A brief history of youth subculture over the past half decade part one

Lately I have been taking a lot of inspiration from the various youth subcultures from the past 60 years or so. These would induce the beatniks, hippies, punks, goths, the whole vintage wave (which has, believe it or not, been going on for the past half decade) and anti-fashion. So I have decided to share what I have found out about these groups, which, despite the fact that I feel lacks much, still contains a good bit of material. The next paragraph of information on Beats and Beatniks is from the book "Thrift Score" by Al Hoff. It is an enjoyable book that I recommend.
The Beats and Beatniks
It was during the 50's when the media first became obsessed with youth subculture. The masses of youth at the time all decided that to be cool one had to be unique, and so they all decided to look like the Beats, a group of slovenly starving artists. of course, they all ended up looking the same, which resulted in the teen subculture of Beatniks (a subculture that the media embraced). This style can be summed up by shaggy nonchalant-ness. The boys would wear black sunglasses and turtlenecks, overcoats, striped boater t's, jeans, berets, shorts, sandals, etc. Th girls would wear black tights amd dresses topped with large bronze jewelry or black leotards, thrifted dresses, and ballet slippers. This is a look that is still imitated today.... it is called grunge.

Two of the artists who were the originators of the whole beat look. From right to left- Kerouac, Ginsberg, and another man who was also had the look (Scot someone)

The black dress with bronze accessories look



The styles of youth reflect, I believe, some of there main beliefs, whether they want it to or not. During the past century individualism has become more important than beauty and the traditions of hundreds of years have been upturned (over all this has had many positiva, as well as negative, results). Most of the subcultures of fashion over the past half decade have embraced trends such as wearing old, dirty things that are obviously not fashionable, beautiful, or tasteful (all in the name of individualism). This underlying desire to be individual above all else has redefined our culture in so many more ways than what is socially acceptable to wear. Pleas don't think that I am saying that this is a completely good or bad thing. As an artist I am very classical, and my belief in God and morals is often labeled as old fashioned. However, I do not see any contradiction with that and pushing the boundaries in what I wear (in comparison with the people of my city) and living a bohemian lifestyle. In fact, as an individual created in God's image, there is every reason to be who you in God, as he created you. So, I am not sure what the underlying point I am trying to make in this rant is.....Sorry... I guess it is just seeking who you are as an individual make sure you dot fall into one of the specific groups of people all trying to be different in the same way (I know that is impossible, but just don't go wearing things and believing things just because so and so did).
-Marie