Generic Research - Youth Subculture Essay

Media Essay: Question 1 - To what extent does music affect subcultures in terms of the following; identity, resistance, class, race, gender, sexuality, politics, creativity and commodification?

= One can’t simply answer as a whole; to do so would mean each section is not analysed in enough detail to answer this question properly. Therefore, to answer this essay question, I will break each element down into its own specific section – in order to supply enough detail, and answer this question properly.

Firstly, the question implicitly posed ‘how does music affect subculture in terms of identity?’ Now, the various youth subcultures which exist today have developed as a result of a progression through different points in time. When one looks back at the decade which was considered to be the best in humanity’s existence in terms of music (that is, the 80’s) – it was very much clear what music a person was into by the way that they dressed. For example, the original subculture of ‘punks’ was an evident fragment of the effects of music in society; as they would dress in rather loud and lavish clothing – such as fish net gloves, long chains, and have Mohawks which were drowned in a rainbow of fluorescent colours. And later on this style of fashion which was once associated with punks then became adopted by a newly adapted subculture of ‘rock and roll’; which did actually exist vaguely in the 60’s as a result of the rise of ‘the Beatles’: and this specific culture varied dramatically (some even went to the extreme lengths of dressing all in black and beginning to experiment in sex and drugs). And ultimately I believe it was the older ways of youth subculture that help to define what makes someone a punk, mod, rocker or goth etc. One’s identity was established in the clearest way possible through this unique and often extravagant use of clothing; it became definite to see that a person walking down the street wearing large circular glasses, tie-dye flared trousers and a peace chain round their necks, whilst blasting out John Lennon’s “Imagine” ultimately belonged to the subculture of a hippie.

Another way in which music affects subculture in terms of identity is the behavioural influences music can have on a person: specifically in the term of stereotypes. A known stereotype of young people who belong to the category of ‘goths’ is that the music they listen to is quite frightening for parents to hear. The lyrics which enter their children’s ears – usually on full blast – is linked to violence and other such negative fields. Consecutively, in an age where suicide rates are reaching a rather scary high, this form of music doesn’t appear to be helping young people. Even though music is known to enhance a person’s mood, it can do this in both positive and negative ways – increasing happiness or joy, or depression and anger. So music affects subculture in terms of identity also as its content can change and enhance a person’s mood – to establish identity in either a positive or negative way light.

Following on from this, the next segment of the question asked ‘how does music affect subculture in terms of resistance?’ The immediate factor to consider here, is how closely this factor links to identity; because, truly, people use music as a way to ‘resist’ against others and assert loyalty to their chosen identity. And this chosen path really differs from normal society in previous years (when clothing highlighted identity). For example, a documentary on the BBC a few years ago discussed the rivalry between the two subcultures of mods and rockers. Between these two cultures was a clear separation; they dressed, acted and looked different – often clashing violently to assert the loyalty to their chosen subculture. However, research has also revealed that music affects resistance in terms of region. The subculture of mods are located in both the northern and southern areas of England. Despite belonging to the same subculture, it appears the two regions don’t consider themselves one and the same, as they dress differently so that they’re not associated with one another – and in verbal arguments, they’ll exaggerate their accents just to emphasise the regional differences between them. In addition, music affects the youth subculture of rockers and goths in terms of resistance particularly amongst teenagers. For teenagers who are rockers/goths, they listen to this music which is stereotypically laced with violent messages because they know it goes against all of their parents traditional values; they’re aware they’ll disapprove – which, in turn, causes resistance. And resistance can have negative impacts, often resulting in violent and criminal behaviour. Although there is an extreme example of political resistance which comes from an anchor-feminist band named ‘Pussy Riot’ – who, in 2012 made an active protest against the election of Vladimir Putin by performing a “punk prayer” in Moscow’s main Cathedral. This truly highlights the effects music can have on subculture in terms of resistance; as even the most extreme of scenarios can be formulated from the influence of music.

‘How does music affect subculture in terms of class?’ This factor of class can’t really be associated with subcultures and youth subcultures as a whole, because there are certain groups who aren’t affected by class; they strive to be different, and so, may purposely differ themselves from others in order to both resist what is seen as the norm and assert their own individual identities: highlighting once again how each of these factors link together as a whole. An example of this comes from the subculture of ‘indies’, who tend to wear rugged, vintage clothing which would associate them with a lower class. Another way in which music affects subculture in terms of class comes from the subculture of jazz music; when, in the early 20^th century, this genre was associated with those of a higher class due to their ability to be able to purchase records and go to concerts.

Next came a question concerning probably one of the most important factors of this question; race. In our society today, we are all different; multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, men and women etc. But ultimately, these factors which define and differentiate us the most are actually what are judged the most – which has resulted in discrimination – which comes in several forms; gender, sexuality, race. Such discrimination can also result in stereotypes (highlighting the theme of discrimination further). Therefore, a way in which music affects subcultures in terms of race is that, discriminatory stereotypes can exaggerate these differences. For example, rap music originated in West Africa, where musicians were telling stories rhythmically via the accompaniment of the beat of a drum. And it was this which became the epicentre of a subcultural explosion in America: in the form of rap. Yet rap music has become victim to the common stereotype – now being commonly associated with black Americans, whose music contains unoriginal lyrics that connote violence, drugs etc. As a result, this has seen the subculture of ‘rappers’ to receive a bad name. Whereas it is commonly known that many rappers have become some of the most influential musicians on Earth; including the likes of Eminem and Tupac. So really, when it comes to subcultures such as rap, it isn’t the music itself that has affected them in terms of race – but rather the associations surrounding music which are linked to such subcultures.

