7 Comments
User's avatar
Dwight Jellison's avatar

Great article. Thanks for sharing. What's interesting is this reminds me of when I was growing up in Cleveland. The punk scene was exploding and I gravitated towards it because I loved the music, the general energy of it, the anti-establishment of it and the sub-culture that was developing. But, after a few years it became apparent that there was this underlying anger and, quite frankly, hatred in many of my fellow punks. They were drawn more and more towards white supremacy, homophobic rage, etc. I ultimately left the scene because those viewpoints are appalling and totally opposed to everything I believe. Oddly, the angst and anger that I so enjoyed in the music was also a rallying point for fascist views and beliefs.

Expand full comment
Askew One's avatar

I relate to this a lot from things my mother talked about from her youth. My parents were into punk rock in the 70’s and early 80’s and their scene also had a lot of overlap with the local skinhead scene. As that crowd got further and further into the neo-nazi stuff my parents really distanced themselves and eventually moved cities. I don’t think it was the sole reason we moved but we ended up in Central Auckland which was very multicultural and it gave me a totally different life than if I’d grown up with those other influences in my orbit. Definitely grateful.

Expand full comment
Dwight Jellison's avatar

Based on what you stated, your parents and I probably attended the same concerts. Do you mind if I share your post with some of my friends in the art world?

Expand full comment
Askew One's avatar

No doubt! Absolutely feel free

Expand full comment
Gugie's avatar

On New Year’s Eve my friends and I welcomed 2020 as the “year of charity”, recognising that our political divides needed to reconnect if we were to survive the issues of that time. As we now approach 2021 it’s hard to believe how difficult a task repairing our cultural rupture has become.

I too believe that empathy will be an important tool going forward, as charity towards your supposed enemy often highlights the wrongs one may excuse in the name of self righteousness.

Expand full comment
Askew One's avatar

I'm 100 percent with you there. Not everyone can argue passionately about just about everything like we can and still hold it together! My most enduring friendships have lasted since my teens because our desire to remain friends is stronger than our differences. Empathy is at the heart of finding your commonality with others.

Expand full comment
Dsider116's avatar

using pray paint doesnt make you a graffiti artist! ....stcik with your fruity street art ......hey , i body surfed a wave,,,, NOW im a suffer!! .... HANG 10 DUDE!

Expand full comment