Raggare

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The following article contains and discusses content that may be distressing to some readers.
Reason for Warning: This page documents a subculture associated with themes of violence and frequently features substance use (alcohol) and smoking imagery. The aesthetic also incorporates the Confederate battle flag, which, while often used by the subculture as a neutral symbol of rebellion/Americana, is widely recognized as a symbol of racism and slavery.

Raggare
Image of two Raggare, taken at the 2005 Power Big Meet.
Decade of origin	1950s
Location of origin	Sweden
Key motifs	Classic American cars, pompadours, denim, leather, Confederate battle flag
Key colours	Chrome, denim blue, leather black
Key values	Nostalgia, rebellion, automotive enthusiasm
Related aesthetics	American Kitsch Americana Biker Greaser Rockabilly Teddy Boys
Related media	Rock'n'roll music, car magazines, "Raggare!" (1959 film)
Related brands	American car manufacturers (e.g., Chevrolet, Ford)

Raggare is a youth subculture present since the 1950s, primarily found in rural areas and smaller towns of Sweden and, to a lesser extent, Norway and Finland. They participate in car cruising events. Their origins are linked to increased prosperity and the rise of rock music in the mid-1950s, influenced by American figures like Elvis Presley. It is often associated with middle-aged men who are enthusiastic about classic cars produced in the United States.

Predominantly a working-class youth culture, they emphasize a masculine, tough style, with men wearing jeans and greased, combed hairstyles, and women sporting voluminous hairdos. Their affinity for American cars reflected optimism, while their exaggerated masculinity was a reaction to changing gender roles. The term "Raggare" is both plural and singular. This slang term has uncertain origins, possibly related to "picking up" women (pursuing romantic encounters).

The subculture drew heavy inspiration from American rock'n'roll, rockabilly, and greaser culture, including hot rod cars and greased hairstyles. Similar subcultures existed across Western Europe, but Raggare are particularly enduring in Sweden.

History

The term "Raggare" is a slang term of uncertain origin. One theory suggests a connection to "ragg," which can refer to coarse wool, bristles, and unkempt hair. Another theory posits that it derives from "ragga upp," slang for acquiring items, or "ragga," meaning to pursue sexual relationships, originally a driver's term for "carrying a load." An example of this usage is "ragga (catch) girls." In the 1960s, Swedish mods referred to male Raggare as "sunar" and female Raggare as "dorisar."

The Raggare subculture's emergence in 1950s Sweden was facilitated by the nation's neutrality and lack of wartime destruction during World War II. This allowed Sweden's infrastructure and export economy to flourish, enabling working-class youths to acquire cars. During this decade, the Swedish welfare state expanded, leading to new lifestyles inspired by the "American Dream." Young people had increased financial resources and leisure time, and those within the motorized youth subculture were termed "Raggare." The Raggare culture's development was intertwined with rising prosperity and the introduction of rock music in the mid-1950s, with influences including Elvis Presley, Tommy Steele, and Bill Haley. This culture primarily attracted working-class youth, while students and high school students adopted different styles.

Initially, Raggare caused public concern due to associations with alcohol, violence, reckless driving, and sexual activity. Raggare gangs were viewed as a social problem, exemplified by the 1959 film "Raggare!". The "Road Devils," a Stockholm-based gang formed in the late 1950s by Bosse "Gamen" Sandberg, gained significant notoriety in the press, drawing its name from the 1957 film "Hot Rod Rumble."

The initial Raggare gangs emerged in Stockholm in the late-1950s. Those most written about in the press were "The Road Devils." Their leader figure was Bosse "Gamen" Sandberg. The Road Devils displayed signs under their rear bumper with the text: The Road Devils, San Fernando, and later San Fernando was replaced with the membership number. The Road Devils were commonly called the Road Devils by the contemporary press. Other major Raggare clubs in Stockholm at that time were The Car Angels and Teddy Boys Car Club. The large Raggare riots in Kristianstad occurred on July 26, 1959, between Raggare and the police. Newspapers wrote large headlines and politicians investigated the events. Around 1962–1964, the first myth-enshrouded Raggare clubs had disappeared.

Raggar cruising on Sveavägen in Stockholm with 'pilsnerraggare' in a 1950 Buick Super Riviera Sedan.

