Understanding Subcultures: Ethnographic History of the Iligan City Skateboarding Community

Ann Margarette E. Cagaanan; Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna; Fitzgerald N. Torralba

doi:10.18733/cpi29776

Authors

Ann Margarette E. Cagaanan Mindanao State University–Iligan State University
Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology
Fitzgerald N. Torralba Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18733/cpi29776

Keywords:

Skateboarding community, Ethnographic History, collective consciousness

Abstract

This study attempts to analyze the skateboarding community in Iligan city specifically their history, practices, and traditions. Using both Historical and Ethnographic approach, the researchers found out that skateboarding in Iligan City is not only viewed as an extreme sport but also an ethos where each of their members share a form of “collective consciousness” that encapsulates their history, traditions, authenticity, material culture, values and beliefs. Also, contrary to the popular belief, it can actually keep some teenagers away from troubles such as illegal drugs, alcohol consumption, and violence; as it offers release and relaxation from stressful environments. It is imperative to have understood the existence of this subculture for it will be a great help in the development of the local history of Iligan City. Considering its relevant impact, creating a more detailed and diversified local history will hopefully contribute in helping people to appreciate it.

Author Biographies

Ann Margarette E. Cagaanan, Mindanao State University–Iligan State University

Ann Margarette E. Cagaanan is a researcher, project manager, ethnographer at the Mindanao State University–Iligan State University, Philippines.

Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology

Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna is an Assistant History Professor at the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology. He has a Master’s degree in History and his field of interests revolves around urban history, underground subcultures, literature, and the performing arts. Aside from academic work, he is also a playwright, theatre artist, musician, photographer and is actively involved in cultural work in the Philippines.

Fitzgerald N. Torralba, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology

Fitzgerald N. Torralba is an Assistant Professor of the Department of Sociology and the Artistic Director of the Echoes (Resident Cultural Band). Both of his affiliations are in the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology where he finished his Undergraduate study (2016) and Master of Arts (2020) in Sociology programs. His field of interest includes the teaching and research of the following topics: New Social Movements, Religion and the Arts.

References

Borden, I. (2001). Skateboarding, Space and the City: Architecture, the Body and Performative Critique. Oxford: Berg.

Brisick, J. (2011). Have Board, Will Travel: The Definitive History of Surf, Skate, and Snow. New York: Harper Collins E-Books.

Brooke, M. (1999). Concrete Wave: The History of Skateboarding. Warwick House Publishing.

Marcus, B., & Griggi, L. D. (2011). The Skateboard: The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History. Minneapolis, MN: MVP Books.

Mortimer, S. (2008). Stalefish: Skateboard Culture from the Rejects Who Made It. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Weyland, J. (2003). The Answer is Never: A Skateboarders History of the World. London: Arrow.

Wixon, B. (2009). Skateboarding: Instruction, Programming, and Park Design. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Journals:

Agar, M. (2006). “Culture: Can You Take It Anywhere?” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 5(2), 1-16.

Beal, B. (1995). “Disqualifying the Official: An Exploration of Social Resistance through the Subculture of Skateboarding”. Sociology of Sport Journal, 12(3), 252-267.

Online Database [PDF]:

Beal, B., & Weidman, L. “Authenticity in the Skateboarding World”. DigitalCommons@Linfield. Accessed September 21, 2018: https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/mscmfac_pubs/10/

Drissel, D. (2013). “Skateboarding Spaces of Youth in Belfast: Negotiating Boundaries, Transforming Boundaries”. Spaces & Flows: An International Journal of Urban & ExtraUrban Studies, 2(4). Accessed September 21, 2018: file:///C:/Users/CLIENT/Downloads/Skateboarding_Spaces_of_Youth_in_Belfast(1).pdf

Chelnokova-Siejka, A. (2015). Skateboarding Subculture in China: Development Path, Characteristics and Representation of Values and Social Change [Master’s Thesis, Beijing Normal University and Moscow State Linguistic University, China].

Haines, C., Smith, T. M., & Baxter, M. F. (2011). “Participation in the Risk-taking Occupation of Skateboarding”. Journal of Occupational Science, 18. Accessed September 21, 2018: file:///C:/Users/CLIENT/Downloads/Participation_in_the_risk_taking_occupt.pdf