For the most part, I find subcultures too constraining. The exact pressures of conformity and popularity found within the mainstream are also found within subcultures. There's the risk of being seen as a poser or casual participant. If you leave the mainstream to find belonging just to be rejected by a subculture, where does that leave you?
I like the idea of being influenced a little bit by multiple subcultures better. I like lots of different music and books and sports, and I like the ideals the cultures set forth of empowerment and questioning the power structures. I can't say that I do or have ever belonged to a specific subculture, because such membership involves a high level of dedication and commitment. The really interesting thing to me is that each subculture has it's own fairly rigid set of qualifiers. They may not be maleness, wealth, heterosexuality, Christianity, etc, but each subculture sets forth its own requirements for participation. To me, this plays into mainstream culture more that anyone would care to admit.
I still believe that the ideals of subcultures--finding community and belonging amongst a like-minded group of individuals--are good. I've just never felt such a strong draw to any singular culture to pledge involvement.
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