A Negative Image

Within societal sub-culture, there is an element of aggression towards other sub-cultures. In a primary desire to self-identify, some members can express strong dislikes towards apparently opposing ideologies and tastes. Causing a rift between social groups within the individual distinctions of the local dynamic, opposing trends can be the source of tension between otherwise similar people.


According to Bourdieu, "Tastes, (i.e. manifested preferences) are the practical affirmation of an inevitable difference" (Distinction 1984)


This perhaps can be most apparent in conversations involving like minded alternative scene members which discuss the flaws and suggested nonsensicalness of a different trend or subcultural theme. This usually amasses to the following of popular culture and the general standard the media suggests that the majority subscribes to.


Within the subcultural movement, a purist mentality can emerge which defines strict rules about not only dress sense and music, but general tastes and more importantly, dislikes. Within specific social communities of a particular subculture, the opposing views that define their similarities by means of repulsive validation become almost deemed as sinful and wrong, even if what is suggested is totally normal in the realms of outside society.


By openly partaking in the behaviour of an outsider, from within a social community of subcultural similarities, we stand to lose status and credit within those specific circles. Within the conversations about what is deemed negative in the opposing trends, names and personalities will be drawn into conversation as a means of example, and then the emotional relevance of these figures will become ascribed to these seemingly negative features. Anyone who then openly enjoys these 'stained' mindsets or methods of expression are treated and thought of with this emotional connection in mind.


This however is not always the case, and this mental territorialsm of ideals is only apparent in certain communities and within certain mixes of personality. More often, the behaviour and personalities of those within artistic underground cultures are pleasant, down to earth and more than capable of living peaceful and community conscious lives. Tensions will arise in these groups, and with any tightly knit community there will be the occasional issue and they can arise from these negative associations that validate self by rejecting the specifics of something else.


More often than otherwise, this sense of difference and conscious moving away from the main stream cultural trend at the time results in a sense of betterment, perhaps superiority in some cases, or a simple pride in the relevance of their choice to divert from the main path. It allows a person to cope with their perception of the continual pressure to adhere to the things the majority of society gravitate towards.  
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