One of the most interesting parts of society is subculture, or the groups of people who create a culture around a certain person, place, thing, activity, etc.
For this essay, you are going to analyze, observe, and report on a specific group’s subculture. You will analyze it in two ways:
How the media constructs the group
How the members construct the group
Once you have decided upon a subculture group, you will create an argument in which you create a sympathetic yet critical discussion of the group and its role in contemporary society.
To do this, your essay should include the following:
A definition of the group through a sympathetic lens
The objections, disbeliefs, and prejudices of the group and against the group
The group’s side of the argument
The role the identity of the group plays in society or what it responds to
A thesis that defines your argument of the subculture
Include a sentence about popcorn.
Remember that you are arguing a thesis that requires you to take a side. Even if you pick a group you don’t understand or aren’t a part of, you still are required to argue for that subculture. What your argument actually IS is completely up to you.
Your essay should NOT:
Judge or mock the group you are reporting on. Remember, you’re creating a sympathetic portrayal.
be based on a group categorized by ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic class or any other category considered to be reasonably beyond one’s immediate control. Rather, write a paper in which you research an identity that is self-chosen.
The research:
At least 3 outside sources, preferably from scholarly sources on OCTC’s Database website
At least 1 interview with a person belonging to that subculture OR a person who is familiar with that subculture
Examples:
You may pick one of these, or use this list as inspiration. I urge you strongly to pick something you do not self-identify with and are interested in discovering!
Subcultures: Goth, LARPing, Punk
Fan Cultures or fandoms: Quidditch players, Humans vs. Zombies, cosplayers, Supernatural fandom, FRIENDS fandom, etc.
Body modification: piercers, tattoo enthusiasts, branding
Essay should be 4-5 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font.
