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: 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! ;)

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 ;)

Short History of Rockabilly

Greasers are both known and portrayed in media for their love of rockabilly. Although, not ALL greasers are rockabilly fans, which is perfectly acceptable. Greaser icon Fonzie would hit the jukebox with his famous “touch” and ladies would flock to him as they danced to the genre. If you are an inspiring greaser, and have a good affection, or need a lesson on the music genre, here is some info on where Rockabilly came from.

Rockabilly is a subgenre of rock and roll music, founded in the mid-1950s. The sub-genre is a mix of rock music with blends of country music. A few people to have popularized this genre were Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. Notable sounds of rockabilly music include fast past rhythms, and vocal twangs. Rockabilly success died out in the 1980’s, after short revival that occurred in the late 1970’s. But, Rockabilly still keeps itself alive in its own subculture, based off the music genre.

Now it’s one thing to read up on music, but most importantly, you must listen to truly understand. So, below is a complied list of songs to appetize your Rockabilly palate.

1.      Elvis Presley – Good Rocking Tonight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FeWJHUB8aU)

2.      Johnny Cash – Rockabilly Blues (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Vk9gVxjWo)

3.      BuddyHolly – Midnight Shift (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHTWMPlobE8)

4.      Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D_BAuYCI)

5.      Gene Vincent – Race with the Devil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3gxQ1tetAQ&list=PL837D9AB011713CF9)

6.       Stray Cats – Gene and Eddie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5E_RY5g0ws)

7.      JohnnyBurnette – The Train Kept A-rollin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtcVvWRvrIU&index=4&list=PL837D9AB011713CF9)

8.      RoyOrbison - Ooby Dooby (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ijEWj2xmg&index=9&list=PL837D9AB011713CF9)

9.      Eddie Cochran – Twenty Flight Rock (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTpxJC4AAJ0&index=24&list=PL837D9AB011713CF9)

10.  Lorrie Collins – Mercy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXmyAxHwdPI&index=63&list=PL837D9AB011713CF9)

Greaser Icon Identities: Fonzie

Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzerelli was a sitcom character for the 1970's-1980's television show Happy Days. He was portrayed by HarryWinkler. Fonzie was an Italian-American with all stylistic attributes of a greaser. He was decked out with pompadour hair, a leather jacket, a white t shirt, jeans and motorcycle boots. And may I add, his preferable vehicle for transportation was a chopper.

Fonzie was originally a minor character in the show, but had gained momentous fan popularity and was moved up the main cast. He is portrayed as a womanizer, mechanic, co-owner of a drive-in theatre, and a high school teacher. But the most important attribute to the Fonz was his role as a citizen. Fonzie was the unapologetic voice of reasonin the show. The go-to guy for advice and humor.

 Fonzie was also an upstanding citizen, who contributes to the community on a variety of issues and activism. He campaigned for Eisenhower’s Presidential election of 1965. He learned sign language to communicate with a co-worker and helped students at a local school who faced exclusion from sports because of their epilepsy. He also fought for integration for African Americans of public schools, going as far as to accompany Freedom Riders on a journey to the south.

Besides his role as a valuable member of his community, Fonzie’s character was provided with more depth when the success of his character became a trope in the show. He was abandoned by his father when he was young, but still managed to give others humility and a father figure sense to others who needed it. Being a high school dropout, Fonzie legitimizes his career as a mechanic by taking night classes, and earning his diploma. He is then offered a job as a mechanic at the same high school.

Fonzie represents aspects of a stereotypical greaser, but a very human and success example. He showcased magical moments of humility, and his own handy “Fonzie touch”.

Greasers in Modern day Media

Since the greaser subculture is basically dead, there is not much media coverage of its existence. Although, elements of greaser style are no stranger to editorial fashion. Some elements as simple as a leather jacket, a heavily gelled hairstyle, or a “cool” pose could be on the next page of your favorite magazine. Since nostalgia is a common troupe for fashion, your idol, whether, actor, artist or model, may be wearing something very similar to a greaser’s classic threads. I’ve complied a short photo gallery of numerous celebrities and models who have modeled familiar greaser looks or have captured the essence of the aesthetic.

