Subculture Swap

Recent rumblings from TikTok cultural critics, unhappy X inhabitants, and my friends after two Aperol spritzes would have you believe we’ve no longer got any “subcultures.” Everything’s about aesthetics: to have the markings of a group without performing the actions necessary for said marks. But reality is not a Dark-Academia-Health-Goth Pinterest board, and subcultures thrive IRL – if you know where to look. For example, the Ballroom’s sweaty but spacious caverns. Filled by over 30 vintage, novelty, and etc. vendors, only the true freaks, geeks, and weirdos will be brave enough to get a tooth gem right next to the guy selling shrink-wrapped Son in Law VHS. Log off the video platforms, and log in to the real deal. – James Scott