Who is Mark Dery and what are his primary professional roles?

Mark Dery is an American writer, lecturer, and cultural critic. He is recognized for his early observations and critiques of online culture, and for popularizing the term "culture jamming" and coining the term "Afrofuturism."

When and where was Mark Dery born?

Mark Dery was born on December 24, 1959, in Braintree, Massachusetts. This means he was 65 years old as of the information's implied date.

What is Mark Dery's nationality and ethnic background?

Mark Dery is an American national. His ancestry is described as Anglo-Irish-Scottish, with some distant French heritage.

What academic degree does Mark Dery hold, and from which institution?

Mark Dery holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, which he earned from Occidental College in 1982.

Where did Mark Dery grow up?

Mark Dery grew up in Chula Vista, California.

What significant terms is Mark Dery credited with popularizing or coining?

Mark Dery is credited with helping to popularize the term "culture jamming" and is generally recognized for coining the term "Afrofuturism."

In what context did Mark Dery coin the term "Afrofuturism"?

Mark Dery coined the term "Afrofuturism" in his essay titled "Black to the Future," which was published in the anthology *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*.

How does Mark Dery define Afrofuturism?

Mark Dery defines Afrofuturism as speculative fiction that addresses African-American themes and concerns within the context of 20th-century technoculture. More broadly, it refers to African-American cultural expressions that appropriate images of technology and a future enhanced by technological advancements.

What question did Mark Dery pose in his essay "Black to the Future"?

In his essay "Black to the Future," Mark Dery questioned why so few African-Americans were writing science fiction, a genre he felt was uniquely suited to exploring themes of the "Other" and the experiences of African-Americans.

Who did Mark Dery interview for his essay "Black to the Future"?

For his essay "Black to the Future," Mark Dery interviewed three prominent African-American thinkers: science fiction writer Samuel R. Delany, writer and musician Greg Tate, and cultural critic Tricia Rose.

What was the subject of Mark Dery's 1990 article in The New York Times?

Mark Dery's 1990 article in The New York Times was titled "The Merry Pranksters and the Art of the Hoax." This piece offered an early discussion in mainstream media about the practice of "cultural jamming" by a new generation of activists.

What is "culture jamming"?

Culture jamming is a tactic used by activists and artists to subvert mainstream media and consumer culture, often by altering advertisements or other cultural artifacts to convey critical messages. Mark Dery's work has helped to bring attention to this practice.

What is the subject of Mark Dery's essay "Cotton Candy Autopsy: Deconstructing Psycho Killer Clowns"?

The essay "Cotton Candy Autopsy: Deconstructing Psycho Killer Clowns," published in *The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium*, is Mark Dery's close reading and analysis of the "evil clown" meme prevalent in popular culture.

What is the title of Mark Dery's 2018 biography, and who is it about?

Mark Dery's 2018 biography is titled *Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey*. It focuses on the life and work of the artist and illustrator Edward Gorey.

What is significant about Mark Dery's biography of Edward Gorey?

*Born to Be Posthumous* is noted as the first biography of Edward Gorey. The book aims to place the artist's unique creations and eccentric life into a more personal context.

Where did Mark Dery teach media criticism and related subjects?

From 2001 to 2009, Mark Dery taught media criticism, literary journalism, and the essay in the Department of Journalism at New York University.

What academic distinction did Mark Dery hold at the University of California, Irvine?

In January 2000, Mark Dery was appointed as a Chancellor's Distinguished Fellow at the University of California, Irvine.

What role did Mark Dery have at the American Academy in Rome in 2009?

In the summer of 2009, Mark Dery served as a scholar in residence at the American Academy in Rome, Italy.

What specialized course did Mark Dery teach at Yale University in 2017?

In 2017, Mark Dery taught a course at Yale University titled "Dark Aesthetics." This course explored themes such as the Gothic, the Grotesque, the Uncanny, the Abject, and other transgressive aesthetics.

What are some of the major publications Mark Dery has written for?

Mark Dery has contributed to a wide array of publications, including major outlets like *The New York Times Magazine*, *The Atlantic Monthly*, *The Washington Post*, *Rolling Stone*, *Wired*, and *BoingBoing*, as well as more specialized journals like *Lingua Franca* and *Cabinet*.

What is the title of Mark Dery's 1996 book that explores cyberculture?

Mark Dery's 1996 book focusing on cyberculture is titled *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century*.

Which of Mark Dery's books have been translated into other languages?

