Mainstream

It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page. (Discuss) Proposed since May 2013.

Mainstream is a term that refers to the common current of thought held by the majority, meaning that "mainstream" things are those that are currently popular with most people. What differentiates the term 'mainstream' from the term 'popular' is that, for something to become mainstream, it has to have gained a strong position in its market or field and is not expected to lose that position at any time. This includes:

• something that is ordinary or usual;
• something that is familiar to most people;
• something that is available to the general public;
• something that has ties to corporate or commercial entities.

Be careful with confusing the word 'mainstream' with the word 'popular' though, and take care not to use it in the wrong context because in modern day, young people usually use the term 'mainstream' to describe popular/popularized products that have been made solely for the purpose of making as much money as possible. These are often products made with, disregard for safety, poor quality, low-density, cheap, fast and in large quantities.

The 'mainstream' includes all popular culture but is not the same as popular culture. The term is sometimes used as a negative term. In the United States, Protestant denominations with a mix of conservative, moderate, and liberal theologies are sometimes referred to as 'mainstream.'^[1][2]

1. ↑ Caldwell, John (September 2, 2003). "Faith in school: as mainstream churches continue to wrestle with homosexuality, some religious colleges are taking an increasingly welcoming attitude toward gay students", The Advocate.
2. ↑ Baer, Hans A. (Dec 1988). "Black Mainstream Churches; Emancipatory or Accommodative Responses to Racism and Social Stratification in American Society?" Review of Religious Research 30 (2), pp. 162-76.