Yay or Nay my fellow CLUASlings? Punk As Musical Expression: (text taken from Wikipeida) Music is the most important aspect of punk, so much so that it forms the basis of the entire subculture. Punk music is called punk rock, sometimes shortened to punk. Most punk rock is a specific style of the rock music genre, though punk musicians sometimes incorporate elements from other rock styles, and even other genres. Punk subcultures often distinguish themselves from one another by having a distinct style of punk rock, though not every style of punk rock has its own associated subculture. Punk rock is mostly the domain of the punk subculture, though some styles of it have found wider popularity. Most punk rock has simple arrangements and short songs, and lyrics typically espouse punk ideology. Punk rock emerged in the mid-1970s from its roots in various rock styles, expanded into a number of different styles, and influenced a number of newer styles. Punk rock is usually played in bands, as opposed to solo artists. Some important punk rock bands include the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Dead Kennedys, the Damned, Black Flag, and the Clash. Punk as an Ideology: (text taken from Wikipeida) Punk ideology is concerned most with a belief in an individual's intrinsic right to freedom and how best to encourage, maximize and live a less restricted lifestyle. The devotion to the abstract ideal of freedom leads to a personal combination of ethics, politics and aesthetics that express an individualized pursuit of said freedom. Accordingly punk ethics espouse the role of personal choice in the development of and pursuit of greater freedom. Common punk ethics include a radical rejection of mainstream conformity, living according to the DIY (Do It Yourself) ethic, taking direct action for political change, and not selling out to mainstream interests for personal gain. Subsequently punk politics cover the entire political spectrum, many punks find themselves categorized into left-wing or progressive views, and punks often participate in political protests for local, national or global change. Some common trends in punk politics include anarchism, anti-authoritarianism, anti-militarism, anti-capitalism, anti-racism, anti-nationalism, environmentalism, vegetarianism, veganism, and animal rights. Punk aesthetics determine the type of art punks enjoy, which is usually underground in origin with minimalistic, iconoclastic and satirical sensibilities. Punks tend to enjoy art which makes strong political statements, preferably using humor, irony or sarcasm. Punks are fans of decadence in art because of its strong critique of what would be considered mainstream culture. (Moderator consolidated other posts made by the originator of the thread into this single post)