Community - it’s the center of humanity. Whether based on survival or merely common interest, it’s always seemed to keep us afloat. Considering we are social creatures who often seek similarities before differences in others, this should come as no surprise. Socialization and relationships are prominent elements of the human experience - so much so that it’s just about nearly impossible not to find a community that suits one’s own personal interests. You might have to look further than others depending upon the subject matter, but with the increase in usage of social sites such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, TikTok and ….well, many, many more, there’s no shortage of platforms to peruse.
Needless to say, the internet has aided many of us in coming together regardless of physical bounds. This allows for a diversification of communities, with varying identities formed by a multitude of lived experiences - all coexisting in one space. That said, these communities are not to be regarded as utopian, as they certainly are not immune to others' pre-existing prejudices. One niche in which this can be observed is the “Alternative” community found on TikTok (naturally dubbed “Alternative Tiktok” or “AltTok”). Alternative culture can be understood as that which deviates from the mainstream - whether relating to one's lifestyle, music tastes or fashion sense. Stereotypically, this might be regarded as emo, goth, punk, lolita, and scene styles, though there are a number of other variations.
While a range of ages can be found on the aforementioned app, it should be noted that many of its pioneers are those belonging to Generation Z. As such, many that tend to be within this community lean towards the younger side. All races are seemingly represented, though one quick glance through the tag (#AltTikTok) will present the viewer with many non-Black, primarily White faces. Even so, fear not - if it’s Black Alternative TikTokers you seek, there’s a tag for them, too: “AltBlackTikTok”. Given pre-existing biases and discrimination within the alternative fashion and music community, this hashtag allows individuals to seek out those like them to not only view but also create content for. Similar to just about 50 years prior, these teens still combat racism in an effort to remain active on a scene where the door was propped open for them by other individuals of color.
Historically, Black and Brown people have always been on scenes that are not regarded as mainstream. Alternativism and the many variations that fall beneath this label have been regarded in a multitude of ways: as both mediums of how one expresses themselves stylistically and as a set of musical stylings that are embodied by specific musical genres. From funk to punk, stars presented in ways that deviated from the norm. Whether that norm was established on the basis of race, gender, or even sexuality, many celebrities defied that which was expected of them resulting in the validation of others and their affinity for alternative culture.
One individual that can be credited with inserting Black voices into alternative spaces was punk/funk icon (or, as some know him, the King of Punk Funk) Rick James. Though coming from a seemingly complex past, one thing of note about this performer was his striking mode of expression. Often in leather, rocking longer hairstyles, and vivid colors, his look was an amalgamation of many alternative elements. He was proactive in emphasizing that the genre within which he primarily operated within - funk - was for all. He’s quoted as having made the statement that: “Funkers are people who dig the funk; Little funkers, Big funkers, Old funkers, Young funkers, Foxy funkers, Mother funkers, Papa funkers.” This is a particularly progressive approach, as someone with acclaim and influence who has made their way forward all the while expressing themselves alternatively recognizes that they can do the same for others. James was also quite upfront about his influences. He had mentioned KISS on multiple occasions as having inspired him, not solely musically, but aesthetically as well - namely with regards to the extravagance of his shows. In this way, it becomes clear that an interest in alternative music does not make an individual any less Black (a narrative some Black alternative Tik Tokers have had to combat), it merely informs their means of expression.
Furthermore, Bad Brains, a group of hardcore punk rockers, are considered the pioneers of the aforementioned genre. Originating from D.C., the group found that, after seeking to perform at live venues, the District was greatly lacking a prominent punk scene. As a result, the band was driven away due to being blacklisted from most clubs within the city and subjected to racism as a result of them being an all-Black pack. The group eventually relocated to New York where not only the punk scene thrived, but eventually their musical endeavors as well. The group had many-a-chance to be rocketed to mainstream success, though very few panned out. Of course, this does not make them any less impactful - however, it does speak to a larger issue faced by Black and Brown individuals who enter alternative spaces: racism. Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer speaks to this, stating: “...It’s just that I really, honestly believe because we’re Black – not to wave any type of racial flag… I always used to say that if Led Zeppelin throw a TV out a window, that’s ‘rock’; the Bad Brains smoke up a room with weed and throw bottles all over, we’re like, ‘n*ggers’. We always had a double standard.”
Though many occurrences barred the group from a level of success akin to say, that of Rick James (though not a perfect comparison given a difference in genre), it should still be noted that their impact is a lasting one. Their story is that of a group subjected to the prejudices of others who persisted in finding a way to be heard. This was, of course, complicated by the music they created and the alternative manner in which they presented, but even in knowing this, they moved forward with fervor. In doing so, they broke down a pre-existing barrier, granting the space for others like them to do the same.
To give a final glimpse into the ways in which being alternative and of color was highlighted by public figures, look no further than to the Queen of Rock n’ Roll herself - Tina Turner. Turner presented an interesting lived reality that deviated from those previously discussed in this piece, as she was a Black woman who persevered within an alternative space. Prior to the height of her success, Turner's backstory is one of a woman who freed herself from an abusive marriage to a partner with whom she performed musically. once breaking free of this, she set her own solo music career into motion. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more Rock n’ Roll than leaving behind a detrimental situation to go on to become an icon who empowers others to do the same.
She had a signature flare about her, often wearing edgier attire such as fishnets and leather and sporting large, spiky, and teased hair. In presenting this way, she brought being an alternative African American woman to the forefront of the music scene. In her music style, she adopted elements of Blues and Jazz all the while maintaining her signature Rock n’ Roll flare that made her music unique in its stylings, hence her impact.
Even so, with those individuals in mind, it should be noted that many Black and Brown individuals in alternative spaces did not have their voices amplified. They simply created their own clubs and their own safe spaces in which they could freely express their interests; however, many have been long since forgotten with time. The history of punk/alternative culture has often been whitewashed (despite a larger, pervasive narrative that punk transcends racial or gender-based barriers). As such, the current - primarily fashion based - community that reigns on TikTok is of great importance - their mere presence on the platform speaks to some level of resiliency.
Despite pre-existing ideas of what was “normal” for people to be wearing or even listening to at the time, all of these individuals defy expectations. Although barred from many scenes by non-black counterparts, the Black community continues to pave their own way forward and, quite frankly, excel in doing so. We adhere to our own freedom of expression even despite hypercritical and/or racist narratives surrounding being featured on these scenes. With TikTok, the community that has been built around alternative Black fashion gives these individuals a platform within which they can validate one another’s experiences and also get educated on those who came before them to further convey to them that their mode of alternative expression is valued and supported. Alternative Black TikTok content creators often highlight ways they’ve been ridiculed by family and peers, in doing so are able to bond with others who have had similar experiences. Thus, creating a sense of community like those that came before them - but rather, in the age of digital media.
Even though a long-running history predates the immersion of #AltBlackTikTok, TikTok allows these teens to reclaim alternative fashions and culture as well as reaffirm Black and Brown appearances within these communities. I suppose TikTok could be considered one of the most youthful crowd’s prominent platforms at the moment, so seeing the ways individuals are transforming it into an inclusive space for teens like themselves goes to show that we are still making strides in alternative crowds, it’s simply that how that’s done only continues to shift and shape with time.
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