Teenage Groups and Movements

A lot of teenagers join different groups and movements nowadays. Why? Perhaps it is the kick of any other way to express what attracts young people to different subcultures. May be they protest against their parents or rebel against the older generation. In my opinion, the main reason of joining the group is the ability to show your solidarity with like-minded friends. There are a lot of different subcultures, so young people can find a group or a movement that will suit their interests.

A subculture is any group with a distinct style and identity. Different subcultures have their own beliefs, values, fashion and favourite music. For example, hippies of the 1970s wore unusual clothes and had long hair. Hippies believed in peace, and one of their favourite sayings was " Make love, not war". Today hippies are more socially active. They set up environmental groups and join charity projects.

Yet, not all groups are peaceful. Some of them are rather rebellious. Sadly, some of them are prepared to physically hurt people in an attempt to get their message across. For example, punks are opposed to the values, norms and materialism in the society. They express this in loud and violent music, strange clothing and hair of unusual colours.

The ideal subculture for me is Goths. They see the world as a dark place and like it that way. I completely agree with them because our life is very difficult. Goths make a statement with their fashion as well as with their philosophy. With startling white make-up, black or purple hair, black lipstick and fingernails, these people certainly stand out in the crowd. I also like black colours, so I think it is an ideal subculture for me.

I would like to join some group of Goths because I approve their lifestyle. Of course, when I join the group, I will have to obey certain rules, but on the other hand, belonging to a group will help me to express my individuality.

Some people think that all subcultures are awful. We must admit that many of teenage subcultures are associated with drugs and violence. But subcultures are not as bad as they are thought to be. Teens want to show off. But at the same time a lot of teens think about changing the world to the best. A subculture is a way of life; it is a real life for us.

1. What teenage group and movements do you know? 2. Why did different subcultures appear? 3. What is a subculture? 4. Why do people join different groups and movements? 5. Does belonging to a group help to express one's individuality or not? 6. What is easier: to join a group or to leave it? 7. Do you become different or stay the same when you join a group? 8. Are all groups peaceful? 9. Would you like to belong to a teenage group? Why? 10. What is your ideal subculture? Why?