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Abstract
This article analyzes how digital technology can shape cultural practice in Chinese online communities. By using the concepts of boundary and identity, it explores the formation of two online punk communities in China, created by those who are interested in punk music originating from Anglo-American countries. Drawing on data from participant observation and 10 in-depth interviews, this article first reviews literature on Internet culture in China, online communities, boundaries, and identity. It then focuses on the differing practices of the two online punk communities. A discussion is subsequently provided concerning how boundaries are constructed in online communities through the exclusion that is enabled by the technological platform. An analysis of how the members identify themselves with online communities and form punk subcultures encouraged by the boundaries of their respective communities is then presented towards the end of the article. It is through this process that the members empower themselves in their relationships with the surrounding society.
Notes
1. In 1996, a group of Beijing musicians first heard Western underground music, from bands such as East Bay, Chicago, and DC Punk. Later, these musicians formed the first Chinese punk band: Underbaby (O’Dell, 2011).
2. The name of the website “Punk Is Not Dead” is after the landmark Scottish band, The Exploited’s 1981 LP, Punks Not Dead (sic), Secret Records. The title of this LP was in response to the band Crass’s 1978 proclamation that “Punk Is Dead” on The Feeding of the Five Thousand, 12” Small Wonder Records.