtual idols and discusses the universality of attraction aggregation maintenance in the fan group space. It also studies the dissemination logic of the spatial form of virtual idol fan groups in the internet era.

Gatekeeping the Gatekeepers: An Exploratory Study of Transformative Games Fandom & TikTok Algorithms

Within fandoms, gatekeeping practices such as delineating authentic from fake fans filter out certain identities. While the types of fans excluded vary by fandom, mainstream digital games culture–and the hegemonic, masculine groups within it–frequently leverage gatekeeping tactics like harassment to silence or churn others (i.e., women) from participating. While there has been considerable scholarship documenting gatekeeping in online digital games there has been less examination of this occurring within video game fandom. We conducted an exploratory study to investigate gatekeeping in response to TikTok videos about Call of Duty's masculine operator Ghost. We found more comments qualifying as celebratory fun than gatekeeping. We argue that social media spaces by virtue of their recommendation algorithms are productive sites for reimagining games counter to affirmational readings within relatively niche communities.

A spark of genius and a flash of madness: Nikola Tesla and his struggles with mental illness

IntroductionAn example of the unification of the contrast between artistic creativity and discipline of science, Nikola Tesla engineer and physicist, was also a prolific inventor that contributed to the transformation of modern society. Having resurfaced in the mainstream culture as a mythical figure, he appears to be enjoying a renaissance of posthumous recognition and praise. Throughaccounts available directly from his autobiography and descriptions offered by those who worked with him, the existence of the inventor´s eccentricities appear to reveal the existence of mental health disorder.ObjectivesThe authors explore Tesla and the psychopathology that accompanied him throughout his periods of brilliance and as well as hardship.MethodsThe authors conducted a brief non-structured narrative literature review. The keywords used during the research, alone or in combination, included: Nikola Tesla, psychopathology and mental illness. The works consulted included: news articles, autobiographies and biographies. Of these, those that were written in the English language and deemed most pertinent to the explored theme were chosen for review in this work.ResultsThe popular image of the mad scientist, which describes a brilliant but solitary and eccentric individual focused on their work is one that could be applied to Tesla. Documents reveal that he suffered a nervous breakdown, as well as having symptoms that point to a probably presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder, of which included counting and cleanliness rituals, exacerbated by chronic insomnia.ConclusionsThere appears to be anecdotal evidence pointing to an eventual relationship between creative genius and mental pathology. Although not formally evidenced through the scientific literature, exploring the life and accomplishments of Tesla serve as a significant example of a spark of genius perhaps ignited by mental illness. Tesla demonstrated suffering associated with his symptoms especially when considering the end of his life. At the time, adequate mental health interventions and treatments were not widely available, with his diagnosis probably being considered the quirks of genius and not the symptoms of disease.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Virtual Music Idol, the Chinese Leitkultur and the Making of the World’s First Virtual ‘Red Diva’

Luo Tianyi is currently the most popular virtual music idol in China, a product of the collective imagination of her fans. She has attracted many fans because of her cute image, her music works, and the space for imagination it brings to people. The development of virtual singers in China is deeply influenced by the Japanese ACGN (anime-comic-game-novel) culture. At first, most of Luo Tianyi's fans were fans of the Japanese virtual singer Hatsune Miku or other anime fandoms with a strong subcultural nature. However, in recent years, Luo Tianyi has gradually attracted the attention of the Chinese official media and gradually shifted from subculture to mainstream culture. As a result, it has not only had a significant impact on the Bilibili Site, the largest interactive Internet platform for teenagers in China but also interacted with the official media, thus becoming an extraordinary music idol.

Research on the Influence Mechanism of New Mainstream Films on the Cultural Identity of College Students in Western Universities

The role of new mainstream films in the dissemination of mainstream values has become more and more prominent in the context of new media, and college students, as one of the audiences of new mainstream films, also play an important role as the disseminators of mainstream culture. Using the grounded theory as a guide, 20 students from a university in the western region were selected as samples, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Nvivo12 Plus software was used to sort out and integrate the interview data, to refine the relevant concepts and categories, and to construct a model of the influence mechanism of new mainstream films on the cultural identities of students in western universities. The study finds that the evolution of new mainstream films on the cultural identity of college students in western universities can be divided into four stages: In terms of film dissemination: technological empowerment, promoting cultural waves; In terms of plot setting: rooted in reality, shaping positive cognition; In terms of cultural expression: subtle influence, enhance character cultivation; In terms of far-reaching impact: innovative expression, planting the seeds of culture. Grasping the internal logic of the mechanism is not only conducive to the dissemination of the mainstream value kernel of the film, but also to the cultivation of the socialist core values of young college students as well as the deeper cultural identity of the country.

