How to Become a Mod

1960s Mods

Mods are a subculture that originated in London in the 1950s. The term "Mod" comes from the word modernist. The subculture originated from the beatnik lifestyle of the 1950s. The major elements of a mod lifestyle are fashion and music. The mod scene developed in England when youths began to reject the typical British culture around them. The mod goals are to be sharp, hip, fashionable, neat and smart.

Instructions

Steps

1. Listen to some old Who records. Early Who music was the most popular music of British Mods in the 1960s. Mods listen mainly to ska, jazz, British beat music and soul, along with rock and roll inspired by those types.

2. Be obsessed with fashion. Mods are always on the cutting edge of modern fashion. Break new ground in the fashion world. Get ideas from Italian designers and combine that with the French. Some designers now are focused soley on the Mod look--which, in a way, takes away from the concept.

3. Get to a club where most other Mods gather to listen to the newest and hottest music. This is how you can connect with other Mods to show off your new fashions and dance moves. Most Mods dance all night at these clubs. Mods have a leisure-filled, club-going lifestyle.

4. Buy a scooter. The typical Mod rides around in an Italian-made scooter. Mods treat their scooters as fashion accessories. It's also recommended that you customize your scooter with extra lights and luggage racks. Since you'll be out all night at the club, a scooter can be a reliable source of transportation.

5. Don't drink too much or use drugs. Of most subcultures, the Mods are usually the most sober. Mods want to be up all night. Drugs and alcohol are seen as a way to slow you down. Most ended up using amphetamines in the past.

6. Avoid a brawl with Rockers. Rockers and Mods are longtime enemies. Stereotypical Mods in the past were constantly getting into fights with a gang of Rockers. But some Mods and Rockers have come to realize how much they have in common.

7. Make friends with other Mods. This way you will be kept up to date with the most recent fashions and the latest music.

Tips & Warnings

• Amphetamines are dangerous, and most are illegal.

Resources

• The Mod Scene Online