Cool: The Signs and Meanings of Adolescence

Mediacy Articles – Volume 18, No. 2

A Review by Barry Duncan

Cool: The Signs and Meanings of Adolescence
By Mark Danesi
University of Toronto Press, 1994

This book together with last year's TVO's Imprint special on Cool, narrated by dub poet Clifton Joseph, prompted me to do a brief unit on the phenomenon of "cool" with my students. Danesi, a University of Toronto professor, explores the history of teenager hood, the emergence and anatomy of coolness from Salinger's Catcher in the Rye to the white teen's appropriation of the attitude and style of hip hop culture. "The sum and substance of coolness is a self-conscious aplomb in overall behaviour. Nothing can upset a cool teen."

The TVO program on Cool interviewed writers, musicians and critics on the topic defining it primarily as adopting an attitude. There is a great deal of emphasis throughout on jazz. The program showcases musicians such as Billy Holiday, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis.

Teaching Suggestions

After some general discussion on the topic, we looked at some of Danesi's ideas, especially those in chapter two : "The Emergence of Coolness" followed by discussing excerpts from the TVO documentary. Some Key Questions:

Who or what do you consider cool?
Who in your school would qualify? Why?
Who or what is not cool?
Classify at least ten celebrities in terms of their "coolness".
How is coolness marketed in the media, from 90210 to GQ magazine?

Select three scenes from feature films where coolness is presented in a convincing way e.g. Heathers. Referring to several sources besides the class discussion, write a one page essay on "Perspectives on Cool".