Punk ideologies
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Punk ideologies are a group of varied social and political beliefs associated with the punk subculture.
In its original nature the punk culture is primarily concerned with an individual's perceived right to freedom. Devotion to the idea of freedom, tends to create strong beliefs in concepts such as individualism, anti-authoritarianism, political anarchism (though not necessarily), free thought and ethics. Punk ideologies often have a critical view of the world, seeing modern day societies as placing extensive limits on humanity. Punk ideology usually achieves its expression through music, zines -- independently published literature, and spoken-word albums.
Punk culture originated as a movement of shock, rebellion, and discontent. From certain points-of-view, it has evolved into an overt socio-political movement. Bands like MC5, Discharge, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, Crass, Conflict, The Sex Pistols, The Clash and the Bad Brains, have helped to contribute to this ideological climate. Lyrically, punk bands express serious discontent with the systems and institutions that influence society. Some hold the opinion that this spirit is active to this day in punk music, and has matured and expanded in its range.
The political ideology most often associated with punk is that of anarchism, however others are often associated with other leftist ideologies, including left-liberalism, socialism and communism. Despite the similarities that punk ideologies may have with the left-wing, some perceive the efforts of the leftists as ineffectual, and sometimes just as objectionable as the right-wing. Although not as common, various right-wing ideologies can also be found within punk culture, including libertarianism, conservatism and neo-Nazism. When engaging in activism, the demands made by punks can be described as progressive.
This article provides a rough generalization of the philosophies of individuals who identify themselves as punks, and doesn't completely represent the views of all of those who do so.
See also
- Anarchism and animal rights
- Anarchism and the arts
- CrimethInc.
- List of political punk songs
- Music and politics
- Rock and roll and the fall of communism
- Rock Against Bush
- Rock Against Racism
- Rock Against Sexism
- Youth politics