Countercultures Modified From www hasdpa net215120729132129693lib Subcultures ppt

& Countercultures Modified From: www. hasdpa. net/215120729132129693/lib/. . . /Subcultures. ppt

After today… • You should be able to tell the difference between subcultures & countercultures • You should be able to identify the purpose of subcultures within dominant society • You should be able to identify the qualities of sub/countercultures

What is a subculture? • Any group that exists within dominant, mainstream culture…a world within a world – Shared ideology…values, norms, beliefs – Shared aesthetic…dress, pastimes, music, zines/blogs, etc – Shared vernacular…specialized language

Types of Subcultures • • Vocational subcultures Recreational subcultures Ethnic subcultures Lifestyle Subcultures

Job Jargon: Truck Driving • • • "Reefer". . . refrigerated trailer "Big Road". . Highway "Flip Flop". . . return trip "Chicken Coup". . . truck scales "Bear". . . Police "Back Door". . . Behind

Purpose of both sub and countercultures • Gives people a place where they are empowered • Connects likeminded people • Makes invisible people visible • Allows people to escape the identity they are born into • Gives people a place to construct identity

Furries

Otherkin • Subculture of people, primarily Internetbased, who identify in some way as other than human • Believe themselves to be mythological or legendary creatures, explaining their beliefs through reincarnation, having a nonhuman soul – Angels, demons, dragons, elves, extraterrestrials, fairies, kitsune, lycanthropes, and vampires

Bōsōzoku • “Violent running gang”; a Japanese subculture associated with motorcycle clubs and gangs. – First seen in the 1950 s as the Japanese automobile industry expanded rapidly. • Engage in dangerous or reckless driving, such as weaving in traffic, not wearing motorcycle helmets, and running red lights – composed of people under the legal adult age, (20 yrs old) – Weapons of choice: wooden swords, metal pipes and Molotov cocktails.

Sukeban • Sukeban --"suke" means female, while "ban" means boss in Japan; girl gangs • Wear sailor uniforms; pleated skirts that went down to their feet, and custom embroidery

Girls dress like their favorite manga, anime, or video-game character. Wamona, cyber, decora , or cosplay Harajuku district of Japan

Steampunk • Based on science fiction literature blended with Victorian Era culture… – Think H. G. Wells and Jules Verne – Clothing: gowns, corsets, petticoats and bustles; suits with vests, coats and spats; or militaryinspired garments.

Hipsters

LARPers • Participants physically act out their characters' actions as decided by the gamemaster – May last hours or days – May be in public or private – Most characters dress up and have alternative personas – Horror, zombie, fantasy, post apocalyptic, assassin, etc.

Trekkies

What is a counterculture? • A group who’s values and norms deviate from or are at odds with those of dominant culture: – Usually viewed as negative/dangerous, but not always (e. g. women’s lib groups in the 70 s or the Civil Rights movement of the 60 s) – Hippies, KKK, early punk, Satanists, Hells Angels/Pagans, Anarchists, Cults

Why do people join countercultures? • Members of countercultural groups are… – Usually outsiders – Alienated – Marginalized people with little power over their status in the world – Don’t fit the mold of what American cultures says is “normal”

Punk Subculture • Emerges in London and NYC in the 1970 s – Max’s Kansas City & CBGBs • Backlash against the hippy counterculture • Values: nihilistic, rejected materialism, anti -establishment

Hippies

What is a “cult”? • A group whose beliefs seem bizarre or abnormal • Can be religious or secular: • Modern cults include large group-awareness training, psychotherapy, business (pyramid schemes), political (militia), and "New Age" groups:

Cults in American Society • Some estimates suggest there are over 5000 cults in the U. S. (including militia groups, extremist religions, and new age sects) • The turn of the century rekindled interest and membership in cults. – Some estimates suggest upwards of 185, 000 converts per year to various cults

Problem with Defining “Cults” • One person’s cult is another’s religion • What is the difference between a “cult” and a “social movement”? • What is the difference between an “extremist group” and a “club”?

Cults: 8 Commonalities 1. Authoritarian: central leadership in one person or small group of individuals. 2. Oppositional: values, beliefs or practices at odds with dominant culture. 3. Exclusivistic: only the group has ''the truth, '' usually based on new insights or revelation. 4. Legalistic: a tightly structured framework which governs spirituality and the smallest details of daily life. 5. Subjective: undue emphasis on experience and emotions often resulting in anti-intellectualism. 6. Persecution-Conscious: the belief that their group is singled out for persecution. 7. Sanction-Oriented: stern sanctions issued for anything less than total obedience. 8. Esoteric: an emphasis on secret, hidden or inner truth.

Characteristics of People Who Join Cults • • A desire to belong Unassertiveness Gullibility (impaired capacity to question critically) Low tolerance for ambiguity Cultural disillusionment or alienation Idealism A lack of self-confidence A desire for spiritual meaning

Heaven’s Gate Cult • Founded by Marshall Applewhite AKA “Do”, and Bonnie Lu Truesdale AKA”Ti” • Mid 1970’s – West Coast • Beliefs – – – Aliens a “ Level Above” humans Earth was a “ Garden for Souls” Jesus was part of this. Applewhite was the same as Jesus Earth was being “Recycled” Comet Hale-Bopp was signal to leave

Star Trek reference All wearing the following: • Identical blue shirts and sweatpants • Nike Widerunners • Armbands reading “Heaven’s Gate Away Team” • Each had a $5 bill and 3 quarters in their pocket

Marshall Applewhite & Bonnie Lu Nettles Trusdale

Jim Jones: The People’s Temple • Founded in 1955 by Jim Jones • By 1959 = over 900 members (mid-70 s 3, 000) • Preached imminent end of the world in a nuclear war and that the survivors would create a “new socialist Eden” on earth • Would travel around the country performing fake healings and fund raising • San Francisco - police suspicion • Jones leases 4, 000 acres of land in Guyana

Jonestown Massacre • November 17, 1978: Congressman Leo Ryan goes to Guyana to investigate • November 18, 1978: Ryan attempts to help potential defectors – Temple guards open fire, kill Ryan, 3 journalists and one defector – Jones orders mass execution – Cyanide-laced, grape flavored Kool-Aid

Aftermath • 918 dead • 270 children • Greatest single loss of American civilian life before 9/11 • Only Congressman to ever be assassinated