To narrow down the subject of my paper, I would like to study the St. Louis-area Dead Heads (fans of The Grateful Dead or jam bands in general). Though The Dead are no longer a touring band, many of their fans can be found following cover bands around the country, selling food or bracelets or even drugs at festivals to pay for fuel to drive to the next concert.
Dead Heads usually easily relate to one another, as they share the same passion for the music, and often similar philosophies. A Dead Head is likely to be proud that they are; some even display their loyalty to the group with Dead logos and symbols, and use insider language.
I am interested in the culture, because it is based on something deeper than just superficial appreciation of jam bands. Its had nearly forty years to become a unique, legacy of a community. I do feel a sort of connection to these people -- I've kind of become an outside-insider, as a number of my friends and aquaintences claim the title, and I've attended a few Dead-themed shows and festivals.
Most people who have encountered a self-proclaimed Dead Head will probably agree that they are not a dangerous people, as they usually are followers of the Grateful Dead's message of Peace and Togetherness. As for legality, the group itself is within the limits of the law, but the traditional custom of recreational drug-use is not.
I will have nearly unlimited access to the culture.
You want to think about filling the essay. I dont know but will these people have enough brain cells left to have enough to say for you to fill up an essay?
ReplyDeleteAre you going to be able to sway the audience into thinking that the band "Greatful Dead" has had enough impact to be a type of culture?
Aren't most true die hard dead head fans either dead, or your parents age? i would focus on itnerviewing the verterans!
What kind of insider language do the Dead Heads use? Who are the influentials in the group, besides the obvious ones? Do the Dead Heads participate in groupings like Shwagstock? How are you going to get a hold of these people?
ReplyDeleteI really like the background to your blog! And the design is awesome also. One suggestion I have is that you separate the posts from the 'about me' and stuff at the bottom.
I like your topic idea. The "Dead Heads" are a group of people I am somewhat familiar with but not comepletely because I did not really listen to them too much. I hope that you get alot of detail in this. This project could turn out to be a very colorful awesome project full of information that not alot of people will have known i can almost guarantee, including myself.
ReplyDeleteWhere do they meet? What do they believe?What happens if you are at an event and they are busted for drugs? (hopefully that won't happen, but I needed another question)It sounds like it could be an interesting project!
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