Pop vs Alternative Culture

Pop culture and alternative subcultures represent two different approaches to the creation and consumption of cultural products. Pop culture is defined by its mass appeal, accessibility, and ability to reach a wide audience. Alternative subcultures, on the other hand, are defined by their rejection of mainstream culture and their embrace of countercultural movements.

One of the main differences between pop culture and alternative subcultures is their relationship to commercialism. Pop culture is often driven by commercial interests, with products and content designed to appeal to the largest possible audience. This can lead to a focus on formulaic content, repetitive themes, and an emphasis on profit over artistic expression. Alternative subcultures, by contrast, are often defined by their rejection of commercialism and their embrace of DIY culture. This can lead to a focus on authenticity, experimentation, and artistic expression over commercial viability.

Another difference between pop culture and alternative subcultures is their relationship to mainstream values and beliefs. Pop culture often reflects and reinforces dominant cultural norms and values, such as consumerism, individualism, and conformity. Alternative subcultures, by contrast, often reject these values and instead embrace countercultural movements that challenge dominant power structures and promote alternative lifestyles and values.

In terms of aesthetics, pop culture often favors polished and accessible content that is designed to appeal to the widest possible audience. Alternative subcultures, by contrast, often embrace more experimental and challenging forms of artistic expression, such as avant-garde music, performance art, and outsider art.

Despite these differences, there is often a complex and dynamic relationship between pop culture and alternative subcultures. Many alternative subcultures have emerged from within pop culture, as artists and fans seek to create new and distinct forms of expression that challenge dominant cultural norms. At the same time, pop culture often incorporates elements of alternative subcultures, as artists and marketers seek to tap into the cultural cachet and authenticity of these movements.

Overall, pop culture and alternative subcultures represent two different approaches to the creation and consumption of cultural products. While pop culture emphasizes mass appeal, accessibility, and commercial viability, alternative subcultures often reject these values in favor of experimentation, authenticity, and countercultural resistance. However, there is often a complex and dynamic relationship between these two approaches, as they influence and borrow from each other in the ongoing evolution of cultural expression.

Here's a few alternative culture films to get you thinking.  Watch some!

Repo Man (1984) - This offbeat science fiction film follows a punk rock teenager who becomes a repo man and gets mixed up in a bizarre conspiracy involving aliens and a mysterious car trunk.

Mulholland Drive (2001) - This psychological thriller from director David Lynch follows a woman who moves to Hollywood and becomes embroiled in a complex web of dreams, reality, and illusions.

Blade Runner (1982) - This science fiction film has become a cult classic for its dystopian vision of the future and its exploration of themes such as humanity, identity, and artificial intelligence.

The Warriors (1979) - This action film follows a gang from Coney Island as they navigate their way through a dangerous and violent New York City.

Donnie Darko (2001) - This psychological thriller has gained a cult following for its complex plot and surreal imagery, as well as its exploration of themes such as mental illness and time travel.

Heathers (1988) - This dark comedy film follows a teenage girl who becomes involved with a group of popular students named "The Heathers" and explores themes such as cliques, popularity, and teen suicide.

Akira (1988) - This animated science fiction film from Japan has gained a cult following for its stunning visuals and dark, dystopian story, which explores themes such as power and corruption.

The Big Lebowski (1998) - This comedy film from the Coen brothers has become a cult classic for its quirky characters and surreal plot, which involves a slacker named "The Dude" getting caught up in a kidnapping plot.