Sunday Edition: Tonight We're Going To Give It 35%

Punknews content is syndicated to a handful of your favorite social networks, including Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. Join our Last.fm group and contribute your listening habits to our weekly charts. All of our high definition video footage can be found at Vimeo.

Here's your question and answer of the week from the Punknews Formspring:

Q: Why do punks fetishize poverty so much?

A: First, I fear that's a broad generalization. I don't think it's all punks (I know it's not me), but I do believe it's a certain section of fans. Being that it doesn't include me (I fucking love money) I'll do my best to explain it as I understand/see it:

Poverty embodies a certain "realness". When you're poor your existence necessitates you exist on the fringes of society. You don't participate in many of the societal norms simply because they aren't designed to include you. For punks this is especially intriguing because it (by default) makes the impoverished opt out of so many things the "punk" may find objectionable. Starbucks? Not at $5 a cup. Fancy major label clothes? Can't even get in the store. Corporate job? They'd never interview me with these clothes.

It sort of makes the individual live outside the trappings of our current society. For some this is a conscious choice. For many others it is not. There is a perception of living day to day, not succumbing to societal norms and living your own way (that Justin Timberlake movie where he has like 24 hours of time/money, that kinda shit). However, I've seen too much of the negative aspect of poverty to ever think it romantic.

-Rich

Of course your day wouldn't be complete without knowing every inane detail of your humble editors' lives. Follow @aubinpaul, @adamwhite, @justinaugust, @brian_shultz, @dante3000, @amilianne, @kiraface, @mcflynnthm, @kidecono, @MsApocalypse, @mattycantfail, @wackymondo, and @BrittStrummer's every move at Twitter.
Where else are you online? Share your links below and keep connected with the Punknews community.