According to our book "Sociology Matters," a counterculture is: A subculture that conspicuously and deliberately opposes certain aspects of the larger culture.
Many may argue that there are countercultures in every day communities all over the world. People that individually go against the norms and do what is not expected of them. But, a counterculture is much more than that. A counterculture is a movement, a larger group of people that believe in the same ideas and take a stance not only politically but in many other aspects such as in pop-culture.
In the United States, there has been one instance in particular when a counterculture had a large influence on the way society changed and interacted with each other. In the mid-1960s there was a strong movement that is known today as the "Hippie Movement." During this movement many ideas were spread and had successes politically. For instance the effects the Hippie movement had on the Vietnam War. The effects of the Hippie movement can still be seen today, through its music and art, but my question is: "Is it still a counterculture when more and more people begin to follow?"
Today there is a movement that many may call a counterculture. In the latest years there has been an uprising in the Gay rights movement. Someone many people would consider a leader in the movement is Lady Gaga, to the extent that many of her fans and followers refer to her as Mother Monster. Lady Gaga and her "Born this Way" movement has been very controversial and "outspoken" with their beliefs, making them clear and concise to the public.
What I find interesting is that both the hippie group and the the up rise of the gay equality movement is that both cultures are basically fighting and wanting the same result: freedom to be themselves and peace, and both movements not only spread their ideas politically but in the pop world as well. But both are still considered to be going against the norm.
Lady Gaga's song "Born this Way" not only shares its idea in song, but her ideas have been spread in the political arena, with some success as well, with the disbanding of DADT (don't ask don't tell).
Above is Lady GAGA latest video, where you can clearly see how she purposely tries to stand out and give her stance on her ideas.
Anthony makes a very good point. If a counterculture starts to take a on a life or this instance a culture of its own is it still counter with as many followers it has. With many of the same beliefs and foundation that the once counter-productive hippie culture and the ever so talked about gay rights fight being based on it shows nothing changes in history, but the type of group leading the movement.
ReplyDeleteEach counterculture fights for the samething, which shows a lack in growth as a country. I believe that the disbandment of dadt is a great step for gay rights fighters and supporters. That's something that always hindered them and also with them feeling equally qualified for the right to die for the place they called home.
In today's society counter cultures, are becomig more and more acceptable. Wether or not this is a good thing has yet to be seen. however the willingness of people to do something different can be very beneficial for our society today. I for one believe that these changes are a positive and will lead to greater and better things.
ReplyDelete