Punk Rock

Punk Rock is a musical style that grew very influential during Gen X teenage years, so much so that punk rock bands that came out a couple of decades later like Green Day and Blink-182 were primarily constituted by Gen X. However, the cultural movement started in 1977, and as important as it was, it also revealed itself to be controversial. Some of the catalyzers to this movement are extremely well-known bands to this day, like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

This cultural phenomenon was characterized by their short, fast-paced songs with hard-edged melodies and singing styles, stripped-down instrumentation, and often political, anti-establishment lyrics. When an artist like Billy Joel and Simon and The Garfunkel were being recognized as rock n’ roll, punk rock came along to provide wide and rebellious energy, stripped down from all utopic and hippie ideals. And even though some of the musical skills lacked, the need to express their feelings provided the songs with a gut-punching power that led the style to its success. The cultural impact also extended to fashion and slang. Now leather jackets, offensive t-shirts, safety pins, and jewelry were trending amongst young rebels, and the word “poser” was being thrown around to anyone who only listens to the song or wore the style for the trend. Furthermore, they also shaped young minds politically wise through the addressing of public and social issues in their songs.

Concluding Punk Rock was a big influence on Gen X, which is kind of ironic since this generation was considered so tamed, especially when compared to the revolutionary baby boomers. However, strangely, I believe that this mix of factors was what gave punk rock such a prosperous environment to flourish in. The combination of less strict household with the on-going social issues that were occurring and being fought by their parents provided Gen X with a rebellious need that was met with straight to the point, law and social norms disobeying music, style, and attitude.