In a field of horses, some people want to be a unicorn. In a hallway filled with plain colors, T-shirts and the same TikTok viral, baggy Hollister jeans, one group stands out: the alternatives. Colored hair and unique jewelry, band pins on backpacks, headphones blasting metalcore and spikes and chains. These individuals stand out, gain stares, all to break away from the confinement of mainstream society. But being alternative is more than just a fashion statement; there’s history and culture behind it, and being under this wing can have a heavy impact on daily life.
Someone who identifies as ‘alternative’ is someone who adapts an unconventional lifestyle or identity, such as embracing alternative fashion, music or certain political standpoints. Some examples include, but are not limited to: hippie, punk, goth, gyaru and emo. People who identify as alternative are proving to a widespread rejection of mainstream societal expectations and values, embracing diversity, emotional authenticity and creativity.
The alternative culture is heavily centered around music, consisting of music genres such as metal, post-hardcore, rock, punk, shoegaze and hundreds of other distinct subgenres. Music is an expression, which is why it is so incorporated into this culture.
“I mainly listen to metalcore, screamo… things like that,” said Andre La-Torre Ortiz, senior at Athens Drive High.
Music is the foundation of this culture, providing a sense of community and belonging to those who share the same values. Things like music festivals, concerts and conventions can be very spiritually and emotionally healing. Being in a crowd of people who are enjoying and singing the same lyrics together can create community.
For the average high school student, one usually tries to fit in with the crowd; however, choosing to part from it can have some backlash.
“I’ve been bullied for being different almost my whole life; however, I try to ignore it because I’m just being myself,” said Savannah Crane, a freshman at Clayton High School.
It is, unfortunately, not uncommon to be bullied in this day and age just for being a little bit different. Studies show that one out of every five students reports being bullied, the majority of which, about 32.7%, is for appearances. This is a worldwide problem experienced even more in modern-day times. Cyberbullying is becoming a rising problem with up to a 70% increase since the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
Despite comments from others, the desire to escape from mainstream confinement still prevails. The efforts that go into each carefully curated look are not overlooked. Deep thought and lots of creativity go into each outfit, hairstyle and makeup look. Many find inspiration from others who take part in alternative culture and incorporate it into their own looks. This includes things like social media and even physical media such as magazines, books and physical advertisements; however, social media is more commonly used.
“The main platforms I use for outfit inspiration are Pinterest and TikTok. I use TikTok to watch eyeliner tutorials, find outfits, and hairstyles, and then twist it in my own way,” said Crane.
Ultimately, being within the alternative culture has its ups and downs, especially as a student in a larger, more diverse set of peers. However, it is also composed of an accepting and welcoming community with open arms to guide each and every person through it.
“To me, being alternative is about your personality and the music you listen to; you likely won’t find yourself with someone who claims to be alternative, being hateful,” said Crane
