Rockabeau Now

Here we are.

Since my first post in February, I was excited to discover the deeper culture and effect of Greaser subculture. I was attracted to this way of life through the elements of aesthetic and style. I was fairly impressed to see how other cultures interpreted our style such as the Yanki, Rockers, and Raggare subcultures. 

Through exploration of different elements such as icons, style equivalents, and history of the culture, I became more in tune with what I wanted in myself. Yes, it’s fun to dress the part, but the last thing I want to be is a poser. This subculture has a surprising foundation of solidarity for those who felt like an outsider (The Greaser Act). 

This time around I’ve found other interests in pursing personal growth than just assigning myself to a group that attributed to feeling lost. Greaser subculture became a safety net to attribute myself. I’m not saying I don’t have the capacity to belong, but out of respect, I’m more of an ally.  Rocakbeau is still your friendly neighborhood source for anything Greaser. I want to thank all my viewers for your attention. For now I’ll give off the grid to focus on finishing up my semester, but I’m certain to return soon.

To those of you who are interested in an identity story attributed to our sister culture, Rockabilly, the 

YouTube channel NOWNESS just covered Rockabilly in Tokyo. Go meet Johnny Jeana!

And here we are, Rockabeau ;)

Greaser Memes 2

“Surprise b*tch, I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me”. Welcome back to our second and final installment of greaser memes. In this section of Rockabeau, I’ll tickle your funny bone as I connect these social media phenomena (memes) to depictions of greasers in film.

I have a short selection, but comment below if you understood the meme prior to reading my explanation of the reference.

Fake History: This image macro series features photo or screenshots of mundane or media related figures with captions used to resemble actual events in history. In this screencap, we have a still of a character from Cry-Baby.

O RLY?: This phrase is used at internet slang that is short for the term “oh, really” that is announced in a sarcastic way.

What if I Told You: An image macro series that refers to the line of dialogue from “The Matrix”. Morpheus utters the line “what if I told you…” and leaves the user to emulate a revelation or an innovative idea to the receiver. In this use, we have a screencap of James Dean, with his iconic line “you’re tearing me apart” used in Rebel Without a Cause.

(By the way, can anyone guess where the opening line comes from?)

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

International Greaser Equivalents: Bodgies and Widgies

And now we have reached our final destination (dun dun dun) of the week. Rockabeau has found himself in Australia (figuratively)! Down under, we have the Bodgies and Widgies. Bodgies and widgies are the quintessential rebels for Australian and some New Zealand natives.

The subculture materialized after World War II during the 1950’s. They were seamen who impersonated Americans and worked on the black market. The term “bodgie” came from those of which who bought cheap fabric and tried to pass it off and American-made. “Widgie” was just an alternative title for bodgies.

Bodgies were working class individuals who emulated high class Americans. Within their groups, they enjoyed fighting, causing trouble, alcohol, cars, and music. They enjoyed hard rock and metal music. A few of the cars they drove were Chevrolets, Fords, and Pontiacs.

When it came to clothes, gender came into question. Widgies followed suit to how their male counterparts would dress. This included cutting their hair and wearing more masculine clothing, which shocked the public. Bodgies and widgies were influenced by the look of James Dean, and had the usual t-shirt, jeans and black leather jacket combo. Elvis inspired their type of hairstyle, which are quiffs.

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Sources

Bodgies and Widgies. Wikipedia. 11 April 2017. Accessed 20 April 20, 201. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodgies_and_Widgies

International Greaser Equivalents: Yanki

Let's excuse my vacation last week with another vacation! We are traveling to the far east to visit the most eclectic greaser equivalent subculture equivalent yet. Here we have the Yanki, a Japanese subculture that gets its name from the American term, “yankee”. The word yankee is just a referent to citizens of the United States. But, in Japanese terms, it holds more of a negative connotation.

Yankis term has been referenced as “a symbol of how far the country has fallen from its glory years”. (1) I’d assume with attaching an American term to their subculture meant either the corruption of western influence on the country or just an emulation of a popular American icon of style. Since after all, greasers did represent working class “hoodlums”.

Yankis are the delinquent groups of the young people that emerged in the 50’s. Yankis are also influence by Japan’s past military tactics, evident in World War II. The group is also influenced by Japan’s famous Yakuza gang. Yanki’s are also working class kids, with an affinity for cars and motorcycles. But rather than customizing older models and hot rods, yankis prefer luxury cars to parody a Yakuza image.

