Different Subculture

Introduction Sociology is the study of different societies. The goal of this field of study is social welfare and it can be at a personal level or at a systems level. Nowadays, sociology is molded through many channels including the internet, law, health class, religion, and military among many other disciplines.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Different Subculture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A subculture is a group of individuals characterized by different norms and values that is unique to the rest of the broader society it constitutes. Subcultures are constantly evolving, changing with times to reflect new developments; others die off whereas others reemerge after years of being alienated. It is therefore very difficult to assess exactly how subcultures are divided using a standard means. Some subcultures are specific to a certain geographic location while others are specific to an era. It can th erefore be a mistake for a sociologist to generalize and stereotype any subculture. One must delve into the specifics of an individual subculture in order to draw conclusive and accurate information about it. Subcultures are mostly subject to commercialization (Blair, 1993, p. 22) making them loose their specificity. Their styles are adopted by mass culture as fashion and once this happens, they tend to be assimilated into the main cultural practices loosing the title of subcultures. Alternatively, the subculture may be forced to alien itself from mainstream practice in a bid to remain relevant and avoid imminent death. After the hip-hop subculture was adopted by businesses for commercial purposes, others started facing the same threat. It was shocking when the punk subculture’s way was introduced into the mass market because it was characterized by non-conventional ways of dressing and jewelry. Like Duchamp’s ‘ready mades’ – manufactured objects wh ich qualified as art because he chose to call them such, the most unremarkable and inappropriate items – a pin, a plastic clothes peg, a television component, a razor blade, a tampon – could be brought within the province of punk (un)fashion†¦Objects borrowed from the most sordid of contexts found a place in punks’ ensembles; lavatory chains were draped in graceful arcs across chests in plastic bin liners. Safety pins were taken out of their domestic ‘utility’ context and worn as gruesome ornaments through the cheek, ear or lip†¦fragments of school uniform (white bri-nylon shirts, school ties) were symbolically defiled (the shirts covered in graffiti, or fake blood; the ties left undone) and juxtaposed against leather drains or shocking pink mohair tops (Guins and Cruz, 2005, p. 361).Advertising Looking for research paper on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Ameri can society is very diverse in race, religion and in class. This makes it one of the most unique cultures with differing opinions and lifestyles. The subcultures of the American society can be classified according to the most popular aspects such as slang, music, arts, politics and clothing. To a large extent these aspects are the ones which almost solely divide the larger culture into smaller ones. You are what you wear Dressing is one of the broadest areas that one can endeavor to determine the constitution of subcultures. With the fashion trends changing constantly, it is hard to determine what is most popular as it inevitably changes. There could be a massive number of subcultures defined by the wardrobe as fashion for yesteryears eventually finds its way back into the mainstream market. There is a group of people especially those celebrities in the music industry who are defined exclusively by what and how they wear. Lowly hanging jeans, long t-shirts, baseball caps and sneaker s can all be associated with hip-hop culture. Most videos released by these artists are usually characterized by bright clothes that stand out. This subculture is defined by the choice of clothing and footwear although not exclusively. On the contrary, other artists who participate in other genres also have their signature clothing including fashion models. It is not to say that this trend is only common in the US but even in other parts of the world like in Armenia where police are investigating a group of adherents of emo music and clothing. Dancing is our way of life Nowadays, there are a number of competitions that strive to unearth the best dancers everywhere around the world; not just in America. Although most of these competitions are in America, the dance culture is one that is mainly observed by the younger generations everywhere. There is a large number of youth who are so absorbed by the dancing that they hardly do anything else. Hip-hop also influences this subculture as it does that of clothing. Therefore, the conclusion is that hip-hop is not a subculture but rather a culture associated with a large number of people. We are urban These are small groups of people living in urban areas, who share a common ideology. They share a dress code, have the same patterns of behavior and even share the same views about matters of global interest.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Different Subculture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They seem to have an emotional attachment to each other and this gives them the unique characteristics that define them. â€Å"Urban tribes are groups of people who have never married between the ages of 25 and 45 who gather in common-interest groups and enjoy an urban lifestyle, which offers an alternative to traditional family structures† (Watters, 2003, p. 68). Our sexual orientation defines us In the 1960’s, there was a countercultura l rejection of what society largely viewed as the sexually and gender accepted ways. These set the ground work for proliferation of subcultures that were defined by their sexual orientation and views. The trend was rampant in the urban areas in comparison to other areas where traditional sex and gender norms were still being observed. As with other subcultures, this group also had its own dress code and gestures in a bid to differentiate themselves from the mainstream society. Homosexuals were the largest subculture that expressed itself through the gay culture. However, with its increased adaptation and expression in music and designs in the 21st century, it seems to have outgrown the limits of subcultures and is now widely regarded as mainstream hence a culture on its own. There are however some subcultures among