Similarities and differences between subcultures and countercultures

Similarities and differences between subcultures and countercultures
A subculture is a grouping of individuals who share some qualities that are shared by the majority of society. The group boasts of its norms, values, and beliefs (Canvas Network, 2013). Counterculture refers to a subculture that entirely ignores the norms and values of the society and creates its own. They tend to make a statement against what the majority view as the model and try to change it (Haenfler, 2013). Whereas subculture defines itself by some differences from the dominant culture, counterculture defines itself by its active resistance to the main culture. Subculture can be easily assimilated into the ordinary while counterculture cannot be assimilated. Counterculture has an interest in changing ordinary practices and structures that exist (Haenfler, 2013).
Both the subculture and counterculture express discontent with society in some ways. The two groups are cultural reactions to power although counterculture is more reactive than subculture. Subcultures and countercultures help to bring variety in a society, and a feeling of distinctiveness and being part of a faction that strives for a particular course. Members of the two groups are allowed to air their views and determine the way forward for the groups.
I am a member of hardline and bronies subcultures. Hardline is a group of members that abstain from alcohol and drugs. Hardline is also involved in stressing the respect for innocent lives and the natural order (Top Online Colleges, 2012). A brony is an adult that enjoys participating in kids’ shows. Bronies will spend their time watching kids’ shows just as kids themselves (Top Online Colleges, 2012). The membership of these two groups gives me identity since it gives me an opportunity to do what I enjoy doing. It affords me a chance to interact with people of the same interests.
References
Canvas Network. (2013). Subculture and Counterculture. Retrieved on March 13, 2015 from https://lumen. instructure. com/courses/199939/pages/Section3-11? module_item_id= 4575178
Haenfler, R. (2013). Subcultures the Basics. Routledge.
Top Online Colleges. (2012). 8 American Subcultures You Know Nothing About. Retrieved on March 13, 2015 from http://www. toponlinecolleges. com/blog/2012/8-american-subcultures-you-know-nothing-about/