Two of Mark Dery's books, *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century* and *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams*, have been translated into other languages.

What is the title of the anthology edited by Mark Dery that discusses cyberculture?

The anthology edited by Mark Dery, which delves into the discourse of cyberculture, is titled *Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture*. It was published in 1994 by Duke University Press.

What is the publication year and publisher for Mark Dery's essay collection *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts*?

*I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams* was published in 2012 by the University of Minnesota Press.

What is the title and publisher of Mark Dery's book *The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium*?

Mark Dery's book *The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium: American Culture on the Brink* was published by Grove Press in 1999.

What is the title and publisher of Mark Dery's biography of Edward Gorey?

Mark Dery's biography of Edward Gorey is titled *Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey*, and it was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2018.

What does the image caption "Portrait of cultural critic, essayist, and book author Mark Dery, 2018. Photo by C. Taylor Crothers." convey?

This image caption identifies the subject as Mark Dery, specifying his professional roles as a cultural critic, essayist, and book author. It also notes that the photograph was taken in 2018 by C. Taylor Crothers.

What does the image caption "Mark Dery talking at monochrom's Arse Elektronika 2007" describe?

The image caption describes Mark Dery participating in an event called monochrom's Arse Elektronika in 2007, where he was seen speaking.

What is the purpose of the "Authority control" section found in the article?

The "Authority control" section lists various databases (like ISNI, VIAF, GND, Library of Congress) that contain cataloged information about Mark Dery. This helps to uniquely identify him and link related resources across different systems, ensuring consistency and aiding research.

What specific areas of culture does Mark Dery frequently write about?

Mark Dery frequently writes about media and visual culture, with a particular emphasis on fringe elements of culture. He is also known for his work on cyberculture and the cultural effects of the digital age.

What is the significance of Mark Dery being an "early observer and critic of online culture"?

This designation suggests that Dery began analyzing and commenting on the internet, digital communities, and the societal changes brought about by online interactions relatively early in their development. His work contributed to the foundational understanding of cyberculture.

What does the phrase "speculative fiction" imply in Dery's definition of Afrofuturism?

Speculative fiction refers to genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror that explore imagined worlds and possibilities beyond current reality. In Dery's definition of Afrofuturism, it means using these fictional frameworks to examine African-American experiences and futures.

What does the mention of "transgressive aesthetics" in the context of his Yale course suggest about Dery's academic interests?

The mention of "transgressive aesthetics" indicates that Dery's academic interests extend to cultural expressions that challenge conventional norms or boundaries. His course explored themes like the Gothic, Grotesque, and Abject, which often push societal limits.

What does the term "drive-by essays" in the title *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams* suggest about the style of the essays?

The term "drive-by essays" might imply a writing style that is quick, observational, and potentially provocative, offering sharp insights or commentary on contemporary American culture, its anxieties, and aspirations.

What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link associated with Mark Dery?

The Wikimedia Commons link signifies that there are media files, such as images or videos, related to Mark Dery available on the Wikimedia Commons platform, which serves as a repository for free-use media.

What is the general focus of Mark Dery's writing career?

Mark Dery's writing career has focused on media and visual culture, particularly its fringe elements, and the cultural impacts of technology and the digital age. He is known for his critical analysis of contemporary society.

What is the significance of Mark Dery's contribution to the study of cyberculture?

Mark Dery is recognized as an early contributor to the study of cyberculture and the cultural effects of the digital age. His book *Escape Velocity* and his role in editing *Flame Wars* highlight his foundational work in this field.

What does the reference to Mark Dery's website, www.markdery.com, provide?

Mark Dery's website serves as his official online presence, likely offering information about his work, writings, lectures, and potentially a way for interested parties to connect with him or learn more about his projects.

What does the reference to Mark Dery teaching "Dark Aesthetics" at Yale University imply about his areas of expertise?

Teaching "Dark Aesthetics" at Yale suggests that Dery's expertise includes exploring unconventional or unsettling aspects of art and culture, such as the Gothic, the Grotesque, and the Uncanny, which often challenge traditional notions of beauty or normalcy.

What is the primary function of the ISBN numbers listed for Mark Dery's books?

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for books. Listing these numbers helps in precisely identifying specific editions of Mark Dery's published works and facilitates their acquisition or cataloging.

What is the significance of Mark Dery's work being cited in academic contexts, such as the reference to Lisa Yaszek's article?

