I was a major poser in High School

Sometimes I wish I could have a conversation with my high school self.

I imagine the conversation would have went something like this:

Old Self: Dude, I’m so punk.

Me: No, you’re not.

OS: Punk is a lifestyle, man. Anarchy.

Me: No, its not.

OS: Shut up, you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Me: Yeah, I do.

OS: Whatever.

Me: Let me ask you this, why do you want to be a “punk” so bad?

OS: Because it’s cool, and I believe in it.

Me: What do you believe in?

OS: You know, being yourself and stuff.

Me: So, “being yourself” is a punk ideal? And wearing a steel ball necklace with a skull on it, a wallet chain, baggy clothes, band t-shirts, listening to the Ramones, and styling your spiky hair that you won’t dye an outrageous color even though you want to fit in with that lifestyle but won’t because your parents won’t let you, is punk?

OS: What?

Me: Well, I still have spiky hair, wear band t-shirts, listen to the Ramones on occasion, but I don’t feel like I have to identify with being a “punker”. I know you are searching for an identity, but a lot of the things you like you can just like and be yourself. Plus, anarchy is pretty stupid. Wait until you start following politics, you’ll understand.

OS: Politics is gay.

Me: Sometimes.

(pause)

Me: Did you know you’re going to love Johnny Cash in a few years?

OS: You’re lying, he’s…country!

~ by southclaw on April 20, 2007.