The Wonderful World of Subcultures

by Sophie Parekh

There are so many subcultures in today’s society that I definitely need a guide, and this article is basically a rough guide to help you understand what people are talking about when they start going on about ‘Scene Kids’, for example.

It’s funny because most of these revolve around music, which is quite interesting really. I’m not trying to ‘label’ or ‘prejudge’ people, as the easily offended among you might think. This is my opinion. Also, I don’t know too much about this, but I’ve done my research and I’ll do my best.

 
Hipsters

Probably the most despised of all the subcultures because of the maddening Instagram feeds and constant remarks of ‘Urgh, that’s so mainstream!’

According to Urban Dictionary: “Definitions are too mainstream. Hipsters can't be defined because then they'd fit in a category, and thus be too mainstream.”

Music

Anything except the Top 40.

Clothes

Again, pretty much anything with mismatched patterns except Hollister and Abercrombie, but for some reason Jack Wills seems to make the cut. Charity shops are quite popular as well.

Culture

Hipsters have always existed (you know, those people who dress ever so slightly differently and like to rub it in your face) ever since the dawn of time. Like I said, no one else really likes the idea of being a ‘hipster’, so they tend to stay in packs.

 

Scene Kids

These are basically wannabe hipsters. Why you’d want to be a hipster, I don’t know. Also, they are more ‘scene’. Whatever that means…

Music

See: Hipster.

Clothes

Same as hipster although nerd glasses and ridiculous beanies seem to prove very popular. Also, weird hair and ‘vintage’ t-shirts are often worn.

Culture

Since there were hipsters, there have been scene kids. Again, they stay in packs, usually of about four.

Skater Girlz

Basically, they’re scene kids who own a skateboard, only less scene…

Music

Anything from pop-punk to rap metal.

Clothes

Those people you see down at the skatepark, in black hoodies sporting green hair.

Culture

Think Avril Lavigne

Metalheads

Ah, the humble metalhead. Likely to be seen head banging to meaningful random noises.

Music

All things metal,ie. death, black thrash, heavy, glam (which is apparently not for true metal heads) and progressive. Just to name a few of the 35ish genres. Also a wee bit of hardcore punk.

Clothes

Band t-shirts, ripped jeans and ski jackets.

Cultures

They’re pretty much normal people, except they appreciate metal (which not many people can do).


Goths

Everyone loves a goth.

Music

Usually some metal (death, thrash and heavy) but always goth rock.

Clothes

Black and studs. So many studs.

Culture

Goths only really started up as a noted subculture in the early 80’s. Goths are those shy people who like black. But they’re kind of like sea urchins. Spiky on the outside, and an acquired taste on the inside.

Emos

Happy, poetic goths pretty much.

 

Music
Emo and the heavier of the metal subgenres.

Clothes

Crazy hair, multiple piercings and neon. And a fair bit of black.

Culture

Emos tend to be less introverted than goths, but more depressing. Some enjoy writing poetry about road-kill.

 

Punks

The 70’s spawned many subcultures, I think punk is the most prolific, being the music of the people. Think of it as the anarchic hand holding the political fly swat.

Music

All the punk!!

Clothes

Leather jacket, dog collars, studs, Mohawks, you get the idea.

Culture

Johnny Rotten. Enough Said.

Folk Hippies

One step away form going to Stonehenge for the summer solstice.

Music

Country, folk, alternative, reggae, etc.

Clothes

Loose fitting, floaty, flowery. All things beginning with ‘F’.

Culture

Surprisingly old actually. It's just other people tend to leave them alone and let them get on with it.

 

So that concludes the rough guide to subcultures. I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour. I’ve probably missed out a load, but really don’t care because these are the only ones I’ve really ever come into contact with (!) I’m not sure whether I belong in any of these categories: its probably a mix, but I think that’s good.