THE DAILY TRAVESTY | Revolution Does Not = Hair Dye
The Daily Travesty
 
3 May 2000                  Email
Vol. 1, Issue 79            On the Web
 
 
According to astrologers, today is a very special day.  The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be passing through the same zodiac sign (Taurus) at once.  This does not happen very often.  The last time was in 1962, directly coinciding with the Cuban Missile crisis to the day, and, as astrologers like to point out, spurring a whole racket of social changes and en masse experiments with altered states of consciousness. Before that we have to go all the way back to May 31 531 AD, right before Christianity and Buddhism began to spread like wildfire across the globe.
 
To put this into perspective, you must think seriously about how radically our culture was changed during, and as a result of, each of these eras.
 
The next cosmic conjunction of this nature, by the way, is not due to happen for many more centuries.
 
Go here to find out more.
 

 
Revolution Does Not = Hair Dye
 
by Mike Y. and his friend Kristal
 
 
A teenage boy, complete with silver appendages in tongue, ears, and eyebrow strolls through the hall to class.  His fire engine red hair has been spiked in every direction with the aid of Elmer's glue and mass quantities of Aqua Net.  His plaid pants are weighed down with bondage rings and pyramid studs, and his black hooded sweatshirt is adorned with patches from various punk and hardcore bands.  The silver chain around his neck is being held together by a padlock, while his bright green Doc Martins have been worn down to the soles.
   
Through the halls of any high school, many distinctive styles of dress are apparent.  Each student strives to establish individual identity.  Many people today are preoccupied with the idea of rebellion.  The alternative dress styles of some teens today is intended to convey the individual nature of their rebellion, but I feel as though it is just another type of uniform.  The 'rebels' are not rebels at all; they've conformed to the standards of their respective social groups, and assumed the uniform of a 'punk.'
 
Not to say that this is the only social group involved with this type of conformity; certainly, the Abercrombie-wielding trend-followers of this generation allow themselves to be easily categorized, as all social groups are categorized by physical appearance, in addition to other attributes.  Perhaps what makes the 'punk' scene so interesting to heckle, is the incorporation of political theory into the generalization of the group.
 
With rebellious appearance comes rebellious thought.  The new wave of anarchy seems to center within the realm of 'punk.'
   
Now, let us get past the indisputable reality that anarchy is a theory.  It is a political ideal that will remain as such because chaos can only remain as chaos for so long.  Many 'punks,' sporting inverted American flags on each sleeve, will complain for hours about an oppressive government, yet most have not taken any action to improve the workings of political institutions.  I do not see how whining about 'The Man' and raging against the system will get anything done.
 
Real rebellion has little to do with hair dye, and even less to do with unattainable political thought.  Real rebellion is about change, about revolutionary ideas with action behind them. Anarchy is not rebellion, it is fashion.  No amount of piercings, spikes, or manic panic is going to compensate for complete lack of political involvement.  Whether it be voting or doing some grass roots campaigning about the issues that matter, you have to be involved.
 
Do you believe that a political prisoner was wrongly sentenced to die?  Do something about it!  Pick yourself up, make some contacts and start screaming your views so that someone hears them other than the conformist clones that spend each night at a diner entertaining left-wing radicalist theories about why the government should disband.  Let me spell it out for you: America is a representative republic.  We are not a monarchy.  We are not a fascist-run Nazi institution.  People have a choice and they have a voice.  Utilize the system you are so quick to damn, and do something to make it better.  It is your right as an American to sit around and heckle the government, but it is also your responsibility to improve it. 
 
This is not to say that all punks are anarchists, or that all anarchists are conformists.  My opinion on this issue is simply a generalization; there are always exceptions to the rule.  For the most part, however, the rebels are not deviating from society, but adapting to their own little corners of society.
 
"I'm a rebel. We spike our hair and wear chains because we don't care what people think."
 
That translates in my mind to something along the lines of, "I'm a non-conformist, just like all my friends."

Have you ever seen the Monty Python movie "The life of Brian?"  There is a scene where Brian stands at the window, telling his followers that they don't have to follow him, because they are all individuals.  In unison, the crowd replies, "Yes, that's right.  We are all individuals." Irony, my friend.  Irony.
   
Bottom-line; wear whatever you want.  Dress like a 'prep,' dress like a 'punk,' or dress according to whatever label that you insist on applying to yourself, just don't use the label of 'rebel.'  You aren't a rebel, you aren't a deviant, and you aren't a non-conformist.  Be who you are, but understand that you are a part of society, and it is a useless venture to resist that fact. Also, don't let your style of clothing legislate your political views.  Just because you wear studs on your clothes doesn't mean that you need to think like an anarchist. If you truly believe that the American government is oppressive and isn't benefiting the people, and you can honestly say you don't want to reside in a democracy or a republic, that's fine.  Stop complaining about the system here unless you intend to do something to better it.  The American government is fascist, you say?  All right, move to Serbia. I'm sure they'll treat you nice there, and you'll have plenty to complain about.  Though you may get some strange looks from your neighbors due to your neon green mo-hawk.  Maybe they'll just think you are some kind of Native-American.  With the nipple rings poking through your bright pink mesh shirt, and the barbells protruding from your thrice-pierced ears, I'm sure you will finally be able to rightfully claim your independence and assume the title of 'unique individual.'

If you do find yourself in Serbia, spouting your independence and governmental deviance, good for you.  One more thing.  If you would, before they cut off your hands for inciting a revolution, write me a letter telling me all about it.
 


The important thing is not to stop questioning.