Mainstream 56150 222251196 2008-06-28T09:55:44Z 61x62x61 6975889 {{otheruses|Mainstream (disambiguation)}} {{Wiktionarypar|mainstream}} '''Mainstream''' is, generally, the common current of [[thought]] of the [[majority]]. It is a term most often applied in the [[The Arts|arts]] (i.e., music, literature, and performance). This includes: * something that is [[Normal (behavior)|ordinary or usual]]; * something that is familiar to the [[mass society|masses]]; * something that is available to the general public; * something that has ties to [[corporate]] or [[commercialism|commercial]] entities. As such, the mainstream includes all [[popular culture]], typically disseminated by [[mass media]]. The opposite of the mainstream are [[subculture]]s, [[counterculture]]s, [[cult following]]s, [[underground culture]]s and (in [[fiction]]) [[genre]]. Additionally, ''mainstream'' is sometimes a ''codeword'' used for an actual [[ethnocentric]] or [[hegemony|hegemonic]] [[subculture]] point of view, especially when delivered in a [[culture war speech]]. It is sometimes used as a pejorative term. In the [[United States]], [[Mainline (Protestant)|mainline]] churches are sometimes referred to synonymously as "mainstream."<ref>Caldwell, John. "Faith in school: as mainstream churches continue to wrestle with homosexuality, some religious colleges are taking an increasingly welcoming attitude toward gay students,", ''[[The Advocate]]'' Sept 2, 2003</ref><ref>Baer, Hans A. "Black Mainstream Churches; Emancipatory or Accommodative Responses to Racism and Social Stratification in American Society?" ''Review of Religious Research'' Vol. 30, No. 2 (Dec., 1988), pp. 162-176</ref> == In film == {{globalize}} '''Mainstream films''' can best be defined as commercial films that have a [[wide release]] and play in first run theatres (A [[movie theater]] that runs primarily mainstream film fare from the major film companies and distributors, during the initial release period of each film). Being sold at popular stores (such as [[Amazon.com]] or its affiliates), or more typically, at [[general store]]s (such as [[Wal-Mart]] and its affiliates) can also be an indicator. [[Hollywood]] movies are usually considered mainstream and [[Blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]]s are also mainstream films. The boundary is vague. Mainstream suggests middle-of-the-road and implies [[commercialism|commercial]] viability, sometimes implying that the commercial viability is tantamount to a loss of artistic creativity. The opposite of mainstream film may be [[experimental film]], [[art film]] or [[cult film]]. == In literature == In literature, particularly in [[literary criticism]], "mainstream" is used to designate traditional [[literary realism|realistic or mimetic fiction]], as opposed to [[genre fiction]]s such as [[science fiction]], [[romance novel]]s and [[crime fiction|mysteries]], as well as to [[experimental fiction]]. == In music ==<!-- This section is linked from [[Music of Bangladesh]] --> Mainstream music denotes music that is familiar and unthreatening to the masses, as for example [[popular music]], [[pop music]], [[middle of the road]] music, or [[soft rock]]; but it should be noted that older generations often dislike the mainstream taste of the youth, and may not agree as to what is or is not mainstream. Mainstream jazz is generally seen as an evolution of [[be-bop]], which was originally regarded as radical. Opposing mainstream music is the music of [[subculture]]s. This exists in virtually all genres of music and is found commonly in [[punk rock]], [[indie rock]], [[anti-folk]] and [[extreme metal]], among others. In the 1960s this music was exemplified by the music of the [[Hippie (counterculture)|hippie counterculture]]. In more recent years [[alternative rock]], such as the music of [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]], has managed to express musical [[nonconformity]] while still working within the confines of the mainstream [[music market]]. Punk rock has distinguished itself from other non-mainstream genres by self-asserting an active ''anti''-mainstream [[social movement]] that resists [[commercialism]] and [[corporation|corporate control]]. The [[punk subculture]] generally frowns upon [[major label]] bands that play punk music that disavows the [[DIY punk ethic]], and views them as synonymous with mainstream music. Punk has lent this stringent DIY [[ethic]] to the [[indie rock]] that surfaced in the early 1990s underground. Several anti-corporate and [[not-for-profit]] forms of alternative [[protest]] have surfaced in the punk underground, such as self-made publications know as [[zines]], where there is greater freedom to discuss controversial (usually [[far left]]) political issues such as [[bigotry]], [[LGBT community]] issues, [[feminism]], [[militant atheism]], and [[veganism]]. And though often viewed as a youthful expression of rebellion by the mainstream media, modern punk embodies a range of age groups who generally disagree with the perceived [[homogeneity]] of [[countercultural]] [[principal]]s and it is not uncommon for [[middle-age]]d people to form [[punk houses]] and [[resistance movement]]s in the face of what they view as the widespread, unfair exploitation of [[human rights|human]] and [[animal rights]]. This modern faction is dominantly voiced through the [[anarcho-punk]] and [[crust punk]] subcultures, in attempt to combat what is seen by those groups as a general [[devaluation]] of, and [[profitization]] from, life. == In sociology == {{main|Normal (behavior)}} Mainstream pressure, through actions such as [[peer pressure]], can force individuals to [[conformism|conform]] to the [[mores]] of the group (e.g., an [[obedience]] to the mandates of the [[peer group]]). Some have stated that they see mainstream as the antithesis of [[Individualism|individuality]]. == Gender mainstreaming == {{main|Gender mainstreaming}} The difference of male and female, in the sense that we are distinguished as inconformant. == Mainstreaming in education == {{main|Mainstreaming in education}} '''Mainstreaming in education''' is the practice of bringing students out of the isolation of [[special school]]s and into the “mainstream” of student life. Many students today attend regular schools first. If their needs cannot be met, then they would be moved to a special school. When mainstreaming started, [[special education]] is mandated in regular schools in order for students with special needs to adjust as quickly as possible to the mainstream of the school and community. Contrary to popular belief{{Fact|date=June 2008}}, students are not fully into the "mainstream" of student life because they are secluded to special education. On a happier note, [[Inclusive classroom|inclusive education]] includes all individuals in all aspects of school-life. However, the concept of an inclusive education is not universally accepted. ==References== <references /> [[Category:USA-centric]] [[Category:Popular culture]] [[Category:Sociology]] [[ast:Mainstream]] [[da:Mainstream]] [[de:Mainstream]] [[es:Mainstream]] [[fr:Mainstream]] [[it:Mainstream]] [[ka:მეინსტრიმი]] [[hu:Mainstream]] [[nl:Mainstream]] [[pl:Mainstream]] [[pt:Mainstream]] [[ru:Мейнстрим]] [[sr:Mejnstrim]] [[sv:Mainstream]] [[tr:Popüler]]