The first punks in my life I saw at the end of 1980, far later than in other countries. Belgium for new provocative youth things was always a bit late. To me the punks looked awful with their colored cocks comb, but on the other hand I thought my generation had terrorized our parents with the rocker looks !
Real punk politics covered the entire political spectrum. Punk-related ideologies were mostly concerned with individual freedom and anti-establishment views. Common punk viewpoints include anti-authoritarianism, a DIY ethic, non-conformity, direct action and not selling out.
But those I saw on the street, were mostly there to annoy women or elderly people and had fun to see their fear. Amongst the friends of my son there were no punks, but he was in a "Jesus" look phase and let his hair grow until his shoulders, which when I saw him in the dark with his length of 2 m (6.6 f) frightened me more !
One day I was in a pet shop to buy cat food. Suddenly a terrifying punk approached me, with a green cock comb, nail covered leather jacket and other accessories. On his shoulder sat a rat. He came very close and bent his shoulder so that the rat almost touched me. Unfortunately for him I am not afraid of rats at all and instead of screaming and running away, I petted the rat and told him what a cute pet he had ! The rat was delighted the punk not at all, I have rarely seen such a disappointed look ! I smiled at him and went away to buy my cat food. The punk left the shop with hanging shoulders, while his rat tried to climb on his head.
more participants at Jenny Matlock's Alphabet Thursday
