1950년대 테디 보이(Teddy boys) 스타일의 모방 특성

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the origin of the “Teddy boys,” who were part of youth fashion and subculture in the 1950s, using RenéGirard’s mimetic desire theory as a framework. In addition, this study analyzes the meaning of the Teddy boy style, which combined Edwardian style with that of the American West, and reveals that strong needs and motives were behind the superficial image borrowed by participants in this subculture. The Teddy boy style was a subculture that emerged in the 1950s in working class young people in the United Kingdom. It gained momentum and the attention of young people who were leading social culture at the time . They revealed the country’s collective consciousness and formed their identity by borrowing the Edwardian look and the imitated attire of the upper class. After examining the Teddy boy style using RenéGirard’s mimetic desire theory, their imitation characteristics can be described as follows: First, the Teds (as they were also called) imitated the luxurious and ornamental Edwardian style as well as the luxury preference of the upper class. The metaphysical value they desired through the model was the right to luxury and, in turn, the comfort and happiness of material goods, luxurious tastes, the self-gratification that distinguishes it from others with luxurious tastes, and an affordable and stable quality of life. Second, they assumed the ideal imitating object, modified by incorporating the Edwardian look with the American Western look. The low status of the working class was economically and socially frustrating to the Teddy boys, and they needed new ideals to imitate. The object of the revised desire created by them was obtainable high social status, economic stability, and voluntary self-esteem as a cultural subject.