Introduction
Subcultures are usually associated with deviant behavior and violation of social norms. Each of them has its own philosophy and values, which can unite young people and give them a sense of special purpose. One such subculture is authentic skateboarders, who are currently experiencing a resurgence. The subculture emerged in the 1950s in California and was initially referred to as ‘sidewalk surfing’ (Bäckström and Blackman, 2022).
Skateboarding as a subculture was not initially inclusive and diverse, predominantly featuring young men from disadvantaged communities (Bäckström and Blackman, 2022). Authentic skateboarding provided a sense of community for young people, enabling them to engage in sports. However, social background often led the members of the subculture to form mobs and participate in criminal activities.
Discussion
Nowadays, authentic skateboarders manifest their identity more as a sports and art community with shared vision and values. The subculture also transformed and was challenged by women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and representatives of racial minorities to become more inclusive. Dupont (2019) states that skateboarding culture has evolved into a community of like-minded individuals, where young people can hone their skills and find support. The subculture maintains its image “through displaying their skill, taste, social and subcultural capital, and commitment” (Dupont 2019, p. 11).
Interaction through social media allowed authentic skaters to develop their own unique subculture brand. They are now part of an artistic community that focuses on promoting their special features and engaging young people in informal sports. Therefore, the theme of the photographic essay is the transformation of the role of authentic skateboarders’ subculture in modern society compared to the 1950s.
The authentic skateboarders’ subculture first emerged to unite young people from disadvantaged social backgrounds. It gave them a sense of unity and support, but also led to the formation of informal mobs. The situation was motivated by the members of the subculture, who shared the same social characteristics.
Early skateboarding united young people under the idea of freedom and street sports activities. It played an important role in providing members with a sense of community and belonging. It helped many young people to engage in social life and build their identity.
Even at its inception, this subculture included people from diverse social, racial, and gender backgrounds. It helped people overcome disparities and unite under a shared skateboarding identity. Nowadays, the subculture promotes the idea of equality and welcomes any member regardless of their social and personal characteristics.
The skateboarding community initially focused on pushing the limits. Skaters utilized the elements of the environment as makeshift skateboarding areas, which often posed a challenge to their skill and determination. Skaters praised the ability to control their environment and use it for their purposes, which became one of the most important features of the group.
The authentic skateboarding subculture enables young people to participate in informal sports activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, skateboarding is still associated with injuries, despite the development of specialized equipment for it. Members of the skateboarding community share a passion for danger and skill excellence, which constitute the core of their identity.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the skateboarding subculture encompasses individuals from diverse social backgrounds. The subculture evolved into an informal artistic and sports community, where members utilize their skills for self-expression and communication. They promote their shared values and vision to maintain a unique identity in society.
Reference List
Anapur, Eli. 2023. “Ed Templeton Photography – The Visual Diary of Skateboarding Culture.” Widewalls.
Bäckström, Åsa, and Shane Blackman. 2022. “Skateboarding: From Urban Spaces to Subcultural Olympians.” Young 30(2):121-131.
Campbell, Hector. 2021. “Ramping It Up: How the Art World Came to Embrace Skateboard Culture.” Elephant.
Cosgrove, Ben. n.d. “When Skateboarding Was Young.” Life Magazine.
Dupont, Tyler. 2019. “Authentic Subcultural Identities and Social Media: American Skateboarders and Instagram.” Deviant Behavior 41(5):649-664.