During the entire month of May I have been taking a course at Georgia State University, called "The African American Experience through the Documentary Lens". During this course, I have had the opportunity to read various scholarly articles, in addition to watching documentaries discussing the same topics within the article. Just recently, I had the chance to view first time director James Spooner's documentary Afro Punk. In this particular posting I took it a step further by giving an analysis between the film and a particular 2008 article.
“An overwhelming energy, a way to let out one’s aggression, a sense of awakening”, these are all things that describe the punk rock culture, as well as what can be seen in just the first few scenes of the documentary, Afro Punk. The introduction alone in this documentary is truly very powerful. There is so much passion within the “punk” genre it is almost contagious. Even amidst the passion, there is also a sense of loneliness and confusion, and blacks have the sad misfortune of being a “minority inside a minority community”. This essay will further investigate some of the connections and distinctions between the 2003 documentary Afro Punk and the 2008 article by Georgia Institute of Technology professor Ruben Ramirez-Sanchez, “Marginalization from Within: Expanding Co-Cultural Theory Through the Experience of the Afro Punk”. Both article and documentary provide an insightful examination of the people and music that expresses the views of a subculture often alienated and rarely seen and/or painted in high regard. When it is all said and done, punk gives blacks an alternative avenue to express their ethnic identity inside and out of the scene by breaking down stereotypes and perceptions of what is "acceptable". It also showcases black punks identity and at the same time give them the opportunity to reconstruct their individual self.
Right from the beginning, the documentary, as well as the article, get straight to the point with the comparison that being black and being a punk rocker are one in the same. Many of the punks interviewed stated that on numerous occasions they were the only black kid. I found it very interesting, and it somewhat a concern, that so many black punks felt as though they were the “lone black ranger”, but would purposely not speak to other blacks because they did not want to feel as though being black was their only connection. To think if they all came together as one unit this might not be an issue of concern. Not only were blacks “figuratively” alone in a “white” punk scene, but they would also in a sense be cast out from non-punk blacks. Just when black punks are trying to be accepted into the “punk” scene, they now have to deal with their own race. In the article and the documentary it is shown that non-punk blacks were far harsher on black punks, than white punks in their own “circle.” This potentially creates more separation within the punk scene, amongst punk blacks, because now they begin to place one another in different categories. Unfortunately, non-punk blacks are even more violent and hateful versus the “name calling” that whites do.
Another common connection between the article and the documentary would be the fact that both show how the punk culture has adopted certain styles from black cultural groups. The article addresses how punk borrowed Rastafarian styles in their music, their clothing, and language. In the documentary, punk singer Tamar-kali explains the connection between punk and the African culture aesthetic. To her she was enhancing and rediscovering who she is as an “African American” woman, instead of just identifying with whites. For the most part, blacks in the punk genre have this emotional connection to reaffirming their blackness within the punk culture. Through their music, the way they dress, and their personality black punks are able to liberate themselves and “be who they want to be”. And by seeking out and capturing this energy they are doing one of two things, transforming and empowering themselves. All in all, these black punk rockers just want a message of truth to be spoken.
In contrast, an interesting thing to note is that the article points out that punk is not a “unified subject position”, however when watching the documentary one might see differently. I get the impression that those involved in the punk culture work as a family unit. One case in particular is that of punk singer Matt Davis (as well as others) living in “punk homes”, and in these homes they help each other with bills, food, household repairs, etc. Considering many of them do not have regular “9-5” jobs each of them have to rely on the other, similar to how we rely on family. Many of the punk rockers being interviewed pretty much viewed “punk” as a means of survival. On several occasions they would leave their homes, disassociate themselves from their “original” family (by choice or force), pass on a decent jobs just to pursue “punk”. Often times this meant becoming a part of a “new family”.
What can be clearly seen in the documentary, but not as much in the article is a visual picture of a group of punk and hardcore kids who probably never thought to question their lifestyle. From watching the film you can see that at times they struggle to “bring together the broken pieces of their fragmented” self to the camera. Even though the punks being interviewed do not know each other they still have very similar, if not the same, stories and experiences, they each have the “same script” just different locations. “Afro Punk” has come a long way from its beginnings, and I think the journey has only just begun. It is unfortunate that black punks continually have to prove themselves to everyone even within their own race, when this should be a time to embrace and showcase this genre of art to other blacks outside the “punk realm” so that they can benefit as well. However, the fact now that you have such artists as Cee-Lo Green, Janelle Monae, Santigold, Res, Jay Electronica and others who are linked with other popular artists, Afro Punk can be exposed in a more positive light than just being aggressive and angry.
Overall, I feel as though the film gives an honest and real approach into the way that race and identity play in the “Afro Punk” genre. This film definitely opens a much needed dialogue and in essence a “wake-up call” to America more specifically Black America. It has a touch of sadness, anger, seriousness, and laughter all combined into one. As long as “Afro Punk” continues to be an open-ended conversation I think more people, in particular blacks will want to learn and embrace the “Afro Punk” culture versus running or rejecting it. In a creative and unique way “Afro Punk” has somewhat of a universal appeal to anyone who feels that they are different from what they are supposed to be.
I must commend my professor (Dr. Gayles) for showing this film in our class, it gives another outlook and appreciation for "being black." This is a film that everyone should be exposed to, because in some sort of fashion I guarantee it will make an impact in one or another, whether big or small.
For more information on the Afro Punk culture check out AfroPunk.com !! Trust me there is a wealth of knowledge!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment