AUT Master of Creative Writing Thesis Exegesis - Scholarly ...

AUT Master of Creative Writing 2008
Shorty © Michael Botur 2009
simply because he distances himself from the immigrants, who work as
cleaners beneath him. Danny performs to affiliate himself with a
subculture of (impotent) socialism (‘hippiedom’) because ‘Through
performances, a set of perceived norms are referenced’ (Falconer &
Kingham 2007 p.182.) Danny variously restrains and indulges Prayag
and Jyoti to display his power. He is a hippie of hollow affirmation
because he realises he will ‘never be able to break down the real social
relations of capitalism’ (Stratton 1997 p.187 from The Subcultures
Reader.)
It was following WWII that there was ‘a shift from trade-based
occupations and manufacturing to a service economy’ (Stratton p.274)
enabling Danny to simultaneously proclaim the virtues of bluecollar
occupations while working in the service economy realm, which has been
a domain of females.
Danny asserts his kinship with Prayag, a male, through their
handshake and dialogue because ‘Identities are vulnerable and always
need to be (re)proven and (re)asserted’ (Holland J et al 1993) – because
Danny is insecure about working in a traditionally feminine receptionist
position and taking orders from a woman, he must assert himself.
One of the reasons for participation in subculture is ‘To get some
relief from the daily routine ie. Establish an alternate social identity’
(Holland, ibid.) Although ‘members of subcultures do not necessarily seek
to subvert norms’ – they may consider their action ‘normal practice,’
(Falconer p.186) – Danny is clearly posturing. He interprets being a
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