Underground Cultures and Cultural Imperialism
by Laura Craig Mason © 2004

When the current "American culture"* observes any subgroup - be those religious, sexual, or gender minorities (among any number of other groups) - it does this through the lens of past and present suppression. Stereotypes of these cultures come to mind and then the inevitable comparison of the individual to their subgroup’s stereotype is made.

Recently, on one particular email list, we discussed "Pagan Pride Day." This is a religious subgroup as diverse as any other with differences not only in outlook, worship, politics, and practice but also in dress, as well. The attendees of this year's event wore clothing ranging from glitter and fairy wings to cloaks and masks to khakis and polo shirts. Like other "pride" events (Gay Pride parades come to mind) some of the more conservative members of these subcultures worry that these, sometimes outlandish, events confirm outsiders’ suspicions that these groups are inherently "freaky," fit for a Jerry Springer special. As an often-outlandish person, I cannot help but read these suggestions as, "We just do not want to stand next to you or defend those like you because, ultimately, we are not ALL like you," or, more simply, "I do not want to be mistaken for you." This is not to say that everyone should wish to be outlandish. Rather, I offer that we must fight, in solidarity, to prove that no pigeonhole is appropriate.

Sadly, that point was largely ignored and what was offered in the discussion was that the more outlandish should tone down their dress, because after all it is "just dress." It is certainly easier to change my clothes than it is for others to change the tone of their voice, the kink of their hair, or the pigment of their skin but the outcome is the same; if you want to be accepted you better be more like those who are denying you the acceptance.

Subcultures have often gained mainstream acknowledgement through rebellion. Women were given a uniform of dress, a subservient class - unable to vote or own property – t and treated as property. In the current culture, some success has been gained but Those Crazy Feminist Women jokes still haunt comedy clubs, talk radio, offices, and magazine articles. Feminists are characterized as women who hate men and who refuse to shave or to put on a skirt, as if either of these are affronts. Even magazines that portray themselves as "feminist" list wearing make-up as a possibly-not-always-feminist-but-always-fun activity. The division then grows worse when some individuals proclaim, "I tell someone I am a feminist and they dare to assume I do not shave my legs!" Any assumption is wrong, but when did deciding not to rid your body of hair become a capital offense or even a minor concern, to strangers? From African American culture to Gay culture to Paganism, all subgroups deal with some degree of in fighting. Within each group there are broad interests, perspectives, politics, and practices that bind the group, while the fringes having a dangerous shoving match.

As a subversive type I would rather let my tattoos, my unshorn legs, my more than socially appropriate earring total, and my weird glasses work as a filter; keeping those who would judge me on physical characteristics alone out of my personal space. I spend nine hours a day, five days a week (not counting the commute) wearing clothes chosen by someone else’s rules and working for someone else’s motives. Every minute outside of that co-opted time is a precious fight to be respected as a whole person: tattoos, radical politics, Paganism, and all. If I spend my time worrying about the reaction to my dress by those who had previously suppressed me or seek to condemn me, I would be giving them a power and a credence they do not deserve.

Using cultural norms as a rubric for my behavior would be to willingly bring cultural imperialism upon myself. In that system, there is only one correct way of dress, one proper method of speech, and one acceptable approach to worship and community action. The things that make us individuals are destroyed. There is a quote I ran across, recently, that speaks to this:
The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you: they are unique manifestations of the human spirit. —Wade Davis

Yes, popular culture may crack a joke or two because they see someone in full Renaissance garb performing a Pagan ceremony, but popular culture also made fun of "uppity women" who dared to take on jobs outside of the home, where they had been relegated for hundreds of years. Popular culture has used pale attempts at humor against those fighting racial, sexual and gender lines since those groups were first acknowledged and then suppressed. If faced with similar mockery, I would consider myself in good company.

* While "American culture" is often used and referenced within and even outside of the United States, it ignores the countries outside of the United States that are in the North America, Central America and South America. For the purposes of this essay, I am referring strictly to the United States of America.