Counterculture, by definition, refers to a subculture whose values and norms of behavioral patterns differ significantly from those of mainstream society. Counterculture, in fact, not only differs from the ideals and norms of the mainstream society as such but also is often the polar opposite of what the mainstream believes.
In other words, a countercultural movement expresses the ethos and aspirations of a particular proportion of the population that ideally challenges the superstitions, popular beliefs, and dogmas; which is generally in a well-defined era.
The Birth of Counterculture
It would not be wrong to state that counter is but an advent of the capitalism ideology of The United States. This is vast because of the fact that the notion of counterculture first originated in the West on a global level back in the decade of the 1960s i.e. when industrialization and the American hegemony had started to gain massive dominance over the world.
The Birth of Counterculture
It would not be wrong to state that counter is but an advent of the capitalism ideology of The United States. This is vast because of the fact that the notion of counterculture first originated in the West on a global level back in the decade of the 1960s i.e. when industrialization and the American hegemony had started to gain massive dominance over the world.
The countercultural movement hence gained enormous support and momentum due to the American Civil War at that point in time. As the 1960s progressed, there was a rise in widespread tension and concern regarding various socio-political issues such as rebellion against the authority, urge over the experimentation and use of psychoactive drugs, human sexuality, and women’s rights.
This, from there on set a benchmark for revolution against the mainstream society. In no time, the movement and spread its spread power over the European nations as well. Several key movements related to the mentioned issues were given birth within the counterculture of the 1960s.
Another interesting aspect to note here is that the infamous peace sign or logo which is used quite heavily in contemporary times was originally designed and first used in the United Kingdom (UK) by the organization ‘Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; later becoming associated with elements of the 1960s’ counterculture.
Some historical countercultural movements include the British Invasion, the Hippie Movement, the Gay Liberation Movement, Sexual Revolution, Free Speech Movement, Swinging Sixties, etc.
Music and Its Contribution to Counterculture
Counterculture also dealt with the experimentation of artistic music such as ‘rock and roll’ and illegal drugs such as marijuana and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).
Music and Its Contribution to Counterculture
Counterculture also dealt with the experimentation of artistic music such as ‘rock and roll’ and illegal drugs such as marijuana and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).
The vintage rock band from Liverpool, England named ‘The Beatles’ gained unimaginable popularity during this period through their songs which were thoroughly counter-cultural in their nature, tone, and lyrics.
The popularity of ‘The Beatles’ among the masses in fact went to such an extent that once when their lead singer, John Lennon proclaimed himself to be “even more popular than Jesus Christ himself”; it sparked controversy and outrage against ‘The Beatles’ in the entire United Kingdom, particularly from the mainstream oppressive population.
Counterculture in India
In India too, countercultural philosophies, ideologies, and lifestyles have been brought into life in recent times, although it is much later in comparison to the Western nations. The recent demonstration of the pride parade, which promoted the LGBT movement, was held in several Indian cities recently which is a sign of brighter things to come from the upcoming generations as far as human sexuality is related.
Counterculture in India
In India too, countercultural philosophies, ideologies, and lifestyles have been brought into life in recent times, although it is much later in comparison to the Western nations. The recent demonstration of the pride parade, which promoted the LGBT movement, was held in several Indian cities recently which is a sign of brighter things to come from the upcoming generations as far as human sexuality is related.
The feminist movement in India, in the quest of bringing down the harsh brutalities faced by Indian women and patriarchy as a whole, includes examples of counterculture in India. The #metoo movement on the other hand too gained plenty of attention through social media in curbing the sexual harassment that the Indian divas go through in the Indian film industry for decades now.
The struggle for equal rights for women in India has undergone a long history. Starting with social evil practices, predominantly from the Hindu community such as sati where widows were burnt to death along with their dead husbands saw its end after massive protests and awareness from social activists.
Leaders such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy took massive initiatives in promoting education for women and encouraging widow remarriage.
Other such issues and debates such as women's menstruation and whether women should be allowed to enter temples and other holy places when on periods are still ongoing in the country even to this day.
To conclude, it can be said that where there is a mainstream society and culture, the rise of a counterculture from within a section of the mainstream society is pretty much inevitable today.
Written By - Swagat S. Barman
To conclude, it can be said that where there is a mainstream society and culture, the rise of a counterculture from within a section of the mainstream society is pretty much inevitable today.
Written By - Swagat S. Barman
Edited By - Akash Verma
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