David Beckham – Mr. Beckham arguably keeps his look simple, but badass. With his pompadour slicked hair, a plain white t, and tattoos out the wazoo.

Lady Gaga – During one of her many style reinventions back in 2011, Lady Gaga assumed the male alter-ego, Joe Calderone. He a slick talking Brooklyn greaser, and her first experience in full drag. Joe became the voice for Gaga to confess certain elements of her personal life. She spent two weeks in the role, to discover her vice in men.

Jason Dardo – Otherwise known for their drag person, Violet Chachki. This photograph features the gender fluid drag performer before they got their tattoos. I have to note the sick pompadour roll they’ve styled their hair into.

Gilles Marini – the French actor strike a pose in this Elvis Presley inspired photograph.

Rihanna – The Barbados native walked around the streets in a female greaser oriented fashion. One of the photos from this photoshoot was used for the cover of her single, “We Found love”.

Lorde – In her “Yellow Flicker Beat” music video, Lorde featured an androgynous look, with a pompadour hair style.

Lana Del Rey and Jesse Rutherford – In this picture, the new age artists flaunt hot leather jackets with dark hair and a tough attitude.

Dorothy – There is not too much information on this newly emerged California rock artist, but she is serving a “rockbabe” look if I’ve ever seen one in this photo.

Kendal Jenner - For a photoshoot, The Jenner dynamo sported a Sandy Olsson inspired getup in this vintage background.

It's comforting to see the Greaser style in media and to see it influence fashion. I do have a question for my audience this time around, when have you seen Greaser fashion used in media or editorials?

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Greaser Style: Now

So, how can we evolve the limited selection that is Greaser fashion?

Now in modern day, the lines of fashion are more blurred and expansive for any style. We can have blends of greaser and rockabilly. We can put a little dash of punk or grunge into Greaser fashion. Modern day fashion takes inspiration from past trends, and popular figures. Nostalgia has become a common troupe in pop culture, hence this blog. For instance, Elvis and Jimmy Dean has been an inspiration for my style of dress. 

I would like to show you my take on greaser fashion is updated with more current trends. Instead of a black leather jacket, I have a brownish, dark chocolate colored jacket. I would pair it with slim fit bright jeans with some unique design elements, a plain white t-shirt, and black leather sneaker/boot hybrid.

Jacket: Express

Boots: Call it Spring

Jeans: H&M

Shirt: Fruit of the Loom

Since Elvis Presley was a huge inspiration for greasers, you can try and emulate his jailhouse rock look, like I did. I paired a jean jacket, with normal jeans and a black and white bar t-shirt. The ensemble is topped off with black leather derby shoes.

Jacket: unknown

Jeans: Levi’s

Shirt: H&M

Shoes: H&M

I personally like to incorporate a little Rockabilly into my style of dress. I did so with a red, white, and blue flannel, a simple, white t-shirt, cuffed blue jeans and purple converse. I added grey socks and a red bandana to both fit the style and give it more edge.

Shirt: Volcom

Jeans: Levi’s

Shoes: Converse

Since, I’m not afraid to pair denim on denim, I bought a denim button down, which I tucked into my jeans. You can cut the fabric channel with a black belt. I added a gold and navy bandana tied to my wrist. I added black leather Chelsea style boots to give it a slickness to it.

Shirt: H&M

Jeans: Levi’s

Boots: H&M

Lastly, I noticed a stellar denim and leather hybrid jacket on Amazon. I figure it would go great with a blue and white strip shirt, black spandex/cotton blend pants and white vans.

Jacket: Zicac

Shirt: On the Byas

Pants: On the Byas

Shoes: Vans

Send in your ideas and combinations about what you would put into the mix of greaser fashion!
Away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Greaser Style: Then

There is a definite good and bad about greaser fashion. It is easily identifiable but almost too limited in selection. Of course, women have a larger collection of looks due to an abundance of different types of clothes, while men are left with just shirts, jeans, jackets and footwear. Unless you don’t mind societal gender standards, then any selection of garment is all up to you.