Being cited in academic works, like Lisa Yaszek's article on Afrofuturism, indicates that Mark Dery's ideas and writings are considered influential and important within scholarly discussions, particularly in fields related to cultural criticism, media studies, and African-American studies.

What does the description "American journalist (born 1959)" in the short description indicate?

This short description provides a concise summary of Mark Dery's identity, stating he is an American journalist and giving his birth year as 1959, offering a quick overview for readers.

What does the mention of Mark Dery writing for publications like *Rolling Stone* and *BoingBoing* suggest about his audience?

Writing for both a mainstream music and culture magazine like *Rolling Stone* and a popular online hub for interesting and unusual things like *BoingBoing* suggests that Dery's work appeals to a broad audience interested in culture, technology, and counter-culture topics.

What is the overall impression of Mark Dery's career based on the provided text?

Mark Dery has had a multifaceted career as a writer, journalist, lecturer, and cultural critic, known for his insightful analysis of contemporary culture, particularly concerning technology, media, and marginalized or "fringe" aspects of society. He is recognized for coining influential terms like "Afrofuturism."

What does the reference to "media and visual culture" imply about Dery's focus?

This implies that Mark Dery's critical analysis often centers on how we consume and interpret information through various media forms, including visual elements like images, film, and digital content, and the cultural meanings derived from them.

What is the significance of Mark Dery's book *Escape Velocity* being published in 1996?

Published in 1996, *Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century* signifies Dery's early engagement with and analysis of the burgeoning cyberculture as the 20th century drew to a close, positioning him as a key commentator on the digital age's impact.

What does the phrase "American Dread, American Dreams" in the title of *I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts* suggest about the book's themes?

This phrase suggests that the essays within the collection explore the contrasting and often intertwined themes of anxiety, fear, and societal unease ("American Dread") alongside aspirations, hopes, and national ideals ("American Dreams") within the American cultural landscape.

What is the purpose of the external link to "J.G. Ballard's Pre-Posthumous Memoir"?

This external link points to an article written by Mark Dery discussing J.G. Ballard's memoir. It highlights Dery's engagement with literary criticism and biographical writing about significant cultural figures.

What does the reference to Dery's work being "widely reviewed" in relation to his Edward Gorey biography imply?

The fact that *Born to Be Posthumous* received widespread reviews indicates that the book garnered significant attention from critics and publications, suggesting it was a notable release and that Dery's work on Edward Gorey was considered important enough for extensive commentary.

Mark Dery Wiki: Mark Dery: Navigating the Digital Frontier and Cultural Shadows

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About Mark Dery

A Prolific Cultural Critic

Mark Dery, born December 24, 1959, is a distinguished American writer, lecturer, and cultural critic. He is recognized as an early and insightful observer of online culture, significantly contributing to the discourse surrounding digital phenomena. His work often delves into the more unconventional and fringe elements of culture, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.

Pioneer of Cyberculture Discourse

Dery played a pivotal role in popularizing the term "culture jamming," a form of activism that subverts mainstream media and consumer culture. More notably, he is widely credited with coining the term "Afrofuturism" in his seminal 1994 essay "Black to the Future," published in the anthology Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture. This term has since become a cornerstone in the study of Black speculative fiction and technoculture.

Diverse Media Presence

His critical analyses have graced a wide array of prominent publications, demonstrating the breadth of his influence and the accessibility of his writing. From mainstream outlets like The New York Times Magazine and Rolling Stone to niche platforms such as BoingBoing and Cabinet, Dery consistently engages with contemporary media and visual culture.

Early Life and Education

Formative Years

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mark Dery spent his formative years in Chula Vista, California. His intellectual journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental College, which he earned in 1982. His heritage, described as Anglo-Irish-Scottish with distant French ancestry, provides a rich tapestry that may subtly inform his explorations of cultural identity.

Academic Contributions

Shaping Future Critics

Dery has significantly contributed to academia through his teaching roles. From 2001 to 2009, he instructed courses in media criticism, literary journalism, and essay writing within the Department of Journalism at New York University. His academic engagement extends beyond NYU; he has held prestigious fellowships, including the Chancellor's Distinguished Fellow at the University of California, Irvine, in 2000, and a scholar-in-residence position at the American Academy in Rome in 2009.

Exploring Dark Aesthetics

In 2017, Dery brought his unique critical lens to Yale University, where he taught "Dark Aesthetics." This course explored transgressive aesthetic themes such as the Gothic, the Grotesque, the Uncanny, and the Abject, demonstrating his continued engagement with the more challenging and often overlooked aspects of culture and art.

