Sub Culture: The Meaning Of Subculture

My first understanding of subculture is that it is considered as deviant, the anti-mainstream. Nothing more nothing less. Since it bears negative meaning, I mostly think subculture as troublesome. However, Hebdige’s discussion in his book Subculture: the Meaning of Style enriches and for the most part is able to provide a complete overview on what subcultures are. Hebdige’s final remark on subcultures is not quite different from the definition I have at the first place but he gives a more thorough and complete meaning which is derived from his observation and analysis of some subcultures in Britain. Interpreted as a form of resistance which is represented in style, this definition brings me to a familiar community in my hometown (in a small …show more content…
First, in my understanding, this community is no longer ‘private’ for it turns to be a ‘mainstream’. This goes back to the commodity form of subculture. Especially when media have taken part in this commodifying process. Once exclusive kind of music and community has turned to be the banal ‘rendered at once public property and profitable merchandise’ (96). When local band shifts from minor to major label, thing changes. They are seen to no longer have their ‘freedom’ and seem to lose their originality. The same situation applies to the community. When the music gains its popularity, it attracts more crowd. Such community is chosen not because the fans are into it but because it becomes mainstream, something cool identity to follow and adopt. They are only ‘rebel’ from their appearance not their spirit. Turned as a community which is close to alcohol, free sex, loud noise and wild concert (sometimes accompanied with some violence act), no wonder it is considered as troublesome. The spirit of resistance starts to fade away. On the other hand, its fast development also shows a good progress. In a way, they are able to solve some economy problem. Their being independent (both in their musicality and act) brings them to make their own outfit (which is different and suits their taste). Some of them open clothing shops which mostly provide outfit for their community members. This includes the production which means that they made the outfit themselves. They also have their own label, recording studio and even publishing house for they have fanzine. Such subculture proves to be more than just annoyance, they actually manifest a different identity and subversion into their style and practices in a positive