Examples of countercultures in the U.S. could include the hippie movement of the 1960s, the green movement, polygamists, and feminist groups.

Counterculture-A group whose values and norms deviate from or are at odds with those of dominant culture: –Usually viewed as negative/dangerous, but not always.

A counterculture is a culture whose values and norms of behavior differ substantially from those of mainstream society, sometimes diametrically opposed to mainstream cultural mores. A countercultural movement expresses the ethos and aspirations of a specific population during a well-defined era.

Pop culture would include just that; culture which is popular, easy to understand and entertaining to the majority of young people. High culture, on the other hand, may include renaissance art, classical music and opera. The latter is arguably more sophisticated, intellectually challenging and intrinsically rewarding.

Sociologists use the term high culture to describe the pattern of cultural experiences and attitudes that exist in the highest class segments of a society. People often associate high culture with intellectualism, political power, and prestige. In America, high culture also tends to be associated with wealth.

As the ‘culture of the people’, popular culture is determined by the interactions between people in their everyday activities: styles of dress, the use of slang, greeting rituals and the foods that people eat are all examples of popular culture. Popular culture is also informed by the mass media.

Popular culture are often a product of more developed countries. Popular culture diffuses contagiously….Popular culture diffuses contagiously.

• Folk music tells a story and is personal in nature.
• Most folk culture is rural.
• Folk housing normally reflects the culture.
• Food preferences are adapted to the environment.

By learning and understanding different cultures you understand why people do things the way they do. When you identify with other people, you sympathize with their situation. This facilitates understanding and prevents misunderstandings.

Learning about other cultures can dispel the fears and misunderstandings students may have about another culture and can lead to a reduction in bullying. Learning about how the world celebrates special occasions gives students the opportunity to reach out and understand the world they live in just a little better.

Understanding different cultures allows you to be more open, accepting, and tolerant of other people. Understanding different cultures is more than having an appreciation for our differences, but paving the way for a new world where we all stand together.

Often people are afraid that recognizing differences will divide people from each other. However, learning about cultural differences can actually bring people closer together, because it can reveal important parts of each other’s lives. It can show us how much we have in common as human beings.