Critical Review #4

Hodkinson, Paul. 2004. Music Scenes: Local, Translocal, and Virtual. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press.

Hodkinson's chapter, "The Goth Scene", highlights the underground goth scene in Great Britain. Throughout his article, Hodkinson pays special attention to the translocal connection of goths located throughout Britain. Hodkinson also points out the more inclusive nature of goth culture, and there evaluations of cultural capitol. To be more specific, instead of being in 'competition' with goths from different areas across Britain, they are interested and eager to interact with non-local goths. Hodkinson also discusses media's role in the translocal goth scenes. Media is used a way to connect, organize, and bring together goths that are not necessarily close geographically. Oftentimes, this media, most often the internet, is used as a means to sustain contact with translocal goths, and also as a conduit to organize events, gathering, and meetings.

Discussion Question: Hodkinson's article about the goth scene makes it seem as if the goth community is very accepting of each other translocally, and also locally with little attention paid to one's cultural capitol. Why is it that some subcultures are more inclusive that others? Additionally, what are some of the things that may cause a person to be excluded from a sub-culture, in general?