New Perspective

In the past two weeks I've found our class discussions to be mentally stimulating on so many levels. Prior to taking this class I've never thought of individuals or even myself for that matter as part of a specific subculture . However, I now have a broader perspective of different subcultures and why they chose to dress and act in different ways. On the other hand, I seem to be having a little trouble defining "mainstream." I understand the actual definition but it seems to be something hard to visualize. If subcultures can affect the mainstream over the course of time then isn't mainstream itself is constantly changing? These issues aren't contemporary in nature and will follow the lives of every generation. These class discussions have become part of my everyday life now. For instance, tonight I watched the VMA's and felt as though a new generation of music and style has emerged. Additionally, I watched how specific iconic figures took these styles to a new extreme (Lady Gaga, Usher, Kanye West). I look forward to more in-depth conversations in class regarding past and present issues affecting youth subcultures.