Young guys and girls, shocking society with torn clothes, studded with thorns, psychedelic hairstyles and makeup, are quite common on the streets of big cities. Most often these are representatives of the punk movement - a youth subculture that was born in the late 60s of the last century.
Most people are sure that the main idea of the punk movement lies precisely in the external shocking attributes: hairstyles, clothes, behavior. However, in fact, punks are promoting a certain philosophy, the origins of which can be understood only by referring to the history of the movement.
How did punks come about?
The period of the 60s could be described as an era of stagnation. In the United States and Great Britain, the authorities adhered to conservative views, which gave rise to protest moods in society, especially among young people. Music turned out to be the most accessible way of expressing the generation's craving for change, especially in the wake of the success of bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Young people strove for self-expression, simultaneously demonstrating their denial of social norms and values.
The word punk is found in Shakespeare. Before the advent of punk rock, the word "punk" was used solely as an insult.
In opposition to traditional culture, punk bands have abandoned the idea of quality commercial music. The lyrics of punk rock songs are mainly an attempt at the most pessimistic understanding of the surrounding reality: death, drugs, social problems. The musical component was built on the principle "the worse the better", so punk music is very far from even tolerant rock and roll.
Basic ideas of the punk movement
The origins of the ideology of the punk movement, in principle, can be traced even in the history of the ancient world, because Diogenes, who lived in a barrel and opposed himself to society, quite fits the definition of punk. Since then, only the external attributes have changed, as for the main ideas, they practically coincide with the principles of the Cynic school founded by Diogenes and Antisthenes. Punks pay great attention to individuality, personal freedom, non-conformism, and opposition to imposed stereotypes.
Unlike the hippie movement, who preferred to withdraw from society into their communes, and did not try to somehow stir up society, punks acted more aggressively. Shocking outfits, behavior unacceptable in a decent society, unusual music - all these are the methods used by punks to change the traditions and rules that existed in a society that demanded maximum integration from its members, turning free individuals into a crowd of conformists.
The first group to play punk music is The Ramones. They also introduced traditional punk paraphernalia - leather jackets, ripped jeans, mohawk hairstyles.
To date, the ideology of the punk movement has not undergone significant changes, and adolescents still do their mohawk hairstyles, trying to claim their right to personal freedom. Anarchy, socialism, independence and tolerance are an ideal world in the mind of punks, since it is in such conditions, in their opinion, that a human personality is able to develop without looking back at morality and traditions.
