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What is shocking in art, culture and politics

This post explores the concept of 'shocking' in the realms of art, culture, and politics. Drawing on a range of examples, it examines both how the notion of shock is constructed, and the various ways this can manifest in different forms. A number of advantages of a culture which is open to surprise and even outrage are highlighted, from the stimulation of creativity, to larger social and political gains. When done with sensitivity and intelligence, introducing shocks into the public narrative can lead to richer discussions, new ideas, and ultimately more meaningful progress in all areas of life.

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The French verb epater translates to “amaze” or “stun”. Under the shocking understand unusual, defiant behavior, which differs sharply from generally accepted norms of morality.

What does shocking person mean

Lady Gaga

Such a person constantly violates generally accepted norms of behavior with scandalous statements, non-standard clothes or hairstyle. It seems that in order to attract attention, a shocking person is ready to do anything. This causes discontent or public outrage..

Epatie features a mandatory element of the game that takes what is happening beyond everyday life..

Such behavior is characteristic of creative natures who seek to embody new original ideas and forms..

Manifestations of shocking in art and creativity

Outrageous in ballet

This style of behavior is especially pronounced in the modern, avant-garde, or postmodern styles. These areas of art aim to create the new through the demonstrative destruction of the former. Most artists shock the audience with their creative work..

Often, society calls their works evidence of the degradation of art..

Literature

Charles Bukowski and Henry Miller

Bright talented shockers recognized American authors Charles Bukowski and Henry Miller. They shocked the audience with actions, and in the novels they described their own life. In some European countries, individual works by these writers are prohibited..

art

Salvador Dali

The works of the surrealist Salvador Dali are full of unexpected scenes, but not only creativity brought him recognition. Ingenious or crazy Spaniard made personal life a work of art and outrageous.

The artist is famous for shocking exhibitions, unusual casual costumes, a public demonstration of non-standard love preferences..

Music

David bowie

World famous British composer David Bowie is called a “rock chameleon.” This title is provided by fifty years of successful creative experiments. The artist plays with styles, his own appearance, sexual orientation. Bowie is called one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, the innovator of most modern trends in rock music..

Unusual concert or casual costumes brought Bowie almost more fame than platinum albums.

Theater and Cinema

Filmmaker Lars von Trier

Danish film director Lars von Trier makes shocking films with violent scenes. His private life is no less extraordinary: alcoholism, ambiguous statements at public events, provoking a wide public outcry. Shocking Trier, not so provocative in his personal life, is manifested in all his works.

Films of the director regularly receive honorary awards, and leading actors become stars.

Fashion

Outrageous couturiers

In the field of high fashion, almost every designer is trying to break through the extraordinary. John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood remain brilliant masters of shocking, who blew up existing canons and created fundamentally new trends. Their modern followers, such as Alexander McQueen, use outrageous techniques more straightforwardly. An example of his defiant behavior is publicly taking off his pants at the final exit of one of the shows.

In everyday life

Outrageous women

People of all nations and ages are resorting to shocking today. A significant influence on the development of this trend is exerted by social networks, where everyone becomes the creator of his own image. Accounts are filled with pictures in colorful outfits with incompatible age makeup.

Everyday shocking is not limited to the original appearance: extravagant provocative acts and provocative behavior are filmed on video and uploaded to the server.

Appearance and hairstyle

Extraordinary men

Tools for shocking mass. Women dye their hair in acid colors, some braid African-American braids (dreadlocks), shave whiskey. Piercings, tattoos all over the body, tight-fitting leather clothes have long ceased to be the choice only of representatives of youth subcultures.

Behavior style

Man on the street

Outrageous personality strives to be always in sight, attracting attention. One of the tools to achieve the goal is behavior that provokes an emotional reaction. The actions of such people are on the verge of permissible or beyond.

Intentional violation of established rules of conduct in public places is the simplest example of shocking others in everyday life.

Outrageous as a PR move

Advertising United Colors of Beneton

Few things so easily attract attention to a person or a product, as a well-thought-out outrage. This tool is constantly resorted to by marketers during advertising campaigns, specialists in public relations.

Today, not a single big public figure or businessman can do without shocking acts or provocative statements..

In politics

Donald Trump and Vladimir Zhirinovsky

Donald Trump and Vladimir Zhirinovsky use a shocking political strategy. Their public statements almost always cause a mixed reaction and a wave of criticism from the public.

In show business

Sergey Zverev

Among the stars there are a lot of shocking figures that attract attention with scandalous antics and extravagant outfits. Madonna, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and many others cause delight or condemnation of the public not only by creativity.

In advertising

Racist or nationalist images, ambiguous slogans perfectly increase brand or brand recognition. These techniques of black PR are found in commercials of Tinkoff, Burger King, many well-known clothing manufacturers. Social advertising often contains elements of outrageous.

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Comments: 3
  1. Tatum

    is constantly evolving and subjective to individual interpretations. However, one question that often arises is: What boundaries should be pushed for the sake of creativity and expression, and where should we draw the line? How do you navigate the fine line between shock value and genuine artistic or political impact?

    Reply
  2. Giselle

    ?

    Reply
  3. Luna Kelly

    What are some examples of shocking elements in art, culture, and politics that have left a lasting impression on society? From controversial artworks to cultural practices or political events, please share your thoughts and insights.

    Reply
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