Thinking outloud

[oritsu_luv]

Today there was an old punk on the bart with me. Well, not old, but he was probably in his mid to late thirties, so he was passed the stereotypical 'punk kid' age. It got me thinking about how I overheard one of the guys at work (who is probably late thirties or early forties) talking about a friend of his who still dressed punk, and how he was always like, 'Give it up, man! It's time to grow up!' But I wonder why punk fashion is seen as belonging to the younger generation? I guess because the original punks were young disenfranchised teen rebels? Are we all supposed to have found our place when we get to middle age? To be confident enough in who we are that we don't need to show it through the way we dress? Is it just the idea that they have kept the same beliefs and most importantly lifestyle since they were a teen? That they're seen as trying to hold onto their youth and never change?

And is rebellion and dissatisfaction and feeling like you don't fit in the particular province of the young?

Actually, I hope it is, because in a way the idea that when we get to be 40, we'll be comfortable with ourselves enough to make and to have found a place and people we belong with is a really nice one.

But can't you hold on to both? Is there a happy medium where one can be a happy well-adjusted adult, and still love spiked bracelets and tight jeans? What about Rancid? Or even Green Day?

Comments

[megu-megu.livejournal.com]

I know this old (well, in his 50s-60s, he won't tell us his age haha) punk who was there for the original birth of the London Underground and PUNK punk scene. He dresses the part, still has all his old leather jackets and punk paraphernalia... and is one of the most well-adjusted cultured individuals I know.

So I guess there is a happy medium. Namely, what makes you happy. :)

[oritsu-luv.livejournal.com]

That's really cool. I think you're right.

[jaded-hopeless.livejournal.com]

Here here. I think about that alot actually- esp. in terms of my hair color and the way I dress. But i love the lifestyle i love the mentality. And as far as growing up- i think that's bull shit. I think that you are right, that is associated with being a teenager. But there is alwasy something to rebel against and going against the norm is in people's blood- I know it's in mine.

[oritsu-luv.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was thinking about you while I wrote this, actually, because I know we've talked about similar things.
Some people grow out of it or don't need to define themselves by it anymore. (Like Benji.) And some people, it grows with them. I think that there's way to bring that whole rebel/individualistic/live for music aspect to an adult level, and as long as your mentality grows, it doesn't have to be just for teens. Like Rise Against.

After all, if becoming an adult = conforming than it would be a pretty sad world.