- Eman Said Omranhttps://magazine.ufmalmo.se/author/eman-said-omran/
When we decided on this edition of “Punk”, I knew I will have to do immense research and reading about the topic, because, to be honest, I do not know much about it and I do not listen to the punk music much.
What caught my interest first, once I started reading, was the definition of the word. Immediately I found the connection I was looking for. I trust articles of my fellow writers will add some interesting information and views about the topic. But for me, I choose to dwell around the abstract concept of “Punk”.
Cambridge dictionary defines punk as “culture popular among young people, especially in the late 1970s, involving opposition to authority expressed through shocking behaviour, clothes, and hair, and fast, loud music”. Referring to this definition, aren’t we all punks in our own way?
When you think about it, one realizes that each and every one of us, humans, are living our lives according to our own personal taste, listening to the types of music of our interest, dressing in the outfit that suits our style and practicing the values of our choice, the ones we believe in. When it comes to politics, we all have our political inclinations. Doesn’t that make us “Punks” in our own way?
Analyzing the definition of the word further, we find that punks expresses their views through “shocking behaviour”, so apparently, being a punk is demonstrating your own behavior out loud. In my personal view, if we all came to know each other closely, we would find out unique “shocking” facts about ourselves as well as others. The way I see it, what characterizes us as humans, is our own personal behaviour, which is sometimes shocking to others who do not adapt our same values and beliefs.
This brings me to the thought of “acceptance”, which should be connected to the mentioned definition of the word “Punk”. I believe that when we come to fully accept others, we can relate the word “punk” to a new culture of tolerance. Another thought that crosses my mind is the reason behind the negative connotation to the word “Punk”, is it because some people fear the brave or because some others do not like the ones who speak out loud and hit on controversial matters!
Let me end my line of thoughts with a very simple question. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all “Punks” accept eachother?
