SkinJack Articles...Part 2
The Ska/Mod/Skinhead underground: An Explanation of My Motives
Part of being a member of any of the groups I listed in my title is the deep and free thinking that is only found through interaction with others like yourself, be it at shows, underground gatherings, or local hangouts. Part of the great ideal behind any underground minority is lending yourself to a subculture, or that which "isn't popular." but subculture only holds for so long before a group just becomes as elite-ist few who act the same and do the same things all the time and shut out others from their group. Whenever my own group of friends reached this level of subculture, out I was cast, in such, totally abandoned. I balem myself and no one else for this, being that I got so involved with the subculture in the first place. However, I would like to warn all readers these concerns of becoming part of such a subculture, as ultimately it will crumble and you will be changed by the group so much that you cannot stand to face society. Some are not as lucky as I am, I got out early and re-entered the mainstream(of society) easily. Get out while you can, be a part of the Underground. Go to shows, hang out, be in a band. Don't limit yourself to an elite group of friends.
Fashionable Concerns
It seems to me these days everyone wears the same thing and falls into an unexpressional stereotype. If you're a punk you have to look real dirty and wear pants with zippers and patches all over them and the same tight shirt all the time. If you're a skin you wear Fred Perry shirts with with black jeans or khakis and probably red suspenders and oxblood Docs. If you listen to ska you wear a pork pie hat and some dressy "retro" pants and Vans or wingtips(depending if you're 3rd wave or traditional). If you're a mod you have to wear Vespa scooter gear and the British flag somewhre on you and shower once a week and wear blue jeans with a hole in one knee. Don't get me wrong, expressionalism is great, but at least know why you're making a particular statement. Don't just do it because everyone else does and "it looks neat," that would make you no better than the ravers that wear big Jnco's and a lot of silver stuff. Do it because you understand the deep route of the music, the true way of life contained in your culture, not just because it's the way everyone else does it. Dressing for fashionable concerns often gives you the wrong motives for your actions and makes you grow shallow towards others with your interests who don't look like you. If you can free up your sight, it will be much easier to remain a part of your culture for a long time to come.
ENJOY!
-"skinjack"
Email: Skinjack