CAMP! The Story of the Attitude That Conquered the World by Paul Baker
Camp! The Story of the Attitude That Conquered the World is a 2023 book by Paul Baker. This text covers the history of the Camp aesthetic that is largely associated with gay men. Baker is an English Professor at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. Camp! is recommended for readers 18 years of age and older on account of its reading level and subject matter. Prospective readers should be aware that this book includes examples of pejoratives, homophobia, and transphobia language in relation to the topic of Camp.
By beginning his exploration of Camp with the reign of Louis XIV all the way up to the early 2020s with wisecracks from gay icon Jennifer Coolidge, readers are able to see the development of Camp alongside the historical moments that influenced the direction that the aesthetic would take. At first it is easy to simply dismiss Camp as frivolous and artificial because it is often used to garner laughs. However, as Baker illustrates, Camp can also be utilized as a tool to create change, foster unity with others, and encourage thought. It was these values that motivated some slaves during the Civil War to put on shows at plantations that snidely made fun of their captors. With the progression of time, different minority groups would employ Camp to push back at oppressive forces. It has been well documented that those in the Stonewall Riots—the event that launched the early Gay Rights Movement—formed a chorus line in an effort to stop the authorities from entering the bar.
Outside of these historical challenges, Camp entertainment has been a refuge at times for the queer community in search of opulence, humor, and the opportunity to relate to characters onscreen. The writer devotes a majority of his book to Camp on film and television. Most notably, he details the way that the 1939 adaption of The Wizard of Oz, a favorite with LGBTQ+ audiences, can be analyzed as a coming out story. From the late 1960s onward, Camp starts to present a darker side as a part of horror movies. For instance, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, released in 1985, has a gay subtext that coincided with the AIDS Epidemic. Moving into the ‘90s and 2000s, Baker takes note of Camp as a part of mainstream media, especially with the rise of reality TV. There isn’t a more apropos example of his claim that Camp has reached the masses than the theme of the 2019 Met Gala, “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” It is clear that what began as a means of expression for and between gay men will endure and evolve with society.
Overall, the writer’s examination of Camp is delightful, which can be attributed to his thoroughness of the topic and his use of personal anecdotes throughout the book. These anecdotes not only make readers chuckle, but they also illustrate how Camp can be incorporated into everyday life. Gay men, who often contend with the pressure to participate in sports, can relate to Baker’s lack of interest in physical activity as well as fishing. He also shows how Camp helped him find fellow gay friends. Although Baker devotes a majority of his initial chapters to British Camp, he makes a later effort to focus on the diversity that exists within Camp. This aim is exemplified by his discussion of telenovelas, lesbian comedy, K-pop, and Camp in the Black community. For those looking for an introduction to the Camp aesthetic that is as equally insightful as it is entertaining, Camp! by Paul Baker provides a worthwhile starting point.
Media can be a form of community interaction in the way that individuals can remain informed as to what is happening within their community. If you are questioning your identity, would like to discuss coming out, or need local LGBTQ+ resources, please contact the National LGBT Help Center through the support services listed below.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: 1-888-688-5428 (1-888-OUT-LGBT)
LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743 (1-800-246-PRIDE)
LGBT National Senior Hotline: 1-888-234-7243
You can also reach out online at www.LGBThotline.org/chat
