By ANDI BOYHAN
I know there has been a lot of debate/discussion recently about sexism in the punk scene. A lot of people have been doing a lot of talking, on blogs, discussion boards, and in the comfort of our homes. The one thing I have noticed, not only within my friends, but in the punk scene in general, is that people claim to be feminists, that they support equal rights, and that they want to promote a safe space, and yet their actions demonstrate otherwise. I have seen this on several occasions and in a variety of ways, but a recent experience at a show just topped it all. It was the most hypocritical and ironic display of blatant sexism I have experienced in a while.
While sitting in the parking lot of a local DIY venue, I happened to be in close distance to the touring bands vans. There were four bands on tour that had a few friends with them. One of the friends was sitting in the front seat of a van looking at dirty magazines. He asked a band member if he had any Hustlers; apparently the magazine he was looking at just “wasn’t doing it for him.” Now, I understand that you are on tour for months at a time and you have certain things that get you through the day, whatever, I do not care; but is it really necessary to advertise your sexual moments and desires in a venue surrounded by people of a variety of ages and backgrounds. You do not know how a comment like that is going to make people feel, and touring with a band; you are an extension of them. Saying something like that could and did affect their fans, making me personally feel uncomfortable and lose respect for the bands based on the fact that they tolerate that type of behavior.
And that was not even the worst part.
After a local opener, the first touring band began to play. They played a few songs and then the front man began talking about the night before which they had spent in Montréal. He explained that he and his band mates had spent time with one of the most beautiful girls he had ever met. This was fine, and then the “Hustler” friend felt the need to yell out “How much does it cost to jerk-off to her?” Are you serious? What kind of a thing is that to say in a public forum? I had been photographing the show and immediately backed off disturbed and mildly disgusted that someone would think that was an appropriate and even humorous thing to say. The girl he was talking about was someone’s child, someone’s friend, and not, to my knowledge, a prostitute of any kind. The band essentially ignored the comment and went on to dedicate their next song to anti-racism/sexism/homophobia. It could not have been more ironic.
Musicians, promoters, and fans need to realize that actions speak louder than words. Writing a song, blog, or talking about equality does not make you pro-active if you do not back them up with your actions. You need to talk to your friend when they make sexist comments. Actually ask your fans to be respectful. Stop using sexist terms. If you stand by and allow those who represent you to promote intolerance, you are no better then them. In fact, you are a weak hypocrite who speaks empty words just to fit in.
