Subcultures and Countercultures

SubculturesPeople who specialize in some occupation

tend to develop a subculture- a world within the larger world of the dominant culture

Include any corner of life in which people's experiences lead them to have distinctive ways of looking at life or some aspect of itTeenagers, body builders, politicians, etc.

Some US ethnic groups also form subcultures

CountercultureThe values and norms of most

subcultures blend in with mainstream society

In some cases the group’s values and norms place it at odds with the dominant cultureCOUNTERCULTURE

EX: motorcycle enthusiasts v. motorcycle gangsEnthusiasts- emphasize personal freedom

and speed AND affirm cultural values of success through work or education-Subculture

Gangs (Hells Angels for example) stress freedom and speed but also value dirtiness, and contempt toward women, work and education- Counterculture

Counterculture continued

An assault on core values is always met with resistance.To affirm their own values,

members of the mainstream culture may ridicule, isolate or attack members of the counter cultureMormons for example were driven

out of several states before they finally settled in Utah

Redskins Hogettes

OriginsOctober 1983 when Michael Torbert,

founder of the group, went to a Halloween party at his grandmother's retirement home wearing one of her old dresses as a costume.

The costume was such a hit that he gathered a group of men who he "thought were tough enough to

go out in public in a dress." The group would go to children's

hospitals to cheer up sick children

Washington Redskins Hogettes

On November 27, 1983, the group attended their first Washington Redskins football game in full drag, but with the addition of pig snout masks in reference to The Hogs, the

nickname of the Redskins offensive line players

Values and NormsThe Hogettes value loyalty to

their favorite football team (Redskins) 3 members have been inducted

into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the VISA Hall of Fans.

PhilanthropyThey have raised over $100

million for charities such as Children's Miracle Network, Ronald McDonald House, and March of Dimes

IdentifiedBy their clothing:

women's dresses, garden party hats, and pig snouts

Their nicknames: all dealing with Hog, Pig, etc.Boss Hogette,

Grandpa Hogette, Big Georgette, Porkchop, Hog Ed

Interesting InfoHogettes have been guests on The

Tonight Show with Jay Leno and were featured in a VISA commercial

Interesting infoDespite generous philanthropy and

positive attitude in the stands, not everyone appreciates the Hogettes Longtime Washington Redskins owner Jack

Kent Cooke and Daniel Snyder—the current owner—both failed to embrace the Hogettes

The group has been called "incredibly obnoxious" and "annoying“

attacked in the infamous 700 Level atVeterans Stadium in Philadelphia by angry Philadelphia Eagles fans

Clearly their theme song would be……