weeds are good
weeds are good
So what does punk rock and permaculture have in common?
First of all, both movements speak strongly about community and autonomy. Punk popularized the DIY ethic now becoming DIO (Do it ourselves) which means even more attention is being paid to community sufficiency. Self governance has been essential to punk since it’s inception. Punk activism has long placed emphasis on non hierarchal structure advocating for anarchistic (without rulers) governance, and systems based on consent, and full participation which are also essential to any permaculture operation.
Secondly, both movements have spoken up joyfully and loudly for the earth. Whether it vegan folk punk bands singing about treesits or earth activists creating temporary sustainable community at climate camps as training grounds. Permie punks are a organizing force to be reckoned with.
Finally, embracing diversity is key to both movements. As I always like to remember “unity through intergration, intergration through diversity”!
Permie punks unite!
Recently, my roomate just left Olympia for the Earth Activist Training permaculture course and so I though I would highlight what this inspiring course is about.
Punk Rock Permaculture E-zine 
At best, you’re writing about a certain variety of punk — while overgeneralizing, and while greatly overidealizing other forms of punk.
The Sex Pistols and The Misfits are very distant from your portrayal of punks, and there are many other examples. Punk can be destructive, as well as very individualistic — and/or self-destructive. A ‘smash shit up’ ethos has been an important part of some punk-ness. Punk often has been an outlet for hatred and bitter misery.
A lot of punks aren’t activists.
And there’s a lot more I could say about how your presentation of punks doesn’t reflect a lot of punks.
Anyway, I think it would be more valid and constructive for you to specify that you only support certain forms of punk.
Obviously you do only support certain forms of punk.
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I do agree,
Personally, I really like folk punk at this point in my life and also punks of the fix shit up variety though I’m not exclusive. I used the term punk as a reflection of diy and thrift ethics, as well as, non classist idealism. Thanks for the good comment!
P.S. I love the misfits…. I turned into a Martian is one of my most favorite songs.
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“Die, Die My Darling” isn’t all that pro-community. 🙂
I used to like the Misfits when I was an unhappy teenager. Evidently people who aren’t very bitter or angry or whatever still listen to harsh music (e.g. a lot of industrial music as well), but I don’t understand why; I truly don’t get it.
In small doses, maybe the music could be a way of venting. But, for me, it’s basically a downer.
In the winter I started listening to Front Line Assembly again, and, on the whole, that was negative. They’re not a punk group, obviously, but I think there are similar feelings (e.g. alienation) around their music.
Anyway, obviously there are different forms of punk out there.
Linking punk to permaculture certainly could draw some people into ecology — by making it more fun, etc.
Cheers.
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Another great comment thanks for contributing.
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