sub.culture.

A subculture that I would say that I belong to is the hardcore/post-hardcore scene subculture. It's the music, the shows, and also what comes with it, the style.
There are definately alot of misconceptions about this subculture. The fact that it's "angry" and "harmful" just because the music is heavy and screaming. A lot people will hear the music and think it's all about killing yourself and hurting people but if they really listened to it they would realize that it has some of the most meaningful lyrics with really powerful messages. Yeah, some of it is about revenge and a big 'fuck you' to those that have betrayed you but it's also about being stronger, being independent, and finding those friends that will always have your back. People also misinterpret the moshing for actual fighting. This is when they classify a person a part of this subculture an angry, pissed off, person who hates themselves and the world, this is partly wrong, yes the hardcore scene consists of alot of kids who are angry and pissed off but no, they do not hate themselves, they hate others. The music and moshing all put together in one definately gets alot of aggression out in a healthy way.
I guess you can say that there's a certain language, there's at least certain terms and rituals. There's the wall of death, circle pit, mosh pit, breakdown and pig squeal. You should know the "rules" of the pit before you go in it. There's usually some kid "running" it, but that's only sometimes.
The music is definately the majority of it. It's not metal or death metal, it's hardcore/post-hardcore just because hardcore is more like the older bands and comes more from the east coast while the post-hardcore are alot of the current bands with a lighter feel and some screaming mixed in with singing. It's a versatile type of music, there's the true hardcore bands like bane, hatebreed, converge, terror, first blood and then there's the newer ones that some can arguer suck alot of ass like heavyheavylowlow, bring me the horizon, a day to remember, august burns red; and then there's always the regional ones which could be a subculture within a subculture so Milwaukee has sleep serapis sleep, with hours waiting, hail archer, we had since by man but they broke up and not quite hardcore but worthy the promise ring. There's also a great number of Christian hardcore bands (underoath, the devil wears prada, attack attack, norma jean, any band on tooth and nail/solid state records) that are respected even though some of the kids that listen to them may be atheist or not believe in the Christian beliefs they're able to put that aside and listen to the music.
Also, like any other subculture, there's the style. The piercings, the tattoos, the tight clothes, but sometimes guys will opt for the baggy gym shorts and a hoodie or just a regular band tee. The stretched ears, sleeves, neck tattoos are very common things. Some people think that with this look brings a mean person but really these people are the nicest people ever and are so accepting of anyone with an open mind and respect. I love being a part of it, going with friends to shows and actually caring about the music and watching our friends in the bands on stage is awesome.