They are by far the most aesthetically different looking than your average American greaser. In some cases, yankis have blonde/orange hair instead of black hair and are typically tanner. The Yanki’s took aspects of fellow Japanese cultures and blended those with their take of a Japanese greaser. Most yanki’s turned out to be construction workers.

It’s refreshing to see a subculture emulate another one that is similar, but with more noticeably different characteristics. I think yanki’s are a refreshing parody of Greasers, whether good or bad. There is an entertaining difference, coupled with an influence upon their respective culture, just like greasers were on Americans.

What do you find most provoative about the yanki? Tune in this Friday (April, 21) as we carry on to our last destination.

And away we go, Rocakbeau ;)

Sources

Shakespeare, Geoff. “6 Japanese Subcultures That Are Insane (Even for Japan)”. Cracked. June 07, 2010. Accessed April 18, 2017. http://www.cracked.com/article_18567_6-japanese-subcultures-that-are-insane-even-japan.html

Spacey, John. “Yanki: Young and Angry in Japan”. Japan Talk. July 15, 2012. Accessed 18 April, 2017. http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/yanki

The Greaser Act

           

           As previously referenced in my second article post (A Short History of Greaser Subculture), I briefly discussed the formation of the term “greaser.” The term did not relate to the greaser styled hair, surprisingly. “Greaser” was originally used as a derogatory remark against Mexicans. It was used in the southwest region of the US to reference jobs that involved greasing wagon axles or animal hides.

Today, I’m going to dig deeper into the formation, and implication of the Greaser Act. The creation of the Greaser Act was influenced by the Mexican-American War in 1848. Euro-Americans wanted to purify their culture, especially after the acquisition of newly minted US states. The Gold Rush only worsened the discrimination, which caused the public to enact numerous discrimination laws.

The Greaser Act was amended in 1855. Its formal title is “The Vagrancy Act.” Its purpose was “to protect honest people from the excesses of vagabonds… and generally all people of Spanish or Indian blood.” (3) In this context, vagabond referred to those who were labeled a “greaser.” That means, Native Americas could be targeted too (as if they already were not).

Voltaire Network explicitly described the injustices the law protected.

“That law allowed the police to arrest, using force if is necessary, and to deport or send to forced labor any person suspected of being a vagabond…The law authorized local militias to impose terror against the Mexican community, to confiscate their property and to lynch any recalcitrant individuals with impunity.” (3)

Even though the law was eventually repealed, it caused lasting effects on these minority groups.

It is groundbreaking to me to see a childhood relic of mine have such depth. To me, ‘greaser” just meant gelled up hair and the aesthetic of a rebel. Greasers from the titular subculture took something derogatory and gave support to those who felt like outsiders.

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Follow my twitter at https://twitter.com/rockabeau 

Sources

“Greaser Act”. Wikipedia. Date Accessed 6 April, 2017 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greaser_Act

“Greaser (derogatory)”. Wikipedia. Date Accessed 6 April, 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greaser_(derogatory)

Creative Commons. Early US Race Laws Designed to Protect White Employment. Voltaire Network. 13 May, 2005. Date Accessed 6 April, 2017. http://www.voltairenet.org/article30264.html

Vehicles Driven by Greasers

A notable feature of greaser subculture is their transportation.

The models Greasers choose to ride were not too different from what the public would drive, they would just have to settle for older models. Since greasers are of a lower class, they did not have much access to newer car models. Thus, greasers turned to older models, which they customized themselves. They were customized with decals and the engines were altered to accelerate faster.

Per our neighborhood friendly Tom Cat, greasers usually drove Ford Mercury’s, and Chevy’s. Tom Cat suggests a Dodge D-500, an Impala or a Chevrolet Bel Air to fit the classic mold.

A greaser’s choice of transportation was influenced by hot rods, and muscle cars. Hot rods are American cars that have larger engines than usual cars. These are used to enhance acceleration. Muscle cars are two door sports cars; they are made for high performance activity.

I turned to the media to see what other renditions of vehicles that greasers had. The movie/musical, Grease, had a solid answer. The classic Greased Lighting, the T-Birds car of choice was a 1948 Ford De Luxe.

Is there a dream car you would like to drive? Tell me in the comments

And away we go, Rocakbeau ;)

Sources

"Greaser (subculture)". Wikipedia. 4 April, 2017. Date Acessed 4 April, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLt6nFRTULw

International Greaser Equivalents: Rocker

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

"Rocker (subculture)", Wikipedia, 17 March, 2017. 30 March, 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocker_(subculture)

International Greaser Equivalents: Raggare

Since greaser subculture has had a notable impact on American culture, to the point that it is still referenced in media today, it made me think of the question; “Has greaser impact had an impact upon global trends”? I was thoroughly surprised to see that there are several international variations and interpretations of greaser subculture. In this new section of Rockabeau, we are exploring international equivalents to the American greaser subculture. Today we are peeking into the Swedish version, Raggare.

