© Denise Shively


The punk subculture isn't merely a fashion statement, but rather an attitude and a way of life for many people.

When punk music became a little more mainstream, many people decided to adopt the punk "style" for themselves. Some would argue that people forgot the original meaning behind the punk movement to begin with. Others might consider the punk subculture merely a way to express themselves with clothing and hairstyles that command attention.
How It Began

Originally, the punk movement came about as a way for people to express their views towards political and social issues. The outrageous clothing and hairstyles were indicative of the youthful rebellion at the time, and stood as a way for punks to differentiate themselves from the masses.

Punk bands carried with them a message of anti-authority, and as the movement progressed, people increasingly began to flock to the punk ideology as never before. Before Hot Topic opened in malls everywhere, punk was about attitude. It wasn't about garnering attention from your peers. At least, that's how one argument goes.
The Other Side

Still others care to argue that punk shouldn't be about labels to begin with. The "punk clothing" so prevalent in today's youth, rather than be an indicator of rebellion or anti-establishment, should merely be looked upon as a fashion statement.

This nonchalant way of thinking seems to anger many "true punks" who adopted the culture as a way of life, not simply to look cool in front of their friends. However, that begs the question: how do you define a "true" punk from a mere poser?

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The Labels Associated with the Punk Movement

When did the meaning of punk become so skewed between the 1970's and today? As the culture has blended into the mainstream, many people have seemed to lose sight of what the original movement truly meant to begin with.

What makes a person punk, anyway? Tattoos? Drug use? Does a true punk need to be offensive, mean and degrading - just for the sake of doing so? Wait, what about mohawks, liberty spikes and outrageous hair colors? Does sporting purple locks make someone punk?

Then of course, there are the so-called "fashionistas" who seem to dress up in punk clothing because of the cool factor. Do fishnet stockings, fingerless gloves and a snarl make you punk?
Staying True

As punk music and the culture becomes increasingly embraced into the mainstream, the line between true originality and copy cat clones will blur. Punk was never intended to be strictly about the fashion; rather, it was an ideology, and truthfully, a way of life.

There are no rules to follow to be "punk." Think for yourself, don't attempt to follow the latest trends just because they're there, and wear what you want. Why? Because true punks don't care about looking good or fitting in with everyone else.

Punk isn't just a fashion statement.

The copyright of the article The Punk Way of Life in Punk/Ska Music is owned by Denise Shively. Permission to republish The Punk Way of Life in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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