Cro-Mags singer: Anti-Abortion

[trigger warning - extreme anti-abortion bullshit]

John Joseph, cis dude singer of Cro-Mags, had the following anti-choice comment to make:

“Most abortions are not performed because it was a rape or something like that; it’s done out of inconvenience. I know some people may be like, ‘Who are they to tell us what to do with our bodies?’ But in actuality, it’s just like if you have a landlord, and there’s someone living in a house, he doesn’t have the right to kill the person in the house because he doesn’t want them there any more. “

Source (yes, quote is from 2010, but it deserves a hall of shame spot on here)

Yeah, in actuality, that’s exactly it. Abortion is exactly like a landlord murdering their tenant. Right.

…Comparing someone’s body to a piece of property? Really?

Yes, Age of Quarrel was a good album. But just because someone makes good music doesn’t mean they’re immune to being called out if they say ridiculous shit like that.

A Brief Yet Triumphant Introduction to Laura Jane Grace

We would like to extend heartfelt respect and support to Laura Jane Grace, the singer of Against Me!, for coming out as a trans woman. She has always made amazing music, and is now bringing light to the topic of transgender men and women even existing, in the punk scene. I have only even seen someone in a punk-related band mention the topic once before (Lauren Measure, acknowledging being cis), so this is extremely groundbreaking. Much love to Laura!

Al Barr Apologizes for Gay Slur – Crickets on Transmisogyny

Al Barr, singer of the Dropkick Murphys, recently used the word “f*ggot” in a promotional video for a Berlin punk festival, and subsequently apologized for it, saying:

Just wanted to address the negative comment that I made. I’d like to apologize for using the term. By no means did I intend for it to cause any hurt or harm, I now fully realize how insensitive it was.  Having grown up within a very diverse punk scene, I have many gay friends. I would never want to hurt anyone’s feelings with my comments.

My band and i are any anything but homophobic and our 16 year track record proves that we stand up for human rights and fight against injustices towards all people.

Oh really, Al? Your band’s track record proves that you fight against injustices towards all people? What about the fact that one of your songs uses a slur against trans women, the group of people that, specifically trans women of color, face the highest number of hate crimes? Where’s your apology for that?

Not only do you not stand up against injustice, but you actively perpetuate it with using slurs in your own songs.

Response to Removed “I Live Sweat” Guest Post

A very obnoxious I Live Sweat guest post that can be summed up by the sentiment, “Why do punks have any extra reason to fight sexism?” was later removed at the author’s request, and this reaction to the post and subsequent removal is well worth the read.

Sample quote:

“Ya know who doesn’t get to just walk away from this conversation most of the time, because we’re actually living it every single day? Women. And in the context of these specific articles, women in the punk scene and women who go to shows. And guess what? We have our arguments taken out of context and misrepresented constantly as well…”

And in response to the original article, the answer to the question generally posed throughout could not be more simple. From the disgusting beloved GG Allin to The Clash, when it comes to punk there has always been a defining element of rebelling against the mainstream. And what could be more mainstream than bigotry? It’s almost hilarious when people think they’re badass for perpetuating so many of these harmful attitudes because they’re mimicking the exact white bread, corporate attitudes they think they’re so against.

Getting it Right

“To call a band like us a ‘girlfriend hardcore’ band because we sing about how we feel is stupid. I’m not upset about not having them as fans. They sound like the most misogynist people out there.”

-Jeremy Bolm, singer of Touché Amoré

“Further, on Moshing”

Just found several great posts about a variety of relevant issues, including a response to one of the latest I Live Sweat guest posts. Possible guest post response to that on here soon.

Also recommended: this post about moshing.

Unless you post on Bridge 9, in which case it’s probably not for you.

Recommended Article

The latest in the I Live Sweat series of guest posts about bigotry in the punk scene is by Kate Tyler Wall, a 53 year old punk fan, and discusses ageism, misogyny, and the intersection thereof when it comes to attending punk shows. Well worth the read!