ON THE BLANK GENERATION

our readings and discussions so far have allowed us to interrogate the notion of what an authentic punk style might mean. in about 1500 words define what is at stake in a definition of style? what, if anything, is an authentic punk style? in other words, work forward from aristotle and hebdige to argue for why style is an important component in how a community defines itself. my goal with this paper (and with your future ones, too) is too push you out of the obvious interpretation. take a chance and come up with your own, novel interpretation of what we have read, listened to, watched, and discussed in class. remember that all the work that we have created as a classincluding the working definition of punk and song analysesare the knowledge base to draw upon for this writing. remember that just because you cite something from our own knowledge base does not mean that you have to agree with that persons view. perhaps you agree partially. or not at all. the most important thing to remember for this writing is to support your reasons for the claims that you make. mark sinkers essay, concrete so as to self-destruct, offers an interesting and useful example of writing that takes some chances in its analysis. i am not suggesting that you need to display the theoretical and musical breadth that he does as that would be unfair. however, i do want to encourage you to push your thinking and writing. in defining an authentic" punk style, you will first need to define what you thing the word punk means. In such a definition, specifically, i want you to challenge the singular notions that punk is just about doing your own thing or sticking it to the man. or similar sentiments. those are rather boring and obvious interpretations of what weve examined. instead, pick apart at our readings, listenings, and discussions and examine the complex, even contradictory, ideas about punk style. for example, who creates punk style? who owns punk style? how effectively can punk be studied and analyzed in an academic setting, ostensibly the antithesis of a punk ethos? please use the course readings in addition to our diy knowledge. for example, you may find that you adamantly disagree with a classmates interpretation and want to use a course reading to demonstrate why you have that disagreement (or vice versa). email me your paper by 10 p.m., 9.27.12

Due 9/27 by 10 p.m.

Please take advantage of the University Writing Center, located in Driscoll North