What is mainstream? Today this word can often be heard on television, as well as in conversation with some people. However, not everyone knows about its true purpose. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what the mainstream is.
What is the mainstream
The mainstream is the predominant direction in any sphere (literary, musical, scientific, etc.) at a certain period of time. The term is often used as a designation of some well-known mass trends in art to contrast with the underground, non-mass, elite direction.
Initially, the mainstream was used only within the framework of literature and music, but later they began to be used in completely different areas. They exist for a certain period of time, and then they simply cease to be new, as a result of which they are no longer mainstream.
For example, at the beginning of the 21st century, pagers were considered mainstream because they were talked about everywhere and everywhere. At that time, they were one of the most popular means of communication.
However, after the appearance of mobile phones, pagers ceased to be considered mainstream, as they lost their relevance.
Today, selfies can be classified as mainstream, as many people continue to take pictures of themselves. But as soon as the fashion for “selfie” passes, it will cease to be mainstream.
Mainstream meaning of the word in slang
Not all young people fully understand the meaning of this term. Despite the fact that the mainstream is understood as any popular trend in culture, it can be considered synonymous with words such as routine or mediocrity.
Also, this can be called people who go with the flow and do not seek to stand out from the gray mass.
As a result, the expression "I am not dependent on the mainstream" can be understood as "I am not dependent on mediocre people who do not want to express themselves."
Mainstream good or bad
The positive features of the mainstream include the ability to merge with the crowd, finding a lot of like-minded people in one area or another. Nevertheless, the mainstream serves as a hand, for example, to marketers who use them for their own purposes.
By using the popularity of a product or service, marketers encourage people to spend money on it.
The disadvantages of the mainstream include the likelihood of "merging with the gray mass" and, as a result, losing their individuality. Thus, for some people, the mainstream can be presented on the positive side, and for others - on the negative side.
The modern mainstream is
Today, this term is usually used to demonstrate the contrast between popular culture and the underground, that is, any other non-mass phenomenon.
Nowadays, many people wear clothes, listen to music, read books and do other things, not because they like it, but because it is just fashionable.
If we touch on the topic of the Internet, then Instagram can be considered the mainstream. Today, hundreds of millions of people cannot live without this social network. At the same time, many people start accounts just to be in the “trend”.
Mainstream and underground
The meaning of the underground is opposed to the mainstream, since it means a phenomenon or a musical project that is popular only in narrow circles.
Although these two terms are essentially antonyms, they have a certain connection with each other. Mainstream music can be heard everywhere, including TV and radio.
The underground, on the contrary, is seen as an opposition to popular culture. For example, the work of some rock artists may not be broadcast on television and radio, but their songs will be popular in narrow circles.
Conclusion
In fact, the mainstream can be defined by the expression - "fashion movement", which interests many people and remains on the hearing. It cannot be categorized as good or bad.
Each person decides for himself whether he should “be like everyone else” or, on the contrary, not change his tastes and principles.
