Hello, World . . . Again!
You know when you stand still, like an awkwardly slim string bean, re-meeting someone you definitely have already met before? But it ends up working O.K. because you wanted another chance to give a *better* first impression anyways? Well, that’s what we’re about to do with this entire blog: reintroducing myself, and shooting for the stars for a better first impression. We’re changing it up a bit! And I think this will consolidate a lot of the trailing thoughts that I have daily as I pace the pavement of the city I adore.
Los Angeles.
We’ve talked about the culture of public transit and we’ve also talked about the walks of life on public transit in “Magic ‘City’ Bus” parts one and two. However, this subculture is just one out of the many that are masked under the majority cultures of Los Angeles.
What makes Los Angeles so quirky? Whimsical? Electric?
Why is that the city is always pulsing in the nighttime — with the same veins and arteries of freeways and systems that connect us all?
Los Angeles is full of a diverse amount of tales, faces, interests, and paths, and this is no deep, dark secret. However, the secret that does lie is what fuels these “underground” subcultures? We know the culture of LA sports fans and music goes, coffee shop enthusiasts and yoga moms . . . but what if we looked at different groups that we didn’t consider as entire cultures such public transit? The groups of people who meet under a freeway and perform with ancient, titanic sized analog modules? The lost culture of the Garifuna people who strive to protect their endangered language in low-scale schools and programs?
These are the cultures that make up the cells of Los Angeles, despite the recognition of them.
We don’t necessarily taste the baking soda that is in our cupcake recipes, but we know that without them, we wouldn’t have an incredible concoction to eat. The same goes for the smaller sections that make up a bigger whole; the subcultures that may be outshined, yet collide to create one of the most legendary mega-cities in the world.
For the sake of the rest of this blog in general, there will be a focus shift in topics in that the umbrella of conversation will be Los Angeles subcultures. I couldn’t think of a better way to pay tribute to a city I am passionate for — yes, flawed, yet sparkling in its ability to grow and prosper. As I go through experiences in my nearing adulthood, I want to continuously keep record of the numerous subcultures I see, no matter how small nor whacky they seem. The unity of interests and people is something to be truly treasured and celebrated, and the country of diversity that we call “the melting pot”, a hub for such subcultures, is full of unifications.
This may be a ramble, and nothing but that — but I hope to glorify and highlight the nooks and crannies of what Los Angeles has to offer, as it continuously receives outlash from “outsiders”. If you are native to this area and call it home, you know what it has to offer. And it is not necessarily the place, the geographical advantage, the smog-sunset skies, or the glitz and glam of Hollywood . . . it truly is the people. The culture. The cultures within culture. The things that make us tick and get our gears going.
Think of your favorite club in high school or one that you really wanted to get involved in but never did. Now think of that on a larger scale — one that is thousands of people of a reach and maybe even larger — that exists here, in this place of magnitude. Now imagine that no one realizes that the club exists! Think of what it would be like if each and every one of us stepped our toes in and looked into all the different subcultures within the city (clubs within the high school). Wouldn’t you feel a lot closer? A lot more connected? A little bit less small and alone?
This is what subcultures do. They tie in our differences and similarities and make a mega-club!
I can’t wait to look into all that Los Angeles subgroups have to offer — as strange as some might be! Until then, I bid you adieu in a city that never sleeps.
