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Being Punk

I am punk. I am a rocker. No matter what anyone says. You can say that I'm a poser, go ahead. I know what I am and what I'm not.

And this is a message to all posers:

Punk is more than what you wear and the music you listen to.

Billie Joe Armstrong ( lead singer of Green Day) once said that punk is not just a style of music. it's a statement.

For example:

Marla (me): Watch this (kicks over a garbage can).

"You see that, Kim? That's punk."

Kim (my sister): OK (kicks over another garbage can).

"That's punk?"

Marla (me): (shaking my head)

"No. Now that's a trend."

Still don't get it?

Being a punk is about starting you own thing and making a statement about yourself. Being punk is about not letting stupid things such as normality and conformity hinder you from what you truly are, what you want to become. Being punk is about seeing how much you can get away with (my own personal note).

I am punk.

I don't know many other African American kids my age who like to listen to half the stuff I listen to.

During my freshman year at Cleveland State, I roomed with another black girl whose views and opinions differed from my own.

She said that rock music is "White people music".

Am I white? Afraid not.

She hated the fact that I dated white guys, played the guitar, rowed, and listened to Green Day as loud as possible. Every day her friends pissed me off royally, called me names and tormented me.

It got me angry, no doubt.

But I made a statement:

Just because I'm black doesn't mean I listen to rap.

I've learned from this experience.

I've learned that who I am and what I represent is more than just a style. It's my way of life.

So, onward with the ties, black clothes, and the coal-colored eyeliner.

This is me.

And I am punk.

Learn more about this author, Marla Massie.
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