Youth cultures and nation

White youth racism and ethnic minorities: 

Whilst many writers of the CCCS, noted the basic racism of the cultures they studied, these attitudes weren't fully integrated or explored. 

Willis- studied boys in the 1970s who routinely used highly offensive language to describe non- white youth in a way that was casual and nowadays most people would consider highly offensive. 

Gelder- points out that the CCCS, was so focussed on issues of symbolism, style and attitude that they overlooked what many youth cultures were actually doing. 

Skinheads, for example, were fighting, being aggressive with girls, picking fights with the vulnerable, drinking, violence and abusing drugs. Many were engaging in actively aggressive racist violence. These anti- social behaviours were group activities and both threatening and dangerous for those targeted. 

Race and 'other': 

The theory is that we build identities from what we are. Therefore, boys may assert masculinity by not being feminine and rejecting things they see as 'girly'. 

Young people may assert their sense of national identity by not being Black or Asian. This may lead to an assertive 'whiteness' and racist behaviours. For example, skinheads would use racist language to 'other' non- whites in order to ensure that their own bodies and behaviours were seen as normal and acceptable. 

Hebdige- sees skinheads as asserting a specific type of white working class masculinity. 

Whilst racism isn't geographically limited to some areas, it is noticeable that many youth cultures are an urban or former council estate phenomenon. Some of the youth cultures linked to racism are found in areas where migration patterns mean that there are also many non- white minority groups. 

Nayyar- suggests that white ethnicity is therefore reinforced in such areas because white working class youth choose to see Britishness as under threat. 

Race and white nation: 

Riots involving racial elements have occurred at regular intervals in British cities since the end of WW2. They haven't always been white vs non- white. There have been occasions where communities have unified themselves against the police. 

Bagguley and Hussain- found that rioting in Bradford had occurred after a group of white racists had marched through a multi- ethnic area of Oldham shouting racist slogans. When they appeared in court, they weren't all from local areas, but from a range of places. 

Modood- pointed out that in many areas of working class poverty ad deprivation, the poorest communities are often those of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin. They earn roughly 2/3 the average pay of white men, well below the national average. 

Nation and youth subcultures: 

Lloyd Martin- within the context of New Zealand, when looking at subcultures, he suggested that members of ethnic youth subcultures develop identity linked with concepts of nation. By being 'good' at the subculture, individuals can gain respect. This can be an incentive to more extreme views and attitudes from subcultural members but can lead to moral panics and over reaction from those who object. 

Consumption- ethnic culture becomes a main source of identity so buys clothes and items associated with it. 

Social values- the subculture and knowledge of ethnicity become a source of cultural capital and status. 

Life styles- the individual can become a trend setter in the local community and subculture

Welsh nationalism and youth culture:

Welsh nationalism arose from working class politics before the first world war. 

Kellas- suggests that most Welsh nationalism is a form of inclusive social movement which accepts inward migration as long as the migrants learn Welsh and become part of the community regardless of the heritage. 

Hill- pointed out that Welsh bands and musicians have also adopted music styles from other cultures to produce music for welsh- speaking audiences. Welsh musicians adopted the rhythms but sang Welsh language lyrics to emphasise their Welsh identity.