Analyzing Culture Researching Subculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Analyzing Culture Researching Subculture - Essay Example Despite the size and purpose of any subculture, one needs to be aware of the fact that it could leave a significant impact on the society and furthermore could present the possibility of proving to be life altering in the long run. This paper seeks to conduct a research into the origin of Bosozoku and how influential this subculture is in today's society - not only in Japan but also, the rest of the world. To begin with, it focuses on the starting place of the Japanese subculture called Bosozoku, when it started and by whom it was started. This has been critically analyzed to study the main purpose of their subculture and how is has changed over time. Secondly, this paper concentrates on how influential Bosozoku is within Japan and what lies behind the influence and the growth. Thirdly, it focuses on the impact it has on the rest of the world, especially the USA. Before introducing this subculture, it would be imperative to talk about the emerging trends. The rising volume of teenagers showing interest and rendering involvement to modified cars and motorbikes, boy racers and midnight rides are no longer an issue in today's society. But the question that needs to be answered pertains to where it all started and by whom. (Greenfield, 1995) In tandem with this perspective is a corresponding and rather common view is that a causal relationship exists between the policing system and low crime rates in Japan. According to these views, subcultures need to be reduced to a state where they hold minimal significance in Japan. However, numerous, visible, and significant subcultural formations continue to peacefully and unobtrusively exist in these parts. These include groupings of street youths, Bosozoku (hot-rodder) groups, and Yakuza, which may be further described as networks of male adult criminal organizations. (Sato, 1991) Bosozoku, a Japanese subculture has immensely grown to influence the Japanese society in the last 10 to 15 years (Jachim, 1993); from adults to even teenagers. Having originated as a bunch of bored bikers who went by the name of Kaminari - zoku, the Bosozokus have branched out as a group that believes in adorning themselves in traditional Japanese garb and boasting of a contrasting cosmopolitan perspective as well. The cities generally find them cruising around in sophisticated, and more often than not, bikes that are illegally modified, with an intention that seemingly revolves around teasing the local police in the peaceful suburbs. So why aren't they being taken to task The answer to that might have something to do with the implication that they might share connections with the Japanese underworld, otherwise known as Yakuza, as well as the Uyoku. That explains why most people are scared of them and regard them as dangerous. (Jachim, 1993; p. 277) Most of the assumptions that exist in the Western world regarding Japanese crime control seem to be based on notions of a specific Japanese "shame culture," in which social pressures force all individuals to conform to these laws and norms revolving around, or dictated by these subcultures. The subculture popularly referred to as "The Bosozoku - speed tribes" - basically consists of Japan's discontented youth. The Bosozoku have been around since Japan's rebirth as an industrial power after World War II; starting on September the 6th, 1959, when