Marginalized Groups and Musical 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. 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. 1950s 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 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 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? Influence on language Influence on clothing Moved away from an exclusively racial form of expression. Dominant culture recognizing and adopting a subculture leads to a softening of the culture to make it more acceptable 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?