On Althaus Magazine, nee Gothic Angst Webzine, as well as many other places on the web, there have been volumes written in an attempt to marry Goth, Punk or any other subculture associated look to standard corporate attire. Perhaps this is an ill-conceived notion. Honestly, it seems far-fetched that anyone could combine two separate ideals and create anything that is worth discussion.

Perhaps it is important to note that subcultures are subcultures for a reason. Subcultures are cultures that adhere to cultural norms while incorporating more stringent rules in addition to the parent culture. In this way, the rules that define a one subculture may be in direct opposition to another.

Yes, Corporate Culture is a subculture. By the definition, Corporate Culture must be a subculture. If Corporate Culture is a subculture, then it seems unreasonable that other subcultures would be adherent to the Corporate norms. This means that, at best, creating a subculture hybrid would be an abomination of what each culture holds dear.

All is not lost, however. Simply because you adhere to corporate norms while at work this does not preclude you from getting decked out in your finery once you leave work. This means that Corporate Culture, in a sense, has a rule that the rules only apply when one is representing the company. Suppose you are at a club and it is outside of work hours, then your preferred subculture rules will dominate.

Ultimately, the question of Corporate Goth, Corporate Punk, Corporate Raver or what have you is not really representative of what underlies the action. The motive is, realistically, self expression. As Type O Negative has stated, suicide is self expression. This does not mean that anyone should commit suicide, nor does it mean that suicide is a good idea at work.

In a way, the question that is really being asked is, how much can one express themselves in a corporate environment before they overstep the bounds of what is acceptable at work. This is not a simple question to answer as each work environment can vary wildly from another. Someone that is self-employed may have great latitude in what they can do to express themselves while working. Someone working for a financial institution may not have as much leeway.

Perhaps this article is the inception of a new breed of subculture marriage articles, which would aim to define a new goal in self expression at work, time will tell. What can be said is, self expression is always held in check when it goes against the norms that are set within a specific environment. In order to even approach the concern, it is important to first understand what is trying to get out in the act of self expression.

Perhaps self expression is really the inner self, attempting to proclaim dissatisfaction with the current environment. Job choice, by the very nature, seems to be a major step in self expression. Perhaps, in choosing a career path that limits how and when one can express inner motives and ideas, that person has expressed a desire to follow the career and leave their current subculture. On the other hand, perhaps the desire to express something different from corporate norms is a statement that the Corporate Subculture is not the subculture for them and they should seek other employment.

In the end, every subculture has set rules. When a member of that culture begins consorting with another culture, sparks are certain to fly as cultural friction arises. Finding a balance between your current subculture and where you work may require compromise. Considering a compromise may lead to a happy marriage, or a parting of ways. The choice is yours, but the rules were set by those whom surround you.