Skinheads Fur Traders And DJs: An Adventure Through The 1970s

Skinheads, a subculture that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, have often been misunderstood and stereotyped. However, beyond the shaved heads and iconic clothing, the skinhead culture is much more complex and multifaceted than many realize.

Defining Skinheads

The skinhead subculture is characterized by a set of shared values and aesthetics that have evolved over time. While there are some common threads, skinheads can be found across a wide spectrum of political and social beliefs.

Traditional Skinheads: The original skinheads, known as "trads," emerged in the working-class youth of London. They were heavily influenced by Jamaican ska and rocksteady music, and their fashion sense reflected their working-class roots. Traditional skinheads typically wore braces, boots, Levi's jeans, and Fred Perry polo shirts.

Skinheads, Fur Traders, and DJs: An Adventure Through the 1970s

by Emily Eliza Scott

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4853 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	206 pages

FREE

Oi! Skinheads: In the late 1970s, a new wave of skinheads emerged, known as "Oi! skinheads." They were influenced by punk rock and adopted a more aggressive and confrontational style. Oi! skinheads often wore work boots, army jackets, and studded leather.

Neo-Nazi Skinheads: Beginning in the 1980s, some skinheads began to adopt far-right ideologies, including neo-Nazism and white supremacy. These skinheads are often referred to as "boneheads," and they represent a small minority of the skinhead subculture.

Music and Fashion

Music has always been an integral part of skinhead culture. Traditional skinheads were heavily influenced by Jamaican ska and rocksteady, while Oi! skinheads embraced punk rock. Skinhead music often reflects the subculture's working-class roots and sense of social alienation.

Clothing: Skinheads have a distinctive fashion sense that has evolved over the years. Traditional skinheads wore braces, boots, Levi's jeans, and Fred Perry polo shirts. Oi! skinheads adopted a more aggressive style, with work boots, army jackets, and studded leather.

Fur Traders

One of the most unique aspects of skinhead culture is the role of fur traders. Fur traders are individuals who buy and sell second-hand clothing, often specializing in vintage and rare skinhead items. Fur traders have played a vital role in preserving the subculture's fashion and aesthetics.

Role in the Subculture: Fur traders provide skinheads with access to clothing and accessories that may otherwise be difficult to find. They also serve as a meeting point for skinheads, providing a space for them to socialize and connect.

Preservation of Tradition: Fur traders play a crucial role in preserving the skinhead subculture's fashion traditions. They collect and sell vintage and rare clothing items, ensuring that the subculture's visual aesthetic is not lost.

DJs

DJs have also been a fundamental part of skinhead culture since its inception. DJs provide the music that fuels skinhead events and parties, and they have played a significant role in shaping the subculture's musical tastes.

Key DJs: Some of the most influential skinhead DJs include:

• Nicky Crane: A legendary skinhead DJ known for his eclectic sets and passionate love for reggae music.
• Judge Dread: A British DJ and toaster who helped to popularize Jamaican ska and rocksteady in the UK.
• Sir Coxsone Sound: A Jamaican sound system that has been playing ska, rocksteady, and reggae for over six decades.

Stereotypes and Prejudice

Despite the diversity within the skinhead subculture, it has often been subject to stereotypes and prejudice. Media portrayals of skinheads have frequently focused on the far-right element, creating a distorted image of the subculture as a whole.

Misconceptions: Common misconceptions about skinheads include:

• All skinheads are racist or violent: While there are some skinheads who hold racist or violent beliefs, the vast majority do not.
• Skinhead culture is inherently political: While some skinheads may be politically active, the subculture itself is not inherently political.
• Skinheads are a threat to society: Skinheads are no more or less likely to engage in criminal activity than any other group in society.

The Future of Skinhead Culture

Skinhead culture has faced challenges in recent decades, including the rise of racism and the declining popularity of its music. However, it has also shown resilience and continues to evolve.

Continued Relevance: Despite the challenges, skinhead culture remains relevant to many young people who are attracted to its sense of community, its fashion, and its music.

New Generations: Younger generations of skinheads are embracing the subculture's roots in reggae and ska music, and they are also creating their own unique variations on the skinhead aesthetic.

Skinhead culture is a complex and multifaceted subculture that extends far beyond its shaved heads and iconic clothing. It is a culture that values community, music, and fashion, and it has played a significant role in shaping youth culture in the UK and around the world.

Despite the stereotypes and prejudice that have often been associated with it, skinhead culture remains a vibrant and diverse movement that continues to inspire and influence young people today.

Skinheads, Fur Traders, and DJs: An Adventure Through the 1970s

by Emily Eliza Scott

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4853 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	206 pages

FREE