Writing Career and Key Concepts

Cyberculture and the Digital Age

An early and influential voice in the study of cyberculture, Dery's writings critically examined the societal and cultural implications of the burgeoning digital age. His work, such as Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century (1996), provided profound insights into the evolving relationship between humanity and technology, exploring themes of virtual reality, online identity, and the future of communication.

Culture Jamming and Resistance

Dery's 1990 article "The Merry Pranksters and the Art of the Hoax" offered one of the first mainstream discussions of "cultural jamming." This practice involves disrupting and subverting established cultural norms and corporate messaging through creative, often satirical, interventions. It represents a form of media activism aimed at challenging dominant narratives and reclaiming public space for critical discourse.

Defining Afrofuturism

Perhaps Dery's most enduring contribution is the coining of the term "Afrofuturism." In his essay "Black to the Future" (1994), he posed a critical question about the underrepresentation of African Americans in science fiction. Through interviews with thinkers like Samuel R. Delany and Tricia Rose, he articulated Afrofuturism as "Speculative fiction that treats African-American themes and addresses African-American concerns in the context of twentieth-century technoculture—and, more generally, African-American signification that appropriates images of technology and a prosthetically enhanced future." This concept has since become a vital framework for understanding Black engagement with science fiction, technology, and the future.

Exploring the Grotesque

Dery's critical analysis extends to the darker, more unsettling aspects of culture. His essay "Cotton Candy Autopsy: Deconstructing Psycho Killer Clowns" delves into the cultural phenomenon of the "evil clown" meme, examining its roots in the grotesque and its resonance within American popular culture.

Notable Publications

Key Works

Mark Dery's body of work spans critical essays, anthologies, and monographs, offering deep dives into various facets of culture. His books are essential reading for understanding contemporary media, technology, and artistic expression.

Culture Jamming: Hacking, Slashing and Sniping in the Empire of Signs (1993)
Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture (Editor, 1994)
Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century (1996)
The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium: American Culture on the Brink (1999)
I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: Drive-By Essays on American Dread, American Dreams (2012)
Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey (2018)

Many of his works, including Escape Velocity and I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts, have been translated into multiple languages, underscoring their international significance.

Further Exploration

Connect and Discover

To delve deeper into Mark Dery's work and perspectives, explore the following resources:

Official Website: Visit www.markdery.com for comprehensive information and writings.
Wikimedia Commons: Access related media files at Commons Category: Mark Dery.
Selected Articles: Explore specific pieces like his essay on J.G. Ballard: "J.G. Ballard's Pre-Posthumous Memoir".

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References

Yaszek, Lisa. "Afrofuturism, Science Fiction, and the History of the Future". Socialism and Democracy, vol.20, no.3, November 2006, pp.41â42.

[1] "V2_Institute for Unstable Media." (Accessed December 20, 2013)

DeLaure, Marilyn, and Moritz Fink. "Introduction". In Culture Jamming: Activism and the Art of Cultural Resistance, edited by Marilyn DeLaure and Moritz Fink. NYU Press, 2017, p. 7.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mark Dery Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and polish the content, it may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This content is not professional advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for expert consultation in fields such as cultural criticism, media studies, or literary analysis. Readers should consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance and should not rely solely on the information provided on this website.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein.

Mark Dery: Navigating the Digital Frontier and Cultural Shadows

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About Mark Dery ℹ️

✍️ A Prolific Cultural Critic

🌐 Pioneer of Cyberculture Discourse

📰 Diverse Media Presence

Early Life and Education 📍

👶 Formative Years

Academic Contributions 🎓

🏛️ Shaping Future Critics

👻 Exploring Dark Aesthetics

Writing Career and Key Concepts ✍️

💻 Cyberculture and the Digital Age

💥 Culture Jamming and Resistance

🚀 Defining Afrofuturism

🤡 Exploring the Grotesque

Notable Publications 📚

📖 Key Works

Further Exploration 🔗

➡️ Connect and Discover

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Mark Dery

A Prolific Cultural Critic

Pioneer of Cyberculture Discourse

Diverse Media Presence

Early Life and Education

Formative Years

Academic Contributions

Shaping Future Critics

Exploring Dark Aesthetics

Writing Career and Key Concepts

Cyberculture and the Digital Age

Culture Jamming and Resistance

Defining Afrofuturism

Exploring the Grotesque

Notable Publications

Key Works

Further Exploration

Connect and Discover

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice