... the other Black experience
The Afro- Punk in Solitude
Joining the Afro Punk community wasn't a hop on the bandwagon type of thing. My friends didn't ( and still don't) understand the movement. My family thought that I was just doing anything to be defiant. Coupled with the fact that I don't know any other punks from Cleveland. I felt like just walking away from the movement. It wasn't until I found out my mother was a fellow punk , I gave it another chance . Am I the only one who feels like the odd one out in this community sometimes ?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Myyra on -
I def understand this feeling coming across this community def makes me feel like the clouds have opened in a sense lol I have found my niche
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Permalink Reply by Damaris on -
Hi! I feel like this all the time. I have been looking at the movement for a while but wasnt sure. Not very accepted in a way of just being a forward thinker or having my own point of view and not falling into a steroptype just because people think i should. I love everything about the decisions I have made for myself from the clothes that I wear to the way I think. I'm odd no matter where I go and all too happy to share this. Its cool you dont know any punks where you are, your setting a trend that will carry. For instance I didnt know any other Goth kids in High School, but a trend was set that couldnt be matched, I was just being myself, and so are you :)
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Permalink Reply by Rick on -
I feel it everyday, it's lonely as shit sometimes. But, stay out there & you'll find more like you (us). I won't lie, it doesn't get easier with age.
Be true to you and the rest will work itself out.
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Permalink Reply by lyfenlyn on -
I think we also get into the habit of segregating ourselves and believing the lie that were unwanted, undesirable and weird. Ask yourself, the last time you went to a show and saw another black person there, did you say hello? Did you introduce yourself? Did you even smile at them or anyone for that matter?
We sometimes make ourselves unapproachable and therefore self isolating. Its upto us to create our own realities and communities. It's also our responsibility to make our own happiness. If where we are at isn't a happy place or working for what we need socially and spiritually then we need to sit down and come up with a solution. I mean this community exists for a reason, make it a resource other than a place to bitch and moan. (not directed at anyone in particular.) Use it as the catalyst to shape your life as an AP'ER.
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Permalink Reply by AgentZeroNine on -
The Black community has a lot of progress to do, and we are getting there.
Just think we need to stop idolizing black stars that keep us living stereotypically
by perpetuating the vision that keeps the kiddies mentally oppressed.
We need more Bad Brains and Obamas in this world.
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Permalink Reply by Cory Skizm on -
I was an"Afro-punk" I guess long before the term existed, but when the movie came out to now, I dont think i am mainstream enough to be AP or something.
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Permalink Reply by Cory Skizm on
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Man i remember the Ap page back in like 05 on myspace, people were saying all the same stuff...and i just want o add that if Nikki Minaj is like the new AP style count me out. That shit confuses me. I chill down at C-squat with real punks and shit idk what has happened to the world...all that cotton candy ish is wack...no diss to anyone here but it dont make no sense to me. Personally dont think being punk is even that cool, going to shows and having racist punks kick you in the ass with steal toed boots was not fun and I dont know why anyone would want to be down with that shit.
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Permalink Reply by Alex Viceroy on -
I have been there, and still feel that way sometimes. However, just keep going, growing, learning, and be confident in your identity, it will take you places... Peace
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Permalink Reply by finisherr on -
This is the best thing written in this thread.
AgentZeroNine said:The Black community has a lot of progress to do, and we are getting there.
Just think we need to stop idolizing black stars that keep us living stereotypically
by perpetuating the vision that keeps the kiddies mentally oppressed.
We need more Bad Brains and Obamas in this world.
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Permalink Reply by finisherr on
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The bottom line is that the black population needs to step it up by killing it in school. I know this sounds like dad talking, but I am very serious. Challenging yourself academically early on and finding wins and successes in school gives you empowerment. You realize, "Wait a second, I can be whoever I want. I can do whatever I want." Once that clarity becomes reality, you have a million black kids not defaulting on a stereotype. This empowered sense of self also leads to exploration into new creative territory, of which I'd love to see more (because honestly, i have to hear "bitch, this, ho, that, gat, this" again, i might shoot myself).
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Permalink Reply by Trenton l worsham on
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i feel like that too being from a community where theres onthing but one type of person black or white and when you try to be differnt and step out its like you stole somthing or u did somthing wrong but theres nothing wrong with being yourself
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Permalink Reply by Kristen Kimira Scott on -
I agree 100%!!!
finisherr said:The bottom line is that the black population needs to step it up by killing it in school. I know this sounds like dad talking, but I am very serious. Challenging yourself academically early on and finding wins and successes in school gives you empowerment. You realize, "Wait a second, I can be whoever I want. I can do whatever I want." Once that clarity becomes reality, you have a million black kids not defaulting on a stereotype. This empowered sense of self also leads to exploration into new creative territory, of which I'd love to see more (because honestly, i have to hear "bitch, this, ho, that, gat, this" again, i might shoot myself).
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