Researching Subculture with reference to Dick Hebdige Subculture: The Unnatural Break

Researching Subculture with reference to Dick Hebdige Subculture: The Unnatural Break

Subculture is defined as a cultural group within a larger culture, often having beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger culture. Hebdige states "Subcultures represent 'noise': interference in the orderly sequence which leads from real events and phenomena to their representation in the media." Often with the emergence of a new subculture there is a "wave of hysteria in the press"1, thus contributing to ridicule by the public. The way this is usually controlled is through the conversion of subcultural symbols into mass produced objects. This could be seen very clearly in 2016, with the popularisation of the choker, a more commonly symbol of the gothic subculture. It is also seen through the high ratings of the US show Supernatural as the obsession with the supernatural is also a connotation of the gothic subculture.

The chapter in question mainly focuses on the emersion of the punk subculture. It does emphasise the manipulation by the media which is common in these events, such as "punk can be a family affair", in order to restore calm to a potentially explosive situation. Failing this the media appear to attempt to turn the public on the minority by referring to them as "a threat to the family". This then differs people from joining groups thus diminishing the threat to our societies structure.

The most obvious way to identify if someone is a part of a subculture is through their clothing. The punk style was described by Vivien Westwood as being "confrontation dressing", therefore suggesting that the aim was to appear aggressive. For first generation punks this was not the aim. The idea of "chaos" wasn’t to be violent, more to be different and a challenge to conformation. This was due to the time they began. This generation were the first to have no connection with war time Britain, as well as being the first 'teenagers' to have their own incomes, therefore it was an opportunity to challenge this countries ideals.

In conclusion, subcultures are variant, however the main are known for challenging the ideals of the larger community. Often these subcultures are looked down upon by the upper class, which is then reflected in the media, as they disturb the balance in society. Subcultures are a statement, a belief system, an image, which either hope to influence a change where they live, or are just a way for people with similar views which differ from those of the masses to gather and communicate.

1 Dick Hebdige Subculture chapter 29 pg 356