Opinion Piece- Cultural Canon: A Missed Connection with Teenagers’ Sub-Cultural Allure

The Swedish government’s recent proposal to establish a “cultural canon” reflects an earnest desire to preserve national identity, but it risks disconnecting with the very demographic it aims to engage — teenagers. In a world where sub-cultures dominate youth interests, the idea of a fixed cultural canon seems out of touch with the evolving tastes and inclinations of the younger generation. Let the generation of teenagers grow up in the naive idea of being punk, connected to a cultural heritage their boring parents would never understand. It should be every generations privilege to do so, since the most of us end up in the middle of the mainstream-culture as adults. 

Teenagers, by their nature, are rebellious and drawn to sub-cultures that reflect their own identities. Attempting to dictate what they should consider culturally significant is a precarious endeavor that might inadvertently stifle their natural inclination for self-expression. The concept of a cultural canon appears to be a parental or governmental attempt to shape and control what teenagers engage with, rather than understanding and embracing the organic evolution of youth culture. Labeling things as part of the canon will make people run from it on pure instinct!

The subjective nature of selecting works for a cultural canon is especially problematic when considering the diverse interests of teenagers. What resonates with one individual might not connect with another, and attempting to impose a singular set of cultural touchstones risks alienating those who don’t find themselves reflected in the prescribed list. It’s crucial to recognize that teenagers are navigating a world bursting with myriad sub-cultures that speak directly to their diverse experiences. This hard challenge will be lead by a historian named Lars Trägårdh. I’m glad it’s an historian and not someone with creative ambitions themselves, I must admit.

Cultural diversity and inclusivity are vital considerations when addressing the cultural tastes of teenagers. The proposed cultural canon may inadvertently exclude the vibrant voices that emerge from various sub-cultures, neglecting the richness that arises when diverse perspectives are celebrated. Rather than imposing a predetermined list, Sweden should be fostering an environment that encourages teenagers to explore and celebrate the sub-cultural expressions that resonate with their identities.

Moreover, a cultural canon could be seen as an attempt at censorship, stifling the creative spirit that thrives within sub-cultures. Teenagers, as natural rebels, are drawn to art that challenges norms and pushes boundaries. By prescribing what is culturally significant, there’s a risk of stifling the very essence of artistic expression that defines sub-cultures.

In essence, while the intention behind a cultural canon may be to preserve heritage, it runs the risk of missing the mark with teenagers who are naturally inclined towards sub-cultures. I think that rather than attempting to control their cultural experiences, a more effective approach would involve recognizing and celebrating the rich tapestry of sub-cultural expression that defines the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of youth culture. The mission should be to make art and classical music alive, a way of connecting to history and the broad spectrum of feeling and thought expressed in the works. How do you do that? Well, start with making free entry for teenagers at the art-museums. Bring the students to a concert, then make them write and talk about what touched them, how it made them feel. Teenagers are by nature selfish and emotional, it should not be so hard to create ways for them to connect with great art! The other way around is probably way harder, making adults connect with obscure subcultures or indie-bands. 

This is a litografi of the painting “Namnsdag på härbret” by Carl Larsson, painted 1895. He is a part of the cultural canon.