The creation of raggare culture formed during World War II. Sweden stayed neutral and received aid form the Marshall Plan. Their export economy boomed, allowing the country to buy cars. While the culture emerged in the 1950’s it caused moral panic over elements such as speeding, and back seat intercourse. The subculture was able to reach parts of “Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Austria and Russia” (Wikipeida). The subculture also found influence form American films such as Rebel Without a Cause, and American Graffiti.

Raggare were noted for their love of American cars, such as hot rods. Cars brands include Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Raggare fashion was more influenced by rockabilly style. Blue jeans, white t-shirts and leathers, but with cowboy boots instead of motorcycle boots. Raggare also used the confederate flag in their subculture. While albeit a controversial gesture, they used the flag because of its symbolism of rebellion.

Raggare also tended to instigate fights with punks and hippies. Raggare notably caused fights during concerts of artists such as the Sex Pistols, Rude Kids, Reklamation and the Stranglers. Rude Kids referenced Raggare negatively in their song, “Raggare Is a Bunch of Motherfuckers”. Raggare became so notable in Sweden that the national post office issued a stamp featuring the culture.

All of that is left of Raggare culture consists of “middle aged men who enjoy meeting and showing off their retro American cars”. (Wikipedia) The subculture is mostly survived by the Power Big Meet, which is the world’s largest classic car show for American cars. The festival began in 1978 and is still around today.

There are the similarities to greasers and raggares, and that is their affinity for hot rods. In Sweden, there is a low regard for people associated with the subculture. Just like back in 1950’s American when greasers where referred to as hoodlums. Their characteristics include having little to no education or wealth. This aspect is also quite like greaser subculture.

It seems bizarre to me that I could reach international readers, but just in case I have there is a question for you. Have you ever noticed a culture or subculture that emulates certain aspects of greasers?

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Sources

“Raggare”. Wikipedia. 16 December 2016, Accessed 28 March 2017,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raggare

“Power Big Meet”. Wikipedia. 9 December 2016, Accessed 28 March 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Big_Meet

A Quick Evaluation of Why Grease Was So Popular in the Media

Back in my Rockabeau introduction, I mentioned how I originally tried to reflect John Travolta’s hairstyle when I was young. It was a failed attempt but he was my first glimpse at a Greaser. Ironic because even though I loved his style, I didn’t like the film and couldn’t understand why the media loves both the film and the musical so much. This time around, I’m going to find out why.

The film is based on the 1971 musical of the same name. Touring of the production began in 1971 until 1973. It spanned from Chicago, Broadway, and London. With it’s success, it was able to generate enough buzz for Paramount to create a theatrical release later in 1978.

The film is set in 1958. It follows the love life of Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsen (Olivia Newton-John) against their clashing cliques. Musicals alone gain a following, but the film was so popular at the time of its release that it outsold the Sound of Music film adaption. It was labeled a fan favorite and a success. I can guess that is brought a sense of nostalgia to the older generation at the time. This means it spoke to the older generation that lived the life of greasers in the 1950’s, in contrast to the younger audience of the 1970’s who were enamored by the chemistry of film leads, John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. With this recipe, we can blend a movie experience that speaks to a wider range audience.

I can respect a story that speaks to numerous people, I suppose that greasers were just an elemental part to contrast the characters. That and, their outsider attitudes contributed the sort of rebel character trait of Danny’s gang.

Fun Fact – Harry Winkler who plays Fonzie on Happy Days was considered for the lead role of Danny.

And away we go, Rockabeau! ;)

Can the Modern-Day Public Recognize a Greaser?

In this segment of Rockabeau, we’re going to the public eye! Since Greasers are a dying breed, I was curious to see if anyone else, outside of my peer group, can recognize a greaser. I went around my University campus to chat up random strangers. I asked my fellow students, staff, and patrons these three questions below. 

1. How old are you, what gender and where from?
2. Can you recognize what I am, based off how I am dressed?
3. Do you know what a greaser is?

For the first question, I asked random selections for their location to see if it held a pattern of popularity in location of greasers. I asked for age to see if that also affected knowledge of greasers. Lastly, I asked for gender to see if that affected more masculine people, since Greasers as typically masculine.

