Subcultures & Individualism

I think that the title of this topic is contradictory, given that a subculture generally consistst of a group of people wanting and willing to conform to a certain group of beliefs, livelyhoods and way of dress.

Subcultures are particularly attractive to those who have certain beliefs, and society so supports the concept of labeling one's self, and conforming to a group of some kind. Those who want to express these beliefs without the objection or scruiting associated with that group being directly refected on them. It eliminates the personal scruitany you could recieve if you express these personal beliefs on your own. At the same time it gives those who need a group to belong to for security, something to be a part of.

Many of these subcultures are created by one individual, whether they be a person with strong individual expression and beliefs (such as musicians), and studies prove that those highly creative individuals posses certain brain chemistry which results in fearlessness, especially in the case of individuality. The rest of humanity, who have herd-like group insticts, follows these people and conform to their ideals and image.

Subcultures are clearly a healthy and acceptible way to express oneself, while at the same time slip away from personal scruitiny. It allows them to be in a group who shares similar beliefs and ideals, and it is a great area for fashion designers to market to, or create.