Bullshit comes to mind when i think of Raleigh and "punk". Bullshit. First, let me vent some angst and fustration.  If anyone thinks punk is some sort of lifestyle or "another state of mind" you have got to be kiding. "Punk" is anything you decide it to be.  If you adopt it as your lifestyle thats pathetic.  Find your own lifestyle don't adopt some label, some fashion, some prefab attitude.  What makes me so sick is all the kids running around with their leather jackets, store bought boots, and punk rock tee shirts calling themselves, "punk" and then deciding whose is "punk" or less "punk". First off, whats the point?  What kind of rebellious statement are you trying to make by looking like and thinking like everyother street punk out there? If anything all it gets you is attention, and trouble.  Dress how you want to...i'm not your parents...i'm not here to tell you what to wear...but dont go dressing up like "punk" Ken/barbie doll, then saying something like, "fashion sucks", or "preps suck".  Don't go out of your way to look like anyone else. Second off, whats the point?  What are you accomplishing by getting all punked out and going to some show.  After its all over theres nothing.  Nothing changes. I thought punk was all about some "rebellion" from whatnots. Rebellion means change.  What are you changing by going to shows, drinking, putting out some fan zine, or running about shouting "DIY" and flipping people with your middle finger? If "punk" is some sort of rebellion, it's a 360 degree rebellion. (ha Vince...you aint got no copywrite)

Basically, I believe that "punk" is just some section in the record store. Some label, something that people can conform to, and think theyre special.  I have no faith in "punk rock", no belief that it can "unify" or that people should "stand together" b/c they simply have the same Crass record.

Now lets move to Raleigh.  Raleigh is bullshit.  Raleigh is basically a big ole middleclass breeding ground.  There is little poverty in contrast with larger cities.  Raleigh wasn't an industrial town, so it hasnt experienced any of the decay that most other industry based towns have.  Quite the contrary, Raleigh has been one of the forerunners in the technology industry, and thus has prospered along with it.  So basically there are few poverty ridden areas, but there are poor people.

So i'd say that Raleighs "punk rock" scene is firmly embedded in middle class values and conservatism.  There's the apathy of desensatization when it comes to homelessness, homophobia, racism, sexism, and injustice.  The reason why Raleigh's scene is smoldering is because most people dont care.  Or do care, but wont do anything.

With that in mind.  Im still trying to establish a community center for Raleigh Youth.  So we can organize, talk, and decide how to and when to change what needs to be.

*This rant was written late, and it was ill planned, and equally thought out. This is not directed at anyone, despite what people may think.  At this point in time, i'd rather put all the bullshit aside and work to get something done about something.

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