Punk Music example essay topic

Punk, a form of music that is an expression of good times and the bands' views on society, is quite possibly the best form of music ever. Not only is punk music deep and influential, it is also a community. Punk does not have a real definition nor does it have a set of rules. Punk music is a variety of bands with a common bond.

Some are slow, some loud, some big, but all have the same ideals and beliefs. Punk is a reflection of what it means to be human. Humans' ability to recognize themselves and express their own genetic uniqueness is what separates the human race from other animals. Ironically, the commonly held view among society is that punks are violent and destructive. Violence is neither common in, nor unique to punk. When it does arise it is due to things unrelated to the punk ideal.

Consider for example the common story of a fight at a high school between a punk and a jock football player. The football player and his cohort do not accept or value the punk as a real person. Rather, they use him as a vitriol receptacle, daily taunting, provoking, and embarrassing him (which of course is no more than a reflection of their own insecurities.) One day, the punk has had enough and he clobbers the football captain in the hallway. The teachers of course expel the punk and cite his poor hairstyle and shabby clothing as evidence that he is a violent, uncontrollable no-good. The community newspaper reads, "Hallway Beating Re-affirms that Violence is a Way of Life Among Punk Rockers". The poor hairstyle and shabby clothing is merely a way of being original and standing out from the crowd of millions and joining the crowd of a mere handful.

The bond of the handful is far stronger than the bond of the millions. Their bond is stronger because they can relate on issues of prejudice and of course music. The fact that punks can relate to one another on issues of prejudice comes from a shared experience of being treated poorly by people who don't want them around. Each has his / her own experience of being shunned, and each can relate to another's story of alienation.

It is almost like a Revenge of the Nerds for the 90's. The "Strength-In-Understanding", and "Knowledge-Is-Power" ethics that punks maintain are ideals that everyone should live by. Until the whole world can see that all people truly are equal, then the world will continue to have violence. Luckily a sense unity can be found in punk music and the punk scene, for they are enlightened and despise prejudice. Everyone has the potential to be punk, but most people chose to conform to society's ways because it is much easier to go with the flow than against the grain.

They never express their own views, which is analogous to a premature death of the individual. Only through expression can a person truly live.