The Gangsta Subculture
“Gangsta”, from the word “gangster”, has taken on a new connotation
among today’s youth. Originally implying crime, notoriety and moral
depravity, being a “gangsta” in today’s parlance now implies a sense of
loyalty, solidarity and respect to one’s peer group. While still echoing
a sense of deviance and rebellion against established norms by elders,
similar to the “rock n’ roll” or “hippie” movements of decades past,
being a “gangsta” is now being mainstreamed by rap performers and their
glorified portrayal of sex, drugs, violence and ostentatious wealth.
In describing the “gangsta” look, one can only look to contemporary rap
performers such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent. They are
characterized by songs which feature often obscene or derogatory lyrics,
as well as music videos that showcase conspicuous spending, heavy sexual
undertones, and a “macho” attitude. “Gangsta” artists often wear loose,
baggy clothing and chunky jewelry, as well as speak in common
African-American slang. Nonetheless, in all fairness to these
performers, some “gangsta” songs also stress undying loyalty to one’s
group, respect to one’s peers, a sense of brotherhood, an honest
portrayal of their living conditions (oftentimes relating to a life of
drugs, crime and incarceration), as well as a rebellious attitude to
uptight attitudes about behavior.
In trying to understand this particular subculture, one can attempt to
derive its popularity from contemporary American history. In its earlier
days, the “gangsta” subculture has been part of the hiphop movement
originated by African-Americans, who are in a certain sense, still feel
left out of mainstream American culture. While “gangsta” in its
historical context, sprung out in the late 1980s until well into the
1990s, a full generation away from the civil rights movement, it still
remains a reaction to the social and cultural alienation from the
mainstream American society. Its attention-grabbing attire, with
oversized clothes, chunky jewelry and ostentatious apparel, is actually
derived from the African-American minority’s origin of being the object
of handouts. Its glorified portrayal of sex, drugs, violence and
exploitation of women mirrors the decadence of inner city neighborhoods
from these minorities come from – places that remain impoverished
despite decades of continuous American prosperity. The themes of its
songs – oftentimes pertaining to drug use and a life of crime – reflect
the recurring motif of neglect to the black community.
Jessica Alba in the Movie "Honey"
While many often connote “gangsta” music and lifestyle with negative
concepts such as drug use, a life of crime, and incarceration, youths of
today still find being “gangsta” as immensely popular. Many embrace
being “gangsta” as cool, as it provides an avenue of self-expression
that is true to oneself, and free of pretense. Their realistic
portrayals of the social undercurrents that influence this music, its
honest assessment of black living conditions, also contribute to its
popularity. Moreover, it finds fans even among white, Latino or Asian
Americans due to its other themes emphasizing loyalty, brotherhood and
respect to one’s peers.
With this analysis, one can conclude that the “gangsta” phenomenon is
not as easy to box into black and white categories. While this kind of
lifestyle often runs contrary to some beliefs on social propriety, its
emphasis on loyalty, brotherhood and respect to one’s peers also make
“gangsta” highly appealing to adolescents, whose needs closely mirror
its themes. At the same time, its message of non-conformity, albeit
displayed in a different way, also appeals to many who are
disenfranchised in today’s society. Truly, the “gangsta” subculture is
here to stay, as it continues to push the envelope in many frontiers of
this society. |