The next two factors to consider within this question are gender and sexuality– how does music affect these subcultures? Initially, when I think of my favourite artists, whether that be solo or bands, I smile and realise how much they have influenced and inspired me over the years. Because influence plays a vital role within the music that artists produce. Therefore, this can link once again to the idea of stereotypes. A young teenage girl, who’s growing up and going through puberty, may listen to artists such as Rihanna or Beyoncé; who, despite being two of the must ‘influential’ pop divas of their time, do actually have negative impacts on young girls through their lyrics. What I have found within these artists’ songs is lyrics laced with sexual messages: dating boys, and dressing/acting to please a boyfriend or husband. It appears that now, music which young girls stereotypically listen to is formulating this idea of male dominance and rather chauvinistic ideals – which is why I consider these things a negative aspect of the affect music has on subculture in terms of sexuality: which then has an affect on gender; sexuality and gender are very closely linked. However, music should not concoct these messages of sex and body image, and all these things which frankly have resulted in young girls feeling negative about themselves, and wanting to change so that they can look like Beyoncé and “please” boys. Ultimately, I think that the impact which music has had on youth subculture (and girls in particular) has come as a result of manufactured artists who have been plucked out by agencies and told what to write in their songs; moreover, I believe it is the media who have then gone on to exaggerate these factors, in order to ensure that it has an impact on the youth of today.

‘How does music affect subculture in terms of politics?’ Now this factor links closely back to the previous story concerning the band ‘Pussy Riot’ – who used music as a way to express their political views. However, there is more to this topic then extreme forms of active protest.
Music is powerful. As cheesy as this may sound to some people; for many, music supplies them with a voice. It is a way of communicating to society in a way that normal, everyday speech and conversations may not do. Music is art and poetry and symbolism (often containing either implicit or explicit messages – some of which can be very powerful). So really, a way in which music affects subculture in terms of politics is that, it can allow people to have a voice in order to present messages to people. Moreover, politics is a tricky issue: and many people will often feel that their voices and opinions are not really being heard by those in higher power. So, through the use of music, a person’s message can be spread across society and all over the world – on a large scale! Often spreading through social media sites; thereby meaning that politicians can’t avoid paying attention to these views. Such examples include John Lennon’s song “Imagine”, which is probably one of the most powerful songs of all time; with messages including that of world peace and equality. In addition, there is also the iconic “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson, discussing the issues of Global warming and the desperate need to protect our planet. Consecutively, a reoccurring song of several generations that has truly made a remarkable impact on a variety of subcultures is “Band Aid” – a song thought up by Bob Geldof – that has seen the likes of George Michael and Bono sing the original version; and current internet sensations such as YouTuber’s Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes even take part. And, as a result, people have felt inspired to make a change to the world, simply because they saw their idols come together and make a statement to the government, that things need to change.

When I noticed that this question asked “how does music affect subcultures in terms of creativity”, I was surprised; because music is creativity – the media is creativity. The best artists in the world (such as ‘Queen’, ‘David Bowie’, ‘Nirvana’ and ‘Take That’) are masters of creativity. Using their talent for singing and song writing they have ‘created’ some of the best songs of all time; “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Let’s Dance” and “Said It All”. Even more so, these songs have gone on to inspire generations – like Adam Lambert, who – when he auditioned for American Idol stated that he was inspired by ‘Queen’ to become a singer; then a few years later, he becomes the front man of Queen and is now touring the world with Brian May and Roger Taylor! Music, film, television – their all forms of art which come under the umbrella of the media. However, these really are only the positives of the affects music has on subcultural creativity. The media – who, unfortunately, manufacture modern-day artists – have now allowed music to symbolise all the wrong things; discrimination, drugs, sex, body image. All have had a negative impact in some way. Suicide rates in teenagers are increasing, more young people are ending up in a youth offenders institution; all because music has dissolved their creativity, and has allowed them to fall back on the activities that they hear within modern-day song lyrics.  

The immediate subculture to consider within the last factor of this question (commodification) has to be teenagers/young adults. In a society today where the government are now putting more and more pressure on children; all the way up until they leave university, has meant that education can be seen as consuming the lives of our generation today. If one looks at an A-Level student, they’ll see that they wake up early and commute to school. Work consistently hard all day – both during in lessons and mostly, during in frees – and then they will go home, possibly eat some food and then complete many homework assignments along with extra work/study. And, when all this has been completed, they’ll quite often find themselves with little time to relax. Thereby meaning, when the weekend comes, they’ll want to relax. However, at 16/17 years old they are usually expected to go out and earn some pocket money if they want to have fun.

Commodification means that goods are produced with the express aim of selling at a price and consequently, making a profit from the consumer. This idea can link back to class, and the assumption that it’s much easier for the member of a higher class to go out and buy CD’s and attend concerts.  Thereby meaning that, in an age where students don’t really have a chance to go out and earn a living whilst they stay in education, they can’t afford to go to concerts and consistently buy albums. So the affect that music has on subcultures in terms of commodification is that it makes it extremely hard for people (particularly young teenagers) to conform to the expectation of commodification.

In conclusion, the music industry and music itself affects each of these factors of subculture in various ways. However these are all so closely linked, that the affects on each subculture is very similar; the way music affects sexuality, is similar to the way it affects gender. And the way music affects politics, is linked to the way it affects resistance. So when we say to what extent music affects subculture in terms of each of the factors within the question – well the answer is a lot. Because the music industry is a major part of all our lives: it shapes our behaviour, actions, and everyday activities. Thereby resulting in the answer that music affects subcultures so largely, that it changes how we live our lives by influencing us to do and say certain things, and act in a particular way; just like how the ‘Pussy Riot’ were influenced through music to make a change politically. And ultimately, I believe that any person can probably recall a moment in their lives when music has had an impact, and caused us to make a change.