Alternative culture has always been an active part in media and oftentimes is shown as a unique form of self-expression. It is used as a creative outlet and there are lots of different groups like punk, goth, grunge and other niche groups within them. I feel it is very important to understand the plethora of groups who each have different ideologies, if you truly wish to be a part of that community.
Besides fashion and music, ideology is an important part of being alternative, and is an aspect which is often forgotten. An important belief that comes with almost all its communities is sustainable and ethical shopping. People tend to disregard this, however, and buy clothes off sites like SHEIN, even though many products are made unethically, using cheap labor and due to the poor material, it easily falls apart. To justify themselves, people often argue that it’s the cheapest option as if there aren’t other means to buy and save money. You can buy second-hand clothing or thrift and there are plenty of resale apps to buy on, like Depop or Poshmark. Buying clothing and resale doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive; you don’t need to buy from designer alternative brands when there are regular items that are just as good and can still help you keep up appearances. There is also the option of making your own clothes. Lots of communities are built upon the idea that DIY pieces should be a part of your wardrobe such as patches, vests, jewelry and other things. Even though that would take time and effort, upcycling or learning how to tailor pieces can be a good way to add some flair and uniqueness to your wardrobe.
Another important belief is the commitment to express yourself despite social norms. Oftentimes, people will claim that they want to be a part of a certain group yet they are too afraid of ridicule from peers or the judgment of others. This is something I have just personally never understood; why join a group whose main goal is to stand out if you don’t want to? If the people around you start to ridicule you for showing differences, then you should branch out and surround yourself with people you genuine with. Due to social media, it’s a lot easier to find people in your area that are in the same types of crowds as you. You can go to local shows and befriend people there. Sometimes there will be shows that pertain more to certain age groups and it will be easier for you to find people around your age. One of the upsides to being alternative in general is that you will always be surrounded by a welcoming community that won’t judge you for being you.
A final and very crucial part of being alternative is the music. Bands and artists are what brought about the birth of most of these groups and they are a very important part of the history. With the Bauhaus came the spread of the goth movement and the pioneering of the gothic rock sound. Later came Nirvana, which sparked grunge and the shaped alternative rock genres as well as establishing a new culture of more emotionally charged music. Without bands like these there would be no culture to be a part of because they are heavily based on the aspects that they brought. The music brings meaning to these styles and portrays the beliefs that each group has politically, emotionally or socially.
Due to social media and “aesthetics,” it has become a lot easier for people to see others who are a part of these groups and join solely because they want to fit a certain “look.” These people tend to disregard their true culture and ideology, which is just as or even more important than the rest of the stuff that comes with it, and if you don’t believe in that, then you shouldn’t claim to be in the community.
