The indigenous, nonracist origins of the American skinhead subculture

Researchers claim that the American skinhead subculture largely has been a racist phenomenon since its emergence. Moreover; researchers posit that the American skinhead subculture emerged primarily as a result of social netwo rk connections between organized American racists and British skinheads. Th is study challenges and adds to these claims. In particular analyses of mus ic lyrics, primary subcultural artifacts, and secondary sources indicate th at the development of the American skinhead phenomenon largely was influenc ed by an indigenous and nonracist subculture known as "hardcore." Findings contribute to a more complete understanding of American skinhead subcultura l origins. Findings also provide support for recent theories about evolutio n and schism among contemporary youth subcultures.