How To Be a Punk

When you hear the word "punk," pictures of teenagers with skateboards sporting Mohawks and spikes come to mind. It can elicit a kind of fear and loathing if you are of the older generation. If you are one of the younger guys, you are in awe of the sheer angst of their lifestyle.

Punks are not defined by the way they look. It is actually more than just the clothes. Being punk is about the fierce individualism of the people against the establishment. It is in the mindset of the person that goes against conforming to anything.

Avoid becoming a poser with these simple steps on how to become a punk. With these simple steps, you can truly embrace the punk culture instead of just trying to look like one. After a while, you will understand what it really means to be a punk.

1. Adapt the punk style. You can start with your sense of style. Punks are known for non-conformist styles. So you can find that in their hairstyles. Most punks pick hairstyles that companies would frown upon. Think big 80s hair. There are also Mohawks, Tri Hawks and Liberty Spikes. If it becomes too hard, shaving your head is a classic punk hairdo. As for the clothes, leather jackets work with the punk’s style. Denim, leopard print and plaid are staples of the punk fashion style. Piercings are a good way to show your disdain for the ordered and constraining world.
2. Listen to punk music. A large portion of the punk culture involves the music they listen to.  It will depend on your preference but pop is a big no-no when it comes to music. So you would definitely not want to listen to Avril Lavigne with a group of punk rockers. Some of the more popular punk rock bands include The Who, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, The Cure and X-Ray Spex just to name a few.
3. Delve further into punk. The punk mindset involves how you view the world. Punks see the world and see the indelible affects of the establishment on everyday life. Do not watch television. Television is full of commercialism. Stay away from branded items. Brands are a staple of the commercialistic view of the world and must be avoided as much as possible. One thing you must never do to become a punk would be to ever sell out.

Punks are viewed as troublesome individuals that disrupt the way the world works. People see them as hobos who only live off the hard work of other people. Some individuals reinforce this idea but being a punk means much more. Being a punk is activism against materialism and conformity.