The Irony of Punk Culture

After Wednesday's lecture on Punk culture as a movement not only confined to music, I couldn't help but think how ironic and contradictory Punk behaviour has become. It brought to mind Dick Hebdige - a majorly influential figure in terms of subcultures and namely subcultural resistance. We covered Hebdige extensively in a cultural studies paper I did in first year, and his concepts and theories really made sense to me - possibly because there is just so much evidence of these ideas in our world today. (Hence the name cultural studies, :)

So anyway, the way in which Punk has evolved over the years and constantly reappropriated itself is a perfect example of what Hebdige labels appropriation and reappropriation. Punks today are using symbols and signifiers from the original movement but reappropriating them into their contemporary context. Whether or not this enhances or deteriorates these symbols' authenticity is another interesting debate. However it is very clear that the conflicting processes of assimilation and differentiation are also very relevant in terms of punk culture and its symbols of rebellion.

For example, punk culture deliberately uses subversive behaviour such as juxtaposition and bricolage (tartan, ties, safety pins, etc.) to express a revolt against mainstream society. Yet at the same time, mainstream society is adopting these cultural signs into the discourse of popular fashion. This is evident in the apparent "in-ness" of tartan this season. Yuck...but that's just my personal view. Haha. So there is huge irony in the fact that punks are trying to rebel against the system, while at the same time preaching themselves that it is more the feeling of belonging to a community and the affiliation they feel with fellow punks that distinguishes their style. Hmm.. Interesting. I see that many people have commented on this irony already, but just wanted to add my 5cents. Sorry, 10 cents. I forget those little tuatara fellows are no longer legal tender.

Cheers..