What is Camp?

Camp is a term that has multiple meanings and can be used in different contexts. The word camp can refer to a temporary shelter or a place where people gather for recreational activities. However, in popular culture, camp is often used to describe a style or aesthetic that is exaggerated, theatrical, and over-the-top.

The Origins of Camp

The origins of camp can be traced back to the 18th century when it was used to describe the exaggerated style of French courtiers. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that camp became associated with popular culture. In the 1960s, Susan Sontag wrote an essay titled "Notes on 'Camp'," which helped to popularize the term. According to Sontag, camp is a sensibility that is "disengaged, depoliticized, or at least apolitical." It is a way of looking at the world that is ironic, playful, and subversive.

The Elements of Camp

There are several elements that are commonly associated with camp. These include:

1. Exaggeration: Camp is all about going over-the-top. It involves taking things to the extreme and pushing boundaries.
2. Irony: Camp often involves ironic twists and turns. It is a way of commenting on society and culture through humor and satire.
3. Playfulness: Camp is playful and fun. It is a way of celebrating the absurd and the ridiculous.
4. Subversion: Camp is often used to subvert mainstream culture and challenge societal norms.
5. Artifice: Camp is all about artifice and theatricality. It involves creating a world that is larger-than-life and fantastical.

Camp in Popular Culture

Camp has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has influenced everything from fashion to film to music. Some of the most famous examples of camp in popular culture include:

1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: This cult classic film is a prime example of camp. It features over-the-top performances, outrageous costumes, and a plot that is both absurd and subversive.
2. Drag Queens: Drag queens are often associated with camp. They use exaggerated makeup, costumes, and performances to create a larger-than-life persona.
3. Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga is known for her campy style and theatrical performances. She often uses irony and subversion to comment on societal norms and expectations.
4. Andy Warhol: Andy Warhol was a pioneer of camp in the art world. His work often featured everyday objects and celebrities, presented in a way that was both playful and subversive.
5. The Met Gala: The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Each year, the event has a different theme, and attendees are encouraged to dress in a way that is both extravagant and campy.

Conclusion

Camp is a style and sensibility that has had a significant impact on popular culture. It is all about exaggeration, irony, playfulness, subversion, and artifice. From drag queens to Lady Gaga to the Met Gala, camp has influenced everything from fashion to film to music. It is a way of celebrating the absurd and the ridiculous, and challenging societal norms and expectations.