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Does “Punk” Mean You Have to be Bad?

by dshively on November 27th, 2007

What does the word punk mean?

According to Dictionary.com, punk takes on a variety of meanings, including “someone who is worthless or unimportant; a hoodlum.” Let’s face it - we’ve all seen those groups of teenagers at the mall, complete with purple hair, Mohawks, piercings and looking seriously bad. Some of them might even fit this definition.

But that’s not what punk is about. Punk isn’t about drinking until you puke, giving the middle finger to someone who cuts you off, or using drugs to the point of oblivion. It isn’t even about the clothes you wear, what type of music you listen to or what others choose to label you as.

I say, forget the outdated stereotype that punks are “bad.” People are “punks” because of the ideals they have, the beliefs they hold, and refusing to back off when someone’s trying to bring you down.

Hold true to your beliefs. Don’t conform to someone’s idea of what you should be. Be who you are - you can’t get more punk than that.

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POSTED IN: Commentary