With the second question, I asked my random selects if they could identify if I was a Greaser based off what I was wearing. I dressed as a stereotypical greaser, with a leather jacket, white t shirt, blue jeans, and boots with my hair slicked up.

While I don’t want to base my research off looks, greasers are typically known for the way that they dress.

Lastly, I asked my selects if they knew what a greaser is, to get to the point of this assignment. Below is a graph of my information

Random Select	Age	Gender	Location	Aware of what a Greaser is by historical knowledge or media	A description of who I am based on how I am dressed
1	18	Male	Indonesia	No/Neither	Casual
2	44	Female	Erie, PA	Both	Young college student
3	49	Male	Erie, PA	Historical knowledge	Typical college student
4	18	Male	Bronx, NY	Media	Normal person
5	19	Female	Erie, PA	Media	Normal person, skater?
6	21	Female	Rochester, NY	Media	Cool dude
7	62	Male	Erie, PA	Familial Relationship	Normal
8	55	Female	Erie, PA	Historical Knowledge	Student
9	21	Female	Cleveland, PA	Media	Normal
10	N/A	N/A	N/A	Historical Knowledge	Normal*

I was very surprised by the responses I got. Most of the people above who knew greasers from Media, could recognize greasers from the movie Grease. The young gentleman form the Bronx recognized greasers from The Outsiders.

The 62-year-old man had the most interesting recollection of greasers, because his brother was one. “You know the guys with the white t-shirts with the carton of cigarettes rolled up the sleeves”. He also gave me his card in case I could find a replica of my jacket. I would like to say, you have good taste, brother.

I was flattered by select #6 calling me a “cool dude”. Select #10 said that my style wasn’t too different. “American culture is so relaxed, today”, she said. Along with all the “normal” responses, it got me thinking. Either greaser style has had a positive effect on our culture for being blended in, or maybe our style just isn’t too different from others nowadays.

To my fellow greasers, do you think the public in your area could recognize a greaser? If so, tell ‘em Rockabeau sent ya.

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Greaser Memes

Emrhagerd, who doesn’t love a good meme!

For those of you that don’t know what a meme is, it is a cultural and internet symbol that is retold in different ways using different cultural symbols based humor or relatability. And you friendly neighborhood Rockabeau isn’t afraid to bring you a good dose of supreme memeage to brighten you day. But these memes are just random, I wanted to share with you a short collection of popular internet memes that I made myself that reference elements from greasers portrayed in the media. In the list below, I’ll give you a brief description of the meme, along with the source material of where the reference came from. So sit back, relax and prepare yourself for much wow, and such fun.

Squad

In 2015, the new meme “Squad Goals” started circulating around the internet. “Squad Goals” is used to reference certain aspects or attributes that people have or wish to have in their friend groups.

The picture above features a promotional image of the cast of “The Outsiders”.

First World Problems

In 2011, one of the first image macro memes, “FirstWorld Problems” gained notoriety on the internet, after 6 years after initial circulation. “First World Problems” features unimportant frustrations of the privileged individuals. The image above features Johnny Depp’s character from Crybaby.

The Most Interesting Man in the World

In 2006, Euro RSCG Worldwide released an advertising campaign for Dos Equis beer. The lead commercial actor, Jonathan Goldsmith, was dubbed the most interesting man in the world to add a sort of important to the beverage, since he was drinking it. His catchphrase includes “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis”.

In the image above, it features a promo pic of C. Thomas Howell and Ralph Macchio for the portrayal of their characters, Ponyboy and Johnny, respectively.

Context: After Johnny kills a Soc, Him and Ponyboy go on the run. Their friend Dally supplies them with a gun for protection.

Fails

Fails are popular on the internet. Often in video or picture format, fails document a setting in which someone or something has failed to succeed.

In the image above, it features the greaser’s rival gang, the Socs from the Outsiders.

Context: After Johnny kills a soc named Bob, the Socs instigate a rumble that they fail to win.

Me Vs. You

In 2012, a comparison photo meme gained momentum on the internet. Yet another image marco series, Me Vs. You features comparisons photos or one photo included the success of one person or thing (me) against the lackluster nature or fail of it’s comparison (you). This is used to emphasize a person’s self-image as being better than one another.

In the image above, it features a photo of Elvis Presley, and one of Johnny Depp from Crybaby. Both are in a prison setting. But, since Elvis was the first greaser in media to feature a jail setting, Johnny Depp suffers an epic, FAIL.

Have you encountered any memes that feature greasers or greasers in media? Let me know in the comments!

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)