Subculture Research Paper

The Techno-Subculture of the Modern World
The Development of the Rave into Mainstream American Culture
A paper submitted for the review of Dr. Murchinson regarding the rise of a cross-generational sub-culture that has shaped generations of young adults. Cassandra Stephens 12/17/2007

Stephens 1 Cassandra Stephens Dr. Murchinson English Composition I 12/17/2007 The Techno-Subculture of the Modern World Dance parties have always been a popular social event for generations of young adults. However, beginning in the 1960s they became defined as a “sub-culture”: a trendy social influence that would soon sweep the world around. These gatherings became known as “raves.” Although the term “rave” was not actually defined until the 1980s, they
These are all held in Los Angeles and are some of the most popular raves in the Southern California. Each generation leaves behind a legacy: the “Greatest Generation,” the “Baby-Boomers,” “Gen-Xers” and so on. Raves and ravers provided a means for people to come together through the common interests of music and community, which progressed the DJ and “club” culture. Being part of a “scene” and fitting into to the collective popularity has always been a motivating factor for people. Being part of a rave was kind of like being part of an “outlaw” culture during its infancy where initially word-of-mouth was the only way you could find out anything about a rave: you had to know someone who knew someone who could be trusted to have any chance to go. Then handwritten invitations would draw people to the site, and bringing resources together to get power to turntables in the middle of the woods for hours. The DJ was the master who would take the group through a journey of pure enjoyment driven by the music. People of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and social standings could be found amongst the mix. As time progressed, raves were everywhere and even kids in “day-glow” outfits became glorified in Hollywood films that flashed on the outrageousness of this culture. The distinctive raver scene and all night dancing have resulted in other things beside music. The fashion choices of ravers are definitely a new prospect on style. The same way there are groups for the different of the types of music; there are also categories for the different styles of ravers. A few of the names are candy kids, “junglists,” breakers, lush, and gravers. To be a candy kid the ensemble is usually outrageous amounts of candy beads, backpacks decorated, bright, neon like colors, fuzzy texture clothing, and the stereotypical ones usually have the baby toys like a pacifier. “Junglists” have the reputations to be the angry looking reggae people. They tend to