Doc Martens. The most badass boot in existence. Docs were first adopted by skinheads in the 1960s, creating an expression of rebellion that spread from East London, across Britain and to the entire world. To wear a pair of Doc Martens was to be an anti-fashion statement, to shock, to rebel against the norms of society. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Doc Martens were the symbols of diverse subcultural movements, including mods, glam, punks, ska, psychobillies, goths, industrialists, nu-metal, hardcore, straight-edge and grunge. In spite of the massive contrasts between each of these movements, they are united by their firm setting on the fringe of society, and their absence of desire to conform. In other words, they are THE counter-cultural icon.
So why have they become so mainstream?! It all began with Hannah Montana. Miley Cyrus sported a pair of neon yellow Doc Martens in her hit Disney show, inciting another Doc Martens revival. The difference this time around, however, is their lack of subcultural symbolism. After almost 50 years of Doc Martens existing as a mark of individuality, their meaning has been almost totally lost through their new mainstream status. Their new home is on the feet of the pigeon-toed fashionista updating her Facebook this very second.
My point isn’t that Doc Martens shouldn't be worn by anyone who isn’t a rebellious anti-conformist. But the legacy of the humble Doc Marten needs to be preserved.
amen.
ReplyDeleteDaisy. It would not surprise me if counter culture advocates turned in their graves at the sight of Miley. However, I am a dedicated devil's advocate - especially when it comes to the dreaded 'mainstream'.
ReplyDeleteDon't you think that because they are THE counter-cultural icon, they are just as mainstream as a pair of nikes? In fact, couldn't we say that they are entirely pedestrian and ordinary? To me, they are as much a uniform for the counter culture as school shoes are.