I'm not critiquing hardcore, I''m not critiquing VIHC, I'm not critiquing anything, I just thought it was an interesting piece. I may agree with certain points, but that should not reflect a personal attack. This was written by someone I don't know. These are not my words. If I wanted to critique hardcore, I would write it myself. I'm not trying to. I simply thought it was worth reading and would be a good discussion, not a personal attack flail show. I realise it's loaded and has the potential to make people mad, but like she said, as long as you know why it makes you mad, that's good.
Willa, the "you're not hard, I'm hard" argument is weak. "where have you encountered people like this?" says you. Apparently you know me and all of my experiences. That's wonderful. I guess I didn't tour and play hardcore shows across Canada or go to them in Kelowna and Vancouver on roadtrips. I may not have been to them in the 'dangerous' American venues, but I'd like to think I have a pretty good concept of what happens at a hardcore show. I don't need a gun pointed in my face to know tough guy machismo is a big part of hardcore. Also, they have this thing called the internet where you can watch videos and read articles about hardcore shows and bands. I'm still waiting on that in my village, but soon I will have the magical powers of the internets!
Also, what does the ramp show have to do with this?
I guess I might as well get involved in this discussion, rather than merely defend why i posted this. you said, "but then there's a level of misogyny and macho bullshit everywhere...so why is hardcore so different?" I don't really understand what you're getting at. I don't like misogyny or macho bullshit and if I can help it, I will not surround myself with it. Just because it's elsewhere doesn't mean it's acceptable in hardcore.
I'll also admit that, though it doesn't happen much anymore, I've definitely 'gone off' at shows and done 'macho bullshit'. I've probably hurt people that didn't need to get hurt. I'll admit, it's fun to go crazy at shows, but snorting drugs is fun too. I don't think snorting drugs is 'good' for me. Because something is fun, does not mean it's morally acceptable. I'm not equating drug use with having fun at a show, I'm just making a point. Maybe behind all of this fun and venting frustration and anger, there lies something deeper and darker and maybe it's not necessarily good. You're right, there is no black and white in this, and I think that's where the person that wrote this fails. It's way too gray. And the blanket statements and over generalizations weaken what could be a decent argument. I still don't think it's anything to get mad about.
Also, I actually like Trash Talk.
And for Pauly, honestly I do not have issues with shows in town. Seriously. This is not an attack on VIHC. What you guys do is great, I'm not slagging you.
If this was a 'Fuck Hipster Shows Manifesto' I'm sure everyone would be laughing.