homosexuals and lesbians that stemmed from the queer movement (Gelder, 2007, p. 56) which rejected normal behavior and whose growth has largely been attributed to academi c interests in its study and theory. An example of a subculture of homosexuals is that which some African-Americans identify with and define as being on the down-low, characterized by specific attire usually adopted from the hip-hop culture. I’m a nerd These people also largely referred to as geeks. They are characterized by a fascination of reading and technology. They are enthusiastic about science fiction and usually love to role play the most famous science fiction movies or just play games on the computer or other electronic gaming device. Conclusion Studying subcultures primarily involve studying symbolism in many aspects. While clothing and music make up the largest categories associated with different people, there are others that may be as important. Symbolism is studied in comparison to how the wider society views the players (Hebdige, 1979, p. 129), and it is obvious in the discussion above that members of subcultures usually conform to the same norms be it physica l outlook or mannerism. As subcultures may go against the grain of certain organizations, there are instances where they have been legislated against.Advertising Looking for research paper on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Blair, M.E. (1993). Commercialization of Rap Music Youth Subculture.  Journal of Popular Culture 27(3), 21-33 Gelder, K. (2007). Subcultures: cultural histories and social practice. New York: Routledge Guins, R and Cruz, O. Z. (2005). Popular Culture: a reader. London: Sage Publications Ltd. Hebdige, D. (1979). Subculture: The meaning of style. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd Watters, E. (2004).Urban Tribes: Are Friends the New Family? New York: Bloomsbury Publishing This research paper on Different Subculture was written and submitted by user Bryleigh England to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

11 and Michael Moore †Intro to Film Essay

Fahrenheit 9/11 and Michael Moore – Intro to Film Essay Free Online Research Papers Fahrenheit 9/11 and Michael Moore Intro to Film Essay Michael Moore deals with the taboo subject of politics with his film Fahrenheit 9/11. This documentary uses the rhetorical form of film making as its main purpose is to persuade the viewer to agree with Moores point of view. Regardless, of ones political view, this film is not likely to leave the audience indifferent to the opinions portrayed in the movie. Fahrenheit 9/11 is a powerful movie that effectively gets Moores message across but what is it that make the film efficacious? There are several aspects of the film that should be considered in terms of its effectiveness. One is that the movie uses the rhetorical form which means the entire focus of the film is to convince the audience of something and it contains some powerful arguments. This film uses three types of arguments: from source, subject centered, viewer-centered arguments. Each one of these elements contributed to making this film and its message more compelling and credible and each one of these elements will be discussed in further detail after a brief summary of the movie is given. As previously mentioned, Fahrenheit 9/11 is Moore’s attempt to link the Bush administration to the tragic events of 9/11. Moore spends the first part of movie giving evidence of this connection, using documents, interviews, and news footage. Supposedly, there is major deceit and gross negligence on behalf of the current president that caused the terrorist attacks. With this premise, Moore narrates a convincing story. From here, Fahrenheit 9/11 explores the results of September 11, 2001 from the Patriot Act to airport security to the war in Iraq. The end of the movie ties both these aspects together by appealing to the viewer’s emotion with scenes of the poor, soldiers, and their families. The purpose of the film is to convince its audience of the Bush administration’s wrongdoing so this type of documentary is considered to be rhetorical. If the viewer is a republican, Moore tires to expose the Bush administrations lies and persuade them to believe what he feels are the true values of that party, money. If the viewer is a democrat, then it seems Moore is trying to convince them of how important it is to remove the current administration. This is, of course, Moore’s opinion which is a characteristic of the rhetorical documentary. However, it does make use of evidence to help prove his point even if at times this proof is bias and, perhaps, purposely misleading. The last aspect of rhetorical documentaries, appealing to the audiences emotions, is perhaps the films most powerful element because it forces the viewer to see and think about things they may not normally have to, say, watching the news. Even if one does not agree with Moores politics, they are bou nd to be touched by the stories heard and images seen in the movie. This use of emotion is a device Moore uses to present his arguments more profoundly. One such argument is viewer-centered, which simply means that the filmmaker is using emotional footage to help persuade the audience of a particular opinion. Moore shows images that do not play too often on American television. He personalizes the war in Iraq by showing the atrocities that are happening there everyday. We do hear about the U.S. soldiers that have died there but rarely are the injured ones mentioned. In the film, you get to hear their point of view on the war and about their point of view about their various injuries, from nerve damage to lost limbs. Fahrenheit 9/11 also shows the suffering of the Iraqi people themselves. He interviewed Iraqis talking about how men carry around their dead wives in their arms and showed pictures of Iraqi women with severe face and head injuries due to the misuse of napalm. It showed dead Iraqis being piled into the back of a truck, a scene not at all dissimilar or unlike some depicting the Holocaust. Moore also interviews and follows a mother whose son was killed in war, showing her crying and getting into an argument with someone who was pro-war. In all these instances, Moore wants the audience to feel deep sympathy for all the people who have been effected negatively by the war, a war started by the Bush administration. This aforementioned war moves directly into another argument for rhetorical documentaries, subject-centered arguments, meaning an argument related to the films main subject. The