Thriller is a genre of fiction in which tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary heroes are pitted against villains determined to destroy them, their country, or the stability of the free world.
Part of the allure of thrillers comes from not only what their stories are about, but also how they are told. High stakes, non-stop action, plot twists that both surprise and excite, settings that are both vibrant and exotic, and an intense pace that never lets up until the adrenalin packed climax.

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Moral Panics & Hoodie Culture

Due to the main theme in my thriller opening being revolved around hoodie, or gang culture, I have decided to do a blog post into my research into it and the moral panics surrounding.

  •  Moral panics are an intense feeling of fear expressed by the whole population, an example of this would be the global warming scare or the fear of hooded teenagers and youth gangs.
  • These panics are normally heavily influenced by the media due to the fact that fear sells.
  • Moral panics are not new; these have been going on since the dark ages,  although fuled by religion rather then the media witch hunts are an example of a moral panic.
For further information click Here 

Hoodie culture ties strongly into the theme of moral panics due to the association of fear. Due the the medias constant feed on negative story's following hooded attackers and crime an association between the two has been created Aka, a moral panic.

The word "Hoodie" originated from hooded workers in the united states who wore hoods due to the freezing temperatures they endured working. However later became adopted by HipHop culture and became a garment associated with style.




Hoodie Culture In the Uk

In the UK hoodys have become commonly associated with crime, theft and anonymity due to it's use in thefts and  wide availability. They also act as a defense mechanism for the younger generation by creating fear  they avoid feeling undermined by there elders.

Points and facts revolving around the hoodie label
  • Angela McRobbie, professor of communications at Goldsmiths College in the UK, says the appeal of the hoodie is because of its promise of anonymity, mystery and anxiety. "The point of origin is obviously black American hip-hop culture, now thoroughly mainstream and a key part of the global economy.
  •  In July 2006, David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, made a speech suggesting that the hoodie was worn more for defensive than offensive purposes. The speech was referred to as "hug a hoodie" by the Labor Party.

    From this information it was possible for me to get a grasp on how society views hooded youths and therefore possible to  get a better grasp on the fear i was needing to create in my thriller opening.



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