Subcultures

Question
Hi, I am doing a report on subcultures for my Sociology class. My teacher wants basic info about values and how you would reconise someone? can you help me? I am a new climber as well, and only just getting into this

THanks

Answer
I don't think you can describe an "average" climber.  I don't think there is such a thing.  I once heard that the average climber was a middle aged male and was middle to upper class.  I've never experienced that to be the case my self. Most climbers I know are between the ages of 16 and 30 and come from all walks of life.  I think generally climbers are concerned with the environment and are more likely to be outside than in.  I think climbers are generally free spirited and easy going.  They are typically in shape, but not filled with muscles (they weigh too much).  If you were to line up 100 random people and tried to pick out the climbers, I would look at their cloths, are they brands associated with climbing like Prana, Marmot, 5.10 shoes, etc.  I would look at their accessories hemp, bracelets, etc.  Does their vehicle indicate they're a climber with a bumper sticker?  I have carabiners hanging off my back bumper.  A climber would be able to identify that they are made of aluminum and are Omega Ovals as opposed to some steel generic brand you'd find at a Wal-Mart.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have a more spicifc question.

Nick