The thesis will explain and explore more closely the transgression of subcultural symbols into mass produced goods and styles during the twentieth century. Using punk and hip-hop, as a case study, the paper will analyze ways of expressing subcultural identity through their clothing and music. It will also analyze the historical context of the emergence of these subcultures, their environment, socio-economic status, and their internal reflections and attitudes. It explores the gradual dissemination of their influences through television, films, music and growing media exposure. In the mid-twentieth century, a series of subcultural movements emerged with unique dressing style. Punk and hip-hop are one of many styles created in the second half of the twentieth century. The movements shared a common, unique street language, their members came from the margins of society, they grew up in difficult conditions, and the values and rules of the dominant class did not have a meaning to them. Their music, clothing and attitude deviated from mainstream culture, and the sound and appearance of both subcultural groups directly criticized and rejected the dominant class. It was this violation of the rules and norms that enabled them great media exposure and attracted a large audience. With media coverage and growing popularity, the symbols of resistance were gradually incorporated into the mainstream, thus losing their subversive meaning. Although both movements appeared to be shocking and incomprehensible to the dominant culture, in the short term, diluted versions of these styles and elements of culture have been widely spread and embraced. Such a process obscures the original subcultural meanings, which transformed into mass produced goods, lose any trace of subversion and resistance.