Distorted harmony : a cultural study of the convergence between diverse youth subcultures

Abstract

Distorted Harmony deals with the sociological understanding of subcultures in Malta. Through the cultural analysis of two researched sub-formations, the author tries to assert whether there exists the possibility of any convergence between them. The two sub-formations are the Christian Community, a Christian youth group and the Thrash/Heavy metal sub-culture. The author's participation in these two 'different' social settings gives an introspective insight of the rituals, meaning and symbolic interaction synonymous with these two sub-formations. Moreover, it may challenge the stigma which certain subcultures may carry with them within society. The data gathered during this cultural analysis shows that social stigma may be the result of the negative reactions from the mainstream culture towards the different modes of expression of the subculture. Thus the author tries to analyse the convergence between the Christian Community groupings (who are viewed to be conforming with the mainstream culture) and the Thrash Metal subculture who viewed as non-conformist. This attempt at cultural analysis is based on investigating the structure and values of the two sub-formations. It is hoped that this study will challenge conventional views of conformity and widen the debate on subcultural behaviour amongst young people in Malta.