MTV has them, so does VH1. No, I’m not talking about music videos, I’m talking about Mooks. These are fictional characters that only exist in the character world of television. As described in the film “Merchants of Cool” these outlandish males perform outrageous stunts to capture the attention of adolescents. Once these young ones are enticed, their attraction to Mooks continues to grow. The concept of popularity shifts then from prep to whoever can get the most laughs.
The nature of the Mook manifests itself in stages in many men’s lives. Although it may not find its place in every man’s life, as it does appear, it often begins with a simple realization. That realization can be summed up in the below formula…
(M+R)/C=F
Essentially, this formula means, “Me acting ridiculous in a particular circumstance yields funny.” I experienced this during my middle school years. After discovering that ‘random’ was funny, I became a mild Mook of my own. I based my character off of those who I saw on television who were only fictional realities. For me, the formula looked like, “Phill wearing blaze orange on St. Patrick’s Day is funny.” Unconventional dress and behavior affirmed the Mook method of attention in my life.
The Mook continues to develop and find will eventually find itself as a common part of the American male. As it grows and shapes today’s youth, the ideal of the Mook will set the stage for humor in tomorrow’s media. It will also affect the nature of social interactions in all male settings. The role of the Mook will take precedent to the humor of yesterday. Limits will continue to be pushed until the edge of humor and ridiculousness is more defined.
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