An Introduction
It’s hard to fit in. Some people find their social niche in high school; for others it can take decades. Still, the desire to belong is a powerful motivator; it helps us navigate through the seven billion people of this world toward those individuals who share our same hobbies, desires and dreams. Sometimes, though, the interests of a community exist outside of societal norms. Its members defy the status quo. Instead of following mainstream trends, they pursue their own unique passion. This is how a subculture is born.
My aim is to explore the vast world of subcultures around us. I’m a University of Missouri graduate who just moved to Chicago, and admittedly, I haven’t yet found my social nook. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been enjoying myself. Since I arrived in Chicago a few months ago, I’ve already been introduced to the raucous world of comedy clubs and hip-hop shows. During Pride Week, I watched a performance by voguing collective House of Ninja. In my first week here, I stumbled upon a monthly ladies’ night at the nearby comic shop, where I met members of this city’s thriving alternative comic scene. This city really is a feast, and I’m determined to sample every course.
I guess I’d consider myself a member of a few distinct subcultures. As a fan of comics, science fiction and fantasy, and science in general, I’ve always found comfort in the “geek” or “nerd” community. I enjoy foodie culture and am a fervent Redditor. And how about that new choice for The Doctor? (Whovians unite!)
I’ve always been attracted to subcultures. I think it’s because I spent so many years of my life trying to find my place in mainstream society, only to realize that it wasn’t my natural habitat. And honestly, I don’t even know what to consider mainstream anymore. Is it the standardized pattern of graduating college and falling into a job, family, kids, and 401K plan? Is it a cultural zeitgeist of reality t.v. shows, chain clothing stores, pop music, and fervent social media? I couldn’t tell you.
What I do know is that there are cultures out there that go almost entirely unnoticed. They hide in the in the nooks and crannies of the general population; they are the juggalos, bronies, b-boys, trekkies, twihards, crust punks, furries, foodies, hipsters—I’ll stop there because the list of titles attached to subcultures is as long as it is diverse. But they’re out there, waiting for you to attend their conventions, follow them on tour, or attend their underground dinner.
I should be clear that I do not intend this column to villainize the mainstream in any way. I am not looking to crown one cultural trend as more important than another. Everyone is entitled to their personal interests; it’s just that popular culture has already been analyzed to great extent by the general media. I want to hear about what everyone else is interested in. We know what it’s like to follow a season of The Bachelor or attend a One Direction concert – even if we haven’t done these things personally, a glance at a People magazine cover will clue us in. But do you know what it’s like to attend a Wizard Rock music festival? Or attend a strongman competition? I don’t, but I hope to find out.
I already have a number of groups I’m interested in exploring, many of which are listed above. However, I am open to suggestions, as it is probable that I will eventually run out of ideas. I’m beyond excited to be working with The Riveter and hope to deliver a column that will both tickle your funny bones and titillate your brain buds (they’re like taste buds, but for knowledge). Oh, and if you’re in Chicago and know of any cool events or subcultures I haven’t mentioned, let me know! Invite me! Seriously! I’ll show up and probably write a column here about it. Or I’ll bring some kind of fancy snack. Or both! It’s really a win/win situation.
Paige Pritchard recently moved to Chicago to pursue her journalism career. She stays busy covering the city’s vibrant food scene for Chicago Magazine, although she still doesn’t really understand the cronut. When she’s not reporting, she enjoys reading zines and daydreaming about the Shedd Aquarium. Find her work on the magazine’s website or tweet her @peapodpritchard; she’d love to hear from you.
