We’re thinking of developing a series of articles around groups of Obsessives. At PSFK we really are fascinated with Obsessives, or groups of them, really fuel popular culture. In fact, what we assume as underground culture is actually culture created by Obsessives – culture that’s not on the mainstream radar yet. Their obsession attracts others to participate in their obsession and if and when enough people get involved (actively or as voyeurs), it spreads to the mainstream. Well, that’s the theory anyway.
So a question, for you readers… what Obsessives could we study and report on? Answers in the comments please.
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Piers, you should add sneaker obsessives to the list. I know a thing or two about that obsession…its a great example of how a small groups obsession/passion infected the masses. Skate and the streetwear industry are also good examples.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Definitely obsessives of serial television shows. I know people who are constantly trying to get me to watch shows like 24 and Veronica Mars and Lost (in which I caved and became one of them). Those that are obsessed with shows and plot lines write their own stories on websites and blogs and it becomes their biggest hobby trying to get others to watch and partake in their message boards, websites and viewing parties.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
obsession with Harry Potter – what makes grown ups to become a little magician fantatics? what makes mediocre literature so popular? do they deeply wish to get in touch with the lost childhood world of magic or is it hidden and subconscious dreams of becoming super heros and kicking ass of annoying boss and colleagues?
January 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
role play gaming obsession – ie. war craft. What drives millions of people to a destination that doesnt really exist, exchange electronic items and currency, etc.? Ultimately, these folks spend more time living an assumed identity/life than their own real-world, real-lives. What are they affraid of out there?
January 24th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Checkout the archives from the short-lived show, Totally Obsessed” on VH1, http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/totally_obsessed/episode_list.jhtml. It will give you good topics…
January 24th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
scrabble.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390632/
January 25th, 2008 at 5:44 am
makeup/beauty products, shoes, cookbooks/cooking, cranium, comic books…
January 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I think we could learn a lot about obsessives by studying:
Star Trek
Apple customers
Sports fans
January 25th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Ephemera Collectors
January 27th, 2008 at 11:34 am
The Haute Couture doc on BBC 4 was a nice example, check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih6SITik-40
January 28th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Railroad modellers…
we’re a very obsessive lot,
about specific railroads,
about particular loco’s
May 24th, 2008 at 4:39 am