The Category Is: Commodifications Uprooting of Ballroom Culture

Historical Context

• AIDS Crisis in the 1980s: Affected NYC greatly, especially within the LGBTQ community, which faced societal rejection.
• Ballroom Scene: Emerged as a safe space for queer and trans people, especially people of color, to express themselves freely.

Subculture Dynamics

• Defined: A subculture is a cultural group within a larger culture, often with beliefs at variance with the dominant culture.
• Characteristics: The ballroom scene was rich in traditions, argot, and community bonds.
• Family Structure: "Houses" formed, led by "mothers" like Pepper LaBeija, who provided guidance and a sense of belonging.

Balls and Cultural Expression

• Events: Balls featured competitions in dress, dancing, and modeling.
• Meritocracy: Winning trophies or presenting iconic looks gained status.
• Gender Expression: Provided a venue for trans women to express their true identities.

Commodification and Media Influence

• RuPaul's Drag Race: Premiered in 2009, bringing drag culture to mainstream audiences.
• Cultural Appropriation: Elements of ballroom culture were integrated without adequate acknowledgment (e.g., voguing challenges).
• Commercialization: Sponsorships (e.g., Absolut Vodka) illustrate commodification.

Impacts of Commodification

• Cultural Shifts: Ballroom culture's ideologies and aesthetics were appropriated for mass consumption.
• Exclusion of Trans Women: Early seasons of RuPaul's show excluded trans women, despite their foundational role.
• Franchise Expansion: The show has become a global franchise, focusing on image and social media presence.

Comparisons to Other Subcultures

• Rave vs. EDM Culture: Similar to ballroom's shift, rave culture transformed under commodification pressures.
• Emo Culture: Seen a similar commodification, leading to mass market appeal.

Conclusion

• Cultural Recognition: The mainstream audience can use ballroom-inspired argot without understanding its roots.
• Legacy of Ballroom Culture: Despite commodification, the foundational influence of ballroom on modern drag is undeniable.

References

• Paris is Burning: A documentary by Jennie Livingston capturing the 1980s ballroom scene.
• RuPaul’s Drag Race: A reality show that popularized drag culture globally.

Additional Reading

• Emily Lamison on Emo Culture
• Christopher T. Connor and Nathan Katz on EDM Culture

These notes provide an overview of the commodification of ballroom culture and its impact on modern drag culture, emphasizing the historical roots, cultural dynamics, and the transformation through media influence.