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Punk Rock Fantasy Life Existence

from It's Perfectly Obvious That This System Doesn't Work by Active Minds

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The punk scene has, unfortunately, always attracted people who are more radical in words than they are in actions. Just flick through some of your record collection, and I'm sure you'll see what I mean - people living in a fantasy world of killing fascists or cops, or taking up arms against the state. There's frequently glorification of armed struggles elsewhere in the world, involving people who are living in situations that we can barely appreciate. What are we trying to prove? Activism is about getting involved in changing the situation we see around us - not just about buying records or reading leaflets about other people's struggles. You can't change the world by proxy. What's the point in striving to identify with armed revolutionaries elsewhere, when the real issues that actually affect your life are happening in your own community whilst you passively watch? Pretending to be a potential gun-toting revolutionary is a sign of utter disempowerment. Live in the real world, and engage with the community around you. That's the only way to go about changing things.

lyrics

Your head is full of your punk rock fantasy life existence - filled with thoughts of violent protest and armed resistance. Far removed from your real life of watching videos and drinking beer - bands and gigs and record sleeve politics are the only things that exist here. You talk enthusiastically of rebels in far-off lands, who've taken up the struggle with a gun in their hands. They're living out the role played out in your imagination. You use them as a mascot to disguise your own stagnation. Nestled in the security of your safe European home, you dream of playing the part of a revolutionary hero - a perfect blend of Chomsky and Sylvester Stallone. It's just hollow words and slogans that all add up to zero.

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from It's Perfectly Obvious That This System Doesn't Work, released May 20, 2008

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Active Minds Scarborough, UK

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