What is cool pose?

Cool Pose is a term used to describe the body language and mannerisms of individuals who are part of urban subcultures, particularly African American youth. It involves striking a confident, relaxed and defiant pose that conveys a sense of toughness and resistance against social oppression. The Cool Pose is characterized by a combination of nonverbal signals, such as a slightly slouched posture, a forward leaning stance, arms akimbo, and a distant or defiant gaze.

Cool Pose was first identified by researcher and cultural critic Richard Majors and Janet Mancini Billson in their 1992 book "Cool Pose: The Dilemma of Black Manhood in America." They argued that Cool Pose had developed as a survival mechanism for African American men in a society where they faced social marginalization and discrimination. The Cool Pose allowed them to project a sense of self-assurance in the face of adversity and to assert their masculinity in a world that often emasculated them.

Today, Cool Pose has become a global phenomenon that has influenced fashion, music, and popular culture. It is no longer limited to African American youth but has been adopted by other urban subcultures and youth in general. The Cool Pose continues to be a powerful expression of resistance and self-assertion, representing a way to channel negative experiences into a sense of pride and empowerment.