Raggare culture was heavily influenced by American rock'n'roll culture, including large cars and greased hairstyles. Similar subcultures existed in most Western European countries, but nowhere have they been as vigorous as in Sweden, except possibly in Finland. In the later 1970s, conflicts arose between Raggare and punks. Eddie Meduza released the single "Punkjävlar" in 1978, which became a cult classic. Punk bands, both Swedish and foreign, faced attacks from Raggare gangs during Swedish tours, and Swedish punk bands wrote songs criticizing Raggare culture, such as Rude Kids' "Raggare Is a Bunch of Motherfuckers." During Magnus Uggla's 1979 folk park tour, Raggare reacted angrily, throwing stones and eggs after Expressen reported on his single "Centrumhets," about Raggare in Nässjö. Raggare culture has been subject to parody, notably by the characters Ronny and Ragge, portrayed by Peter Settman and Fredde Granberg in the early 1990s.

Fashion

Raggare fashion draws heavily from 1950s rockabilly styles. Key elements include blue jeans, cowboy boots, white T-shirts (sometimes with folded sleeves to hold cigarettes), and leather or denim jackets. Hairstyles are styled with Brylcreem or other pomades. Early Raggare members were among the first in Stockholm to wear Wrangler Blue Bell jeans, obtained from sailors returning from the United States. Varsity jackets, leather boots with side buckles, and American football jackets with club names painted on the back were also common attire. Some Raggare wore jean jackets, and attached fox tails to their car antennas, known as "raggarsvansar."

Women within the Raggare subculture typically wear high heels, eye-liner, light lip powder, and hairstyles reminiscent of movie stars. Ponytails with side brooches and hula hoops were also popular.

The Confederate battle flag is a prominent symbol within some members of the Raggare subculture, viewed by its followers as a representation of rebellion and American culture, rather than its association with slavery and racism in modern U.S politics. Essentially, it is used as a kitsch symbol associated with Americana, divorced from its historical context or contemporary political associations.

Cars

Cars are a core component of Raggare culture, with a focus on V8-powered and other large American automobiles. The 1960s Pontiac Bonneville is cited as a frequent choice due to its availability, classic design, affordability, and spacious interior. Raggare culture shares similarities with hot rod culture, yet Raggare often utilize unmodified American cars, which are distinctive in Sweden's automotive landscape. Some Raggare also operate European vehicles from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Estimates suggest that Sweden has a high concentration of restored 1950s American cars. For example, the number of 1958 Cadillac convertibles in Sweden exceeds the initial sales figures. It is estimated that at one point between 4,000 and 5,000 classic American cars were imported to Sweden each year.

The "pilsnerraggare," the youngest generation within the subculture, prioritizes driving older, often worn-out American cars, consuming alcohol, and playing loud music, with less emphasis on vehicle restoration. Raggare culture emerged in the 1950s, fueled by the availability of cars for middle-class youth following Sweden's economic growth post-World War II. American cars represented a symbol of status and served as social spaces. If a Raggare was unable to obtain an American car, they often opt for a Volvo painted black as an alternative.

Music

The Raggare subculture, since its emergence in the late 1950s, gained notoriety for its association with a rebellious lifestyle and rockabilly music. While Raggare were certainly not the only subculture in Sweden, they received the most media attention. In 1977, the rise of punk subculture shifted the media spotlight, becoming the focus of public attention. This led to conflict between Raggare and punks, with Raggare participating in attacks against punk individuals.

Media portrayal contributed to tensions by depicting punks in a negative light. In certain areas, like Gothenburg, Raggare and punk subcultures coexisted, with punk bands performing at Raggare venues. However, conflicts were prevalent in smaller towns. Musicians who created punk songs that contained lyrics that were opposed to Raggare culture, such as "Raggar Ragge" by Urban Släke, faced threats. The song "Raggare is a bunch of motherfuckers" by Rude Kids also caused Raggare backlash against the band. Eddie Meduza's song "Punkjävlar" became an anthem for Raggare. Over time, these conflicts diminished, and some musical groups adopted elements of both Raggare and punk cultures.

Media

• Byhåla (1991-1993)
• Raggare! (1959)
• Raggarjävlar (2019)
• Raggargänget (1962)
• Tjenare Kungen (2005)
• Welcome to Sweden (2014-2015)

Resources

• Big Power Meet Pictures
• Stadin Raggarit (in Finnish) - Contains articles and over 6000 pictures.

Gallery