Exploring the Dynamic Relationship Between Subculture and Global Culture
Subcultures have existed in various forms for centuries, providing a sense of identity and belonging to a group that shares similar interests, values, and beliefs. However, with the rise of globalisation, the boundaries that once separated subcultures from mainstream culture have become increasingly blurred, leading to a symbiotic relationship between these two domains. In this article, we will examine the dynamic relationship between subculture and global culture and explore how they influence each other.
What is Subculture?
Subculture can be defined as a group within a larger culture that shares specific characteristics that distinguish them from the mainstream culture. Subcultures can be based on various factors such as age, ethnicity, gender, hobbies, fashion, or music preferences. For example, the punk subculture emerged in the 1970s, and it was characterised by anti-establishment beliefs, rebelliousness, and loud music.
How Does Subculture Influence Global Culture?
One way subcultures influence global culture is through fashion and music trends. For example, the punk subculture has had a significant impact on fashion, with leather jackets, studded belts, and distressed jeans becoming mainstream fashion staples. Punks also had an impact on music, with punk rock bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash influencing the sound of rock music for generations to come.
Moreover, subcultures have contributed to the evolution of popular culture. For instance, hip-hop, which originated as a subculture in the African American and Latino communities in the Bronx in the 1970s, has become a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, dance, and even language. Hip-hop artists like Jay Z, Kanye West, and Eminem have become household names, and their impact is felt globally.
How Does Global Culture Influence Subcultures?
Global culture, also known as mainstream culture, can influence subcultures by providing a platform for them to reach a wider audience. Social media has played a significant role in this regard, allowing subcultures to gain visibility and connect with others globally.
For example, K-Pop, Korean pop music, has exploded in popularity globally in recent years, primarily due to social media platforms. K-Pop fans all over the world connect through social media, share their interests, and even create their subcultures within K-Pop fandoms.
Moreover, global culture has also influenced subcultures’ values and beliefs. For example, the rise of social justice movements globally has led to subcultures such as “woke” culture, which focuses on issues of social and racial justice, environmentalism and LGBTQ+ rights.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Subculture and Global Culture
Subcultures and global cultures are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they have a symbiotic relationship. Subcultures fuel the evolution and diversification of global culture, while global culture provides a platform for subcultures to connect and grow.
However, subculture must remain authentic and not merely become a commodified version of itself. For example, when subcultures become popular, they may lose some of their originality, values, and beliefs and become mainstream. The commodification of subculture can lead to cultural appropriation, exploitation, and even appropriation of the subculture’s aesthetics.
Conclusion
Subcultures and global cultures are interdependent, and they influence each other in various ways. This dynamic relationship has led to the diversification and evolution of popular culture. As we embrace the symbiotic relationship between subculture and global culture, we must ensure we do not commodify subcultures’ values, beliefs, and aesthetics. We must celebrate and learn from each other, creating a more diverse, inclusive, and globalised world.
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