"Being poor" has never been a prerequisite of "being hardcore." But economic hardship played a crucial role in the style and substance of hardcore's earliest innovations, whether we realize it or not.
I've always find intriguing how people born in the USA lacks to have a critical point of view about their political situation, and reading your text today validated my point. It seems like you guys are so scared of being portrayed as a comunist or socialist, that even the critics are very harmless and never go to the roots of the problem. The fake ideia of having this american democracy is really deep in the citizens, and not only you guys accept porverty as a rule of the game, but also seems to thinks that there is something good in having children living in poor condiditon, because thats what is going to make them "overcome hard times". Here, in Brasil, we have free healthcare system. If I break an arm, I can just go to the hospital and have it fixed and then I take some free medicines and go home with no bills to pay, but this ideia seems to scare you guys so much. why is that?
You may not recall this, but as I was reading I immediately was brought right back to the time we went to an Earth Crisis show with Gus out east on Long Island. For some reason they were a no-show, and Gus dropped me at my family home on the way back to the city.
My town is very affluent, but my father was FDNY and I was often insecure about my home relative to our neighbors. You remarked on the neighborhood homes being impressive as we drove up the block towards my house. I was filled with dread retorted with some insecure comment about my approaching home. When we pulled up, you made some sarcastic comment and in the most kind way you made me realize how much I had to be grateful for.
I’m currently raising my own family in the same town, under very similar circumstances. As a NYC employee myself (D75 teacher) I truly do appreciate all that I was provided growing up.
Another great piece, as usual.
Hell of a piece, man. Thanks for sharing. Been struggling with how to explain this aspect of "punk" to my students who love it.
I've always find intriguing how people born in the USA lacks to have a critical point of view about their political situation, and reading your text today validated my point. It seems like you guys are so scared of being portrayed as a comunist or socialist, that even the critics are very harmless and never go to the roots of the problem. The fake ideia of having this american democracy is really deep in the citizens, and not only you guys accept porverty as a rule of the game, but also seems to thinks that there is something good in having children living in poor condiditon, because thats what is going to make them "overcome hard times". Here, in Brasil, we have free healthcare system. If I break an arm, I can just go to the hospital and have it fixed and then I take some free medicines and go home with no bills to pay, but this ideia seems to scare you guys so much. why is that?
You may not recall this, but as I was reading I immediately was brought right back to the time we went to an Earth Crisis show with Gus out east on Long Island. For some reason they were a no-show, and Gus dropped me at my family home on the way back to the city.
My town is very affluent, but my father was FDNY and I was often insecure about my home relative to our neighbors. You remarked on the neighborhood homes being impressive as we drove up the block towards my house. I was filled with dread retorted with some insecure comment about my approaching home. When we pulled up, you made some sarcastic comment and in the most kind way you made me realize how much I had to be grateful for.
I’m currently raising my own family in the same town, under very similar circumstances. As a NYC employee myself (D75 teacher) I truly do appreciate all that I was provided growing up.
This is a great article and one that I'm sure resonates with SO many people, myself included.
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the interview on Thursday. Take care.