This punk the feeling that you stay for
I found this interesting excerpt from Wikipedia "There are also practicing Muslim punks in Malaysia, who are involved in Straight Edge." Later, I found out another article from a US music magazine covering on SHARP movement (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice) in Malaysia. Can you imagine that? punk is a worldwide movement and for giving such coverage to a tiny dot country on the globe is quite surprising. If you are interested to know more about punk ideology and movement, Feel free to continue reading this post.
Punk is a way of thinking associated with punk cultures and principals which started around 1970s and continue to evolve to the present. Expression of thought usually through punk music, fanzines, gigs etc. Punk is originated from a movement of rebellion against the system and later become a social (sometimes mixed with political) movement against the authority and the system. The pioneer punk bands such as Crass, Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion and The Ramones are actively contribute in this movement.
General Punk Ideology
I've forgot most of the ideology as I've been out of touch with the local punk scene in Malaysia since I was 18 years old. Interestingly, I still carry most of the ideology within my personality and my way of thinking.
Anti-authoritarianism
Punk ideology believe that authority can be dangerous to the society as there is always constant abuse of power, corruption, discrimination and brutality from the authority.Anarchy Not all punks are associated with anarchism (meaning without ruler, king). Most of the time, people misinterpreted anarchism as ideology of chaos, social instability or alienation but it's really a harmonious anti-authoritarian society. Anarchist emphasized on voluntary, autonomous and self-governance.
I personally did not take anarchism as part of my political ideology. However, I do think that a qualified leader should meet certain expectation and qualities. I did not like anyone to boss me around to do work however if the order is based on close friendship, I really have no beef with that. I do think a leader should have the experience in REAL life thus a geek who spent most of his life studying and graduated from Cambridge with a Phd does not necessarily means he can become a leader. Leadership is not all about education, it's more about how you communicate with the people across the ages and boundaries know how to approach them, understand how it's like to be in their shoes and can bring the same level with them.
Non-conformity
Punk is the state of mind. Punk movement is about freedom of thought. Non-conformity is the result of punks having their own opinion and being true to themselves to express their thought. Therefore, by listening to punk music and dress like one does not make you a punk. but having your own opinion and make your own decision in life without following the majority, against the mainstream fashion is a form of punk movement.
From the previous explanation, we can outline that the most important aspect in punk movement is be true to yourself. Being a rebellious did not mean you should involve with anti-social behavior, vandalizing public amenities etc but seriously it's about expressing your thought no matter how they differ with the norms. If you realize there is something wrong with the whole system, do not afraid to speak up, If you see someone trying to exploit others for the sake of money, voice your opinion.
Another thing is try something new and do not afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Don't go along with the flow if you don't like it. Step out and build your own path towards what you really want.
DIY Syndicalist on 23.09.2008. 06:57
very interesting!
How about anarchy?