1. Townies:
Townies are as mainstream as you can get – it’s the default ‘normal’ Tribe and the core of the
British youth population…
As other youth Tribes emerged and diversified, the Townies were born – and most wouldn’t even
see themselves as belonging to a Tribe at all. The catchall for ‘normal’ kids of both sexes, they are
the mainstream core of UK youth as opposed to the ‘weird’ Tribes they see at school, college, uni
and on the high street.
Townies are those who simply prefer to go with the flow, keeping up to date with celebrity gossip
and the latest chart hits. They like football but aren’t fanatics, love to drink but don’t experiment
with drugs like the Chavers. Townies like fashion but are a far cry from the Hipsters or Trendies.
Often ridiculed by other Tribes for being cultural ‘sheep’ with no identity, they simply follow
dominant trends and that’s fine by them. They have access to the high street and the Top 40, so
what’s wrong with picking up whatever is on trend in River Island or listening to what’s number
one? It’s the safe option, endorsed by the media and celebrity culture – and if Heat magazine says
it’s good, then why not!
TV is the biggest signifier for the Townie crowd – watching football, following the big music
competitions and following the latest Reality TV shows is their bag. They are Reality TV stalwarts
and love Geordie Shore and the Valleys – watching Townies/Blingers living it up and getting mortal
is great viewing. Chart music, R’n’B and mainstream hip hop soundtrack their lives – last year they
loved Rizzle Kicks, Jessie J and Justin Timberlake is back, yay!