Virtual Idol and Youth Identity: The Impact of Mainstream Culture on the Virtual Idol Online Fanbase Community in China

Virtual idols originated in Japan and are mainly composed of singing synthesizers, virtual reality technology, and ACG (anime-comics-games) cultural elements, which is a subcultural phenomenon. In recent years, the growing fanbase of virtual idols has attracted the attention of mainstream media and government in China. The state media in China have used virtual idols as a medium to promote mainstream culture to Chinese young people, and influence fans' youth identity by injecting mainstream culture into virtual idols' musical works, stage performances, and public opinion propaganda. This research will use a virtual ethnographic approach to explore the impact of the mainstreaming of virtual idols and their music on online fanbase communities. The study concludes that under the influence of mainstream culture, virtual idol subculture in China has gradually become mainstream, and its fanbase has also experienced a transformation from post-subcultural group identity to national identity. This study provides new insights into the musical phenomenon of the mainstreaming of virtual idols in China from the perspective of post-subculture theory and identity.

Spanish-Speaking Mothers' Experiences of School-Based Speech Therapy.

Spanish-speaking families are a growing population that speech-language pathologists must be prepared to work with. To provide culturally responsive intervention, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must understand the perspectives of Spanish-speaking caregivers when providing intervention. These values and experiences may differ from those of monolingual, mainstream culture. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these experiences is also important. In this qualitative study, we explore the experiences of Spanish-speaking mothers whose children have received school-based speech-language intervention and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We interviewed five Spanish-speaking mothers who were identified as having bilingual children who had or were currently receiving speech therapy, all through the public school system. The mothers participated in a semistructured interview to share their experiences with their children receiving intervention. We analyzed the transcripts through interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify salient themes among participants. All research team members reviewed and agreed upon themes to ensure credibility. The findings revealed six group experiential themes: (a) lack of services and frustration with and barriers to accessing services, (b) greater improvements in English compared with Spanish, (c) bilingual speech therapy has positive effects on children and Spanish-speaking mothers, (d) family involvement in speech therapy is highly important, (e) family stress related to speech difficulties, and (f) pandemic negatively impacted children's socialization and learning. The results are discussed in the context of equity. Through understanding the experiences of Spanish-speaking mothers, SLPs can work to ensure service levels comparable with those of monolingual children and support bilingual acquisition.

Reflection on the modernization of the traditional Tibetan civilization in The Dust Settles

This paper intends to synthesize the contents of previous studies, based on the text narrative and the modernity factors implied inside and outside the traditional Tibetan civilization, and explore how Alai used the practice of cross-language writing in Dust Settled to identify with the mainstream culture while opposing his gaze on the “other” of marginal culture construction, and to reflect on the modernization of traditional civilization in the process of individual to civilization.

Exploring the artistic dimensions of soils in the vadose zone

AbstractThe rise of industrialized agriculture, coupled with a global demographic shift toward urbanization, has marginalized every‐day connections between individuals and soils. This societal shift has led to a decline in the appreciation of and cultural identity with soils. Amid a broader movement aimed at fostering soil awareness and environmental action, many artists and designers have been instrumental in bringing soils to the cultural mainstream, figuring their esthetic, social, political, and ecological dimensions. Contemporary artists place great importance on the underlying idea of animating soils through artistic practice, often transcending the physical artifact itself to assign agency to soils and the myriad beings that occupy them. Artists harness a multitude of media to articulate human‐soil relationships. From the early environmental art movements of the 1960s and 1970s to contemporary works centered on urban and industrial brownfields, soils’ multifaceted roles in CO2 transformation, water and nutrient cycling, agriculture, and as living bodies buffering against pollution have become ground for public discourse. What could this mean for the vadose zone in terms of reflecting on material flows in porous media beyond understandings of soil physics? In this paper, we draw on over 20 years of experience in studying the portrayal of soil in various arts genres to deliberate the potential of creative thinking about and thinking with the vadose zone.