main argument in Fahrenheit 9/11 is that the war in Iraq was started so Bush and is political friends could get richer and cover up their own connections to 9/11 and the Bin Laden family. Moore presents this arguments in several ways. According to Moore, instead of trying to find weapons of mass destruction or protecting the Iraqi people by removing Saddam Hussein, the war was started because of how much money Bush and his associates stood to make from it. As the narrator, Moore entered President Bushs thoughts after he found out about 9/11 and asked the question â€Å"which one of them screwed me†. With this statement, Moore setting up the next few possible scenarios of who was behind the 9/11 attacks. According to Moore, when Bush determines that it is Bin Laden that was the culprit, he chose to bla me Saddam Hussein by making false accusations about him having weapons of mass destruction and a connection to Al Qaida, Bin Ladens terrorist group. Bush needed to blame Saddam Hussein because he did not want people learning about his financial and personal connections with the Bin Laden family. Saddam, it seems, was a good scapegoat because while fighting a war on Terror in Iraq, Bush and his associates could make millions of dollars for their various companies,like Unocal and Haliburton, in the process. His attempt to prove this was by providing footage of several corporations having a meeting discussing how much money they could make from the war in Iraq. The film showed scenes of both Bush Jr. and Sr. cavorting with Saudis who had invested in their various companies. To emphasize this relationship, the film showed scenes of Bush and the Saudi while playing the song Shiny Happy People by REM in the background to convince viewers how close they are. Saudi Arabia just happened to be where Bin Laden and his very wealthy family are from. The movie also states The Saudis own 7 percent of U.S. wealth and if they were to take out all of their money invested in America, U.S. economy could collapse. Telling information like this, although one-sided, does give the appearance that Moore is well informed and knowledgeable about this subject. Thus, the last argument is from source, which is presenting the film as a reliable source of information. Moore may be most adept in this argument because, in some cases, his opinion are confirmed by the very person he is saying them against. For instance, when Moore states that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, he reinforces this statement by showing Bush and members of his party saying, pre- 9/11, that Saddam has no weapons of mass destruction. Moore also used news clips from channels like CNN and FOX networks that are considered trustworthy and credible. He also supports his opinion by interviewing people in prominent positions like congressmen. Moore is also able to present himself as a believable and educated person, even if this may not be true. As the narrator, he can talk in first person making the narration more personal. Moores voice, as well as its tone, changes in relation to the topic at hand. If he is talking about soldiers, their families, or the Iraq i people his voice is filled with compassion. When talking about Bush and his friends his tone of voice is sometimes indifferent as if he were merely presenting facts, but at other times, depending on the subject, his tone would become sarcastic. Moore also proves himself to be researched and visionary when he talks about Bushs National Guard record. Moore he requested a copy of this document, which proves another connection with the Bin Ladens, in 2000 and then one in 2004, when controversy about it surfaced. In the 2004 version a name was blacked out, which was the evidence in this link between Bush and Bin Laden. This name was not marked out in the 2000 one, however. Moore is able to show that he was suspicious of Bush long before other people were. This documentary in its rhetorical form can be considered a piece of propaganda but regardless of if you agree with the opinions it expresses or believe the message trying to be conveyed, it is hard to ignore because it makes such strong accusations. Fahrenheit 9/11 is a commentary on current American life and regardless of its truth, it does send a powerful and controversial message that raises questions and does deserve discussion. This ultimately may have been Moores point. 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The Assassination of President Garfield (Document Analysis Assignment) Research Paper

The Assassination of President Garfield (Document Analysis Assignment) - Research Paper Example The document under analysis was written in the context of Guiteau assassinating the president, an act he asserted was of political necessity. On the fateful day, July 2, 1881, Guiteau tracked the President to the then Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station where he shot him. Guiteau immediately surrendered to authorities, saying he was the â€Å"The Stalwart of the Stalwarts.†2 Although he said that he was â€Å"Stalwart of the Stalwarts†, it is evident that he was merely disgruntled as he states in his letter that â€Å"the President proved a traitor to those who made him president.† 3 Stalwarts were a late 19th century group of Republicans under the leadership of one Roscoe Conkling who supported President Ulysses S. Grant (1869–1877) for a third term in office. This clique opposed the moderate Republicans who wanted civil reforms and often fought for the control of the Republican Party. Later, the opposing groups would settle on James A. Garfield for the Republican ticket at the Republican national convention in 1880. Guiteau arrived at his decision to assassinate President Garfield arguing that the latter was ungrateful to the Stalwarts after allowing himself to be manipulated by the Secretary of State to plot to murder Senator Conkling and General Arthur Grant. It is widely believed that Guiteau’s plot to assassinate the Pr esident originated from his belief that he was principally responsible for Garfields victory and should have been rewarded with an ambassadorship for his vital help to the President. 4 The two postings he wanted for himself but were constantly rejected by the President and the Cabinet were Paris and Vienna. Without family, friends, and almost penniless, Guiteau grew increasingly isolated and depressed and decided that the President Garfield had to be removed. That Guiteau was the only one obsessed with President Garfield and disgruntled with the latter’s government to the point of