Denim, leather and cotton were the most popular types of fabric used by greasers. Durable fabrics were needed for the dirty jobs that greasers would work, such as a being a mechanic. Flannels, tank tops, t-shirts and button downs with rolled up sleeves were also acceptable looks. A mute color scheme, such as grey and navy, is a preferable selection to complete the classic look. Footwear included motorcycle boots, leather boots, and sneakers. Shoes in the subculture are usually a Converse brand.

Accessories to the classic greaser aesthetic include leather gloves, tube socks and a switch comb. A now not-so-acceptable habit of smoking cigarettes completed the aesthetic. A classic outfit for a greaser is a plain white t-shirt, black leather jacket, boot cut jeans and black motorcycle boots. This ensemble was worn by Marlon Brando in The Wild One.

There was not much documented for women’s wear on account that women were still treated like property in the greaser gangs. They weren’t revered as much as their male counterparts, but there just as identifiable as the men. Some stereotypical styles of dress for women in the gang were black tops with white polka dots, bandanas worn to keep up-dos in place, a pencil skirt, and red heels.

The classic look of greaser didn’t focus too much on trying to be different. It was just nonchalant at the time. Men and women weren’t afraid to show off their attributes such as toned arms or sick tattoos. But if you’re stick thin like me, a hot leather jacket can still grab anyone’s attention

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)

Rockabeau? Who is Rockabeau?

Hello, I, am Rockabeau

Before I detail the tantalizing future of my blog, I want to give you a bit of insight as to who I am.

I was born on a farm, smack dab in the middle of two towns, each two miles outside of my home. On the lot where old cars I would play in and climb on. In one of the barns was a tractor shed; there was an old motorbike that I would sit and daydream of riding on the highway with my hair tasseled to the wind. I would always slick my hair up and play with toy cars. But one day I found a VHS copy of Grease. My mom told me it was a musical, so I suddenly lost interest. But I couldn’t stop staring at Jon Travolta on the cover. Through copious amounts of hair gel, I would try to emulate his hair cut. His pout wasn’t bad either, if you know what I mean.

As I got older I left my toys for my idols. My 8^th grade teacher assigned the class to read the novel that changed my life, The Outsiders. There was finally a book that could keep my attention. The film left quite the impression on myself, as well. After waking myself from day dreams of Matt Dillon, I started to craft my own personal style. I looked up music to correspond with newfound strut, snatched hair gel from my sister’s vacation tote bag and nicked one of my mom’s combs. I owned the streets every time I would walk down the block.

Back in the day *laughs* which were 6 years ago, I didn’t understand why I became so attracted to this lifestyle, but reflecting upon it now, it makes more sense to me. I was coming to terms with my eccentric family and my sexuality. I was born in a conservative town and I had to keep my exuberant personality stifled. Observing documentaries, videos, and media about greaser subculture was so pleasing to me. Identified with the outcast, a stylish one at least, brought me a sense of serenity and acceptance. The overall aesthetic of a classic greaser was both cool, but tough looking, two qualities I wanted to be respected for. Bullying had ravaged me in my youth, and I wanted to bite back so desperately, so I wanted to emulate a group of people that would fight tooth and nail for their own.

Now in my college years, my aesthetic is down to a science and friends in abundance. But I want to bring a legitimacy to my part in the greaser subculture. There is more than the glamour of black leather jacket. I want to learn the more in-depth details of this subculture. I want to learn with you and modernize greaser subculture. I want to revolutionize what we listen to, what we wear, what we drive and who we are about, while taking notes from the past.

Please join me on my journey, or should I say, our journey, as I try to modernize greaser subculture through fashion, music, and cars. I want to expand upon a community of outcasts and discover how we can fit the mold of the current day and age. But then again, are we still outcasts? Denim certainly isn’t out of style and to be an outcast is more so popular than ever now. 

follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/rockabeau

And a way we go, Rockabeau ;)