The Origin Of "Cool": How Black Culture Embodies "Cool" & Influences Trends For Mainstream

Summary

In 'The Breakdown,' host Clarity explores the concept of 'coolness,' particularly its African American expression and its cultural significance. The show delves into the origins of cool, tracing it back to West African traditions emphasizing composure and nonchalance under pressure. It discusses how coolness has been a survival mechanism for African Americans, evolving from plantation life to a universal presence in entertainment, fashion, and beyond. Clarity highlights the innate nature of Black cool, contrasting it with mainstream interpretations that commodify it, and underscores its enduring influence on global culture.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ Coolness is an intangible human trait that has been globally associated with African Americans, reflecting a unique cultural brand of cool that has worldwide appeal.
• 👔 The concept of 'swag' is deeply ingrained in the way African Americans present themselves, from dressing stylishly to carrying oneself with a certain nonchalance and composure.
• 🌍 The origins of 'cool' can be traced back to Africa, where it is a reflection of ancestral presence and the way individuals stand and present themselves as part of their cultural heritage.
• 🎩 Historical figures like Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey exemplified the tradition of cool through their attire and demeanor, embodying a cultural standard of elegance and control.
• 🌊 The idea of coolness is linked to West African cultural concepts such as 'otutu' in Nigeria and 'effizi', which translate to 'cool' in English and are associated with composure and control under pressure.
• 🌿 The 'cool' trait is not just about appearance but is also tied to ceremony and the use of purifying elements like water and chalk, indicating a deeper cultural significance.
• 🌱 The African sense of cool has evolved into a critical mechanism for survival, enduring within Black America from the era of slavery to the present day.
• 🛑 The ability to maintain 'cool' under pressure is a survival trait that was necessary for enslaved Africans and has been passed down through generations.
• 🛍️ 'Cool' is an elusive quality that cannot be bought or sold; it is a part of the cultural identity of African Americans and is not a commodity to be marketed or commercialized.
• 🔍 Mainstream culture often misunderstands or tries to commodify the concept of 'cool', which is inherently tied to the lived experiences and cultural expressions of Black people.
• 🎭 The essence of 'cool' permeates every aspect of African American existence, from entertainment and fashion to politics and social interactions, and is a reflection of a deep-seated cultural identity.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the concept of 'coolness' and how it has evolved and been epitomized by African Americans throughout history.

Why does the host believe that African Americans are often seen as epitomizing 'cool'?

The host believes that African Americans epitomize 'cool' because it is a cultural trait that has been passed down through generations, rooted in African traditions and perfected over centuries by people of African descent in America.

What are some examples of African cultural concepts that relate to 'coolness'?

Examples of African cultural concepts related to 'coolness' include the Nigerian concepts of 'otutu' or 'effizi', which translate to 'cool' in English, and the Europa tradition's 'aitutu', which is associated with a level of mind and self-possession related to control over one's body.

How does the script suggest that 'coolness' has been a survival mechanism for African Americans?

The script suggests that 'coolness' has been a survival mechanism by allowing enslaved Africans and their descendants to maintain control over their own actions and reactions, even in situations where they had limited control over their own bodies and labor.

What role did 'coolness' play during the middle passage and plantation life?

'Coolness' played a critical role during the middle passage and plantation life as a way for enslaved Africans to maintain a sense of self and dignity, as well as a means to cope with the harsh realities of their situation.

How is 'coolness' expressed in modern African American culture?

'Coolness' in modern African American culture is expressed through various aspects such as fashion, music, and the way individuals carry themselves, reflecting an effortless approach to life that is innovative and captivating.

What is the difference between 'Blackcool' and mainstream 'cool' according to the script?

According to the script, 'Blackcool' is something that is lived and inherited, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, while mainstream 'cool' is often something that is bought and commercially driven, copying elements of black culture.

Why did corporate pop culture marketers in the early 80s employ 'cool finders'?

Corporate pop culture marketers employed 'cool finders' to keep their companies relevant by identifying and incorporating the latest trends from the streets into their branding and marketing strategies.

How does the script describe the African American's ability to stay 'cool' under pressure?

The script describes the African American's ability to stay 'cool' under pressure as a special brand of 'coolness' that comes from countless generations of refinement and is an expression of a culturally necessary personality trait.

What is the host's view on the future of African American 'coolness'?

The host believes that the influence of African American 'coolness' will continue to grow and flourish for years to come, leading popular culture around the world.

How does the host define 'swag' in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'swag' is defined as an effortless approach to life that is innovative, captivating, and deeply rooted in African American culture, something that is not borrowed but inherited.