Since we went overseas
(figuratively) to visit raggare culture in Sweden, we should extend our
European trip for this week! Our next stop is Great Britain. The crown jewel of
the United Kingdom houses a similar subculture to greasers, which is called rockers.
Rockers are similar to Greasers from societal perceptions, to origins, and
characteristics.
Rocker subculture
originated in the 1950s. They have assumed numerous nicknames, such as Ton-Up
boys and Café Racers. After World War II, young people of the working class received
more financial stability. More roads were built in 1950’s UK that
resembled “race track-like arterial roads around British cities”. (1)
Motorcycles were cast away in favor of motorcars. Rockers attached themselves
to motorcycles because of the convenience. Stigma of motorcycles worsened after
they were used by rockers because of frequent speeding. The media exaggerated
the common rocker and demonized them. This caused a moral panic among citizens.
The rockers were usually
found at transport cafes, which are the British equivalent to an American truck
stop. Rockers used their bike for sport and image. Their bikes were used to
intimidate others; paired with the heavily decorated leather jackets that
flashed studs, rivets and skull and cross bones symbols. Rockers didn’t wear
helmets, which furthered their death defying image. Rockers also wore t-shirts,
jeans, motorcycle boots, and pompadour hairstyles. The style was still like
greasers on account of practicality.
Rockers had somewhat of a
real-life rivalry that resonates with a story like The Outsiders. Rockers developed conflict with a 60’s subculture, mod.
Mods were also located in the UK at the time. Mods were known for their fashion
and taste of what was popular at the time. Mod is short for modern. A mod was
mostly interested in their tailor-made suits, soulful music, and a drug filled
night life. Their vehicles of choice were their customized scooters. This
conflict with rockers also worsened the moral panic by English residents.
In terms of influence, rocker
subculture has gone on to inspire the Beatles and the rockabilly music genre.
There was a short revival of rockers in the 1980s and reunions that occurred in
the 90s.
What fascinates me the
most about rockers is their rivalry with mods. A little drama is entertaining
but to have it emulate a work of American greaser fiction is surprising. It
makes me think of the question; “Could the conflict between rockers and mods
could have had an influence on the Outsiders?” Let me know what you believe in
the comments. Is it coincidence, or influence?
And away we go, Rockabeau
;)
Sources
No comments:
Post a Comment