Media Studies

Media StudiesMarginalized Groups and Musical Subculture

What is Subculture?

In sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, a subculture is a group of people with a culture (whether distinct or hidden) which differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong.

Youth Subculture

Greasers, Punk Rockers, Hip Hop Movement

Originated from marginalized groups as a way of expressing themselves

Utilized media to form a culture differing from the dominant one.

Greasers and Rock ‘N Roll

1950’s Named for the “grease” they used in

their hair From low socio-economic

backgrounds Influenced language, dress, body

language Rock ‘n Roll-Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee

Lewis

Greasers and Rock ‘N Roll

Punk Rock and the 70’s

Started as a revival of greaser culture to counter the “softening of rock”

“Rock and roll by people who didn't have very much skills as musicians but still felt the need to express themselves through music”

Class values were shunned, embracement of lower social income “lifestyle”

Influenced fashion, social attitude The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash

Punk Rock and the 70’s

Hip Hop Culture

Originated in the South Bronx among Afro-Caribbean, Latin American and African Americans.

Initially was a way to express and “negotiate their experiences of marginalization, brutally truncated opportunity and oppression...”

Retains a strong cultural influence up until today.

Expresses freedom or oppression?

Hip Hop Culture

Influence on language Influence on clothing Moved away from an exclusively

“racial’ form of expression.

Subculture Meets Dominant Culture Dominant culture recognizing and

adopting a subculture leads to a “softening” of the culture to make it more “acceptable”

Looking for the Links

1. What are the similarities? (Themes, tone, mood, beat etc.)

2. What are some of the differences?3. What kind of values are being

portrayed?4. What kind of attitude towards

society is being shown?5. What kind of appeal did

marginalized people find in this music?

Assignment