deceitful lips

The documentary "Afropunk" discusses the trials and experiences of Black people in the hardcore punk scene. 

The film characters talked a lot about the parameters of Blackness. That Black people are 'supposed' to be a certain way and those certain ways may validate what it means to be Black. Punk music already has roots in rejecting mainstream ideals but race complicates this issue, they are outcasts even among their outcast community. These alternative characters in the film are forced to challenge not only the confines of white America but the restrictions placed on them by stereotypes, that Black people are only one way.

What I found especially interesting about the film was how much self hate the characters displayed. One woman in the film, when speaking about dating in the hardcore scene, said she didn't date Black men because they were poor and they did drugs, at least thats what her parents said growing up. Not only that but multiple personalities in the film stated that they would be upset by seeing another Black person at a show because they were 'supposed' to be the only one. The film did s good job at displaying the complexities of the racial isolation in the punk scene. That its not just as simple as seeing another Black person and rejoicing in community, that its a not a simple issue to undo. I think the ideals of this film, the testaments of emotional isolation, could be applied to many other alternative scenes that are white dominated or not open to Black folks. 

Punk music is about releasing how you truly feel, about finding productive ways to release anger through creative expression and community. Who knows more about that than Black people?