SOCIAL CONTEXT- STRANGER THINGS Flashcards
1
Q
How is nostalgia for the 1980s part of the shows social context? How does this appeal to audiences?
A
- References to 80s pop culture= appeals to older audiences who lived through the era. Appeals to younger audiences who enjoy retro aesthetics.
- Nostalgia= Not just a stylistic choice but a social phenomena. In an age of uncertainity, audiences turn to the past for comfort. ST romantises the simplicity of surburban life.
2
Q
Is there any evidence that the show relies on references to 1980s pop culture to appeal to nostalgia?
A
- Speilbergian influence- Kids on bikes, supernatural presence in small town America.
- Representation of different social cliques like jocks, nerds and bullies (80s representations of american high schools/BreakfastClub)
3
Q
Intertextual refernences to movies include?
A
- E.T
- GOONIES
- STAND BY ME
4
Q
80’s musical influences include?
A
- THE CLASH
- KATE BUSH
- JOY DIVISION
5
Q
How is the resurgence of geek culture part of the shows social context?
A
- Dungeons & Dragons= represents the resurgence of geek culture in the 80s.
- Reflects societal fears of the ‘Satanic Panic’ associated with D&D.
- The centrality/ celebration of the outcasts. challenge dominate cultural narratives of the 80s, which glorified traditional hero archetypes/conformity.
6
Q
How is suburban America part of the social context of the show? Why?
A
-
Tight-knit, small town dynamics = reflect conservative family values, community ideals of 80s Suburbia.
*Underlying corruption and danger = critics the veneer of perfection that 80s suburban life projected.
7
Q
How is the nuclear family central to the social context of the show?
A
- The Wheelers represent nuclear American families idealised in Post-War society.
8
Q
How does the show critic the idea of perfect nuclear families?
A
- Representations of single-mother households, surrogate families,
- Reflect changing social norms of what consititutes as a family.
