‘Subcultures are meaning systems, modes of expression or lifestyles developed by groups in subordinate structural positions in response to dominant meaning systems, and which reflect their attempt to solve structural contradictions rising from the wider societal context.’ (Brake, in Tittley, 1999)
There are many Subcultures in our society, and they form through recognition of similar interests, music, rituals, and fashion, which are ‘different’ from the mainstream culture. These can include the Mod culture, which appeared in London in the late 1950s, where the Mods dressed in neat, stylish suits in respective colours and roamed around the cities in scooters; (Hebdige, 1979) and the Goth culture, which appeared in Britain in the late 1970s, where the Goths dressed in black and wore heavy black and white make up.
Other subcultures include Punks, Skinheads, Hippies, Teddy Boys, Surfers, Skaters, Bikers, Hip Hoppers, and many more. And these subcultures have their own unique ways of interacting and communicating with each other, whether it is through the style of dressing, or through an object or symbol that they share the same meaning of.
Subcultures have expanded their ways of interaction onto the Internet since the Internet became a useful tool for communication. Through blogs, members in subcultures can easily find other members and interact with each other within the blog community. With community blogs like We Are The Mods!, Mods interact with each other through the same shared meanings of their culture, where others who are not in the Mod culture may not understand. ‘People understand their experience through the meanings found in the symbols of their primary group.’ (Bal, 1995, in Littlejohn, 1998. Pp. 155) In the We Are The Mods! blog community, members post up entries about the next Mod gathering; their experiences at a Mod concert; or post up pictures of their latest purchase of their Mod outfit or pictures of scooters. All these features act as social objects and symbols that can be used to connect with other members in the same subculture.
Other features that act as social elements in subcultures include the same tastes in music, use of colors, and their display names or icons that show their characters of being a part of the culture. For members to communicate effectively with other members in the blog community, their choice of music, fashion, and interests are limited to those that are acceptable in the subculture.
The theory of shared meanings found in symbols is applicable for all subcultures, and can easily be distinguished through one’s blog, and through blog communities. Other subculture blog communities include communities like EW! Gothic, Yo HipHop!. Skinhead Nation, and Sk8ters.
References:
Tittley, M. 1999. Youth Subculture and the Commitment Level. Available: http://www.sonlifeafrica.com/model/subcult1.htm (accessed 15 October, 2004)
Hebdige, D. 1979. Subculture: The Meaning of Style, Routledge: London.
Littlejohn, S.W. 1998. Theories of Human Communication, 6th ed, Wadsworth: Belmont.
Links to Related Websites:
Jahsonic.com: Subcultures
LAI Kuan Jung 14:13, 18 Oct 2004 (EST)
