June 1999 (last known update)
FAQ for alt.skinheads
Questions and Answers about the Skinhead Subculture
Doug Herbert
dherbert@tradskin.org
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1.0: Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Jason A. Dare, former maintainer of this FAQ Stephen
Martin, originator and former maintainer of this FAQ who collected/compiled
most of this material, and db (db@progeny.demon.co.uk) the author of the
Skinheads Media List. Furthermore, thanks to the authors of the
alt.music.ska FAQ, Oi! the FAQ, and wp FAQ, authors of skinhead related WWW
pages, and subscribers of the various related newsgroups. Most of all,
thanks to all you SKINHEADS around the world who keep the subculture alive
and well!
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1.1: Introduction
In response to all of those, "What do white laces mean?", "Why do you
people hate ?" questions, and because Michelle Chen bemoaned the lack of a
proper FAQ, I present the following information on the Skinhead subculture.
The information in this FAQ has been culled from the Tomas Willis'
alt.music.ska FAQ, and Arthur LeBouthillier's White Power FAQ, Gerrard
Lindsay's Oi! the FAQ, various postings to alt.skinheads, material from
various WWW pages, personal experience, and discussions with other
skinheads.
This FAQ file will (hopefully) become available available for anonymous
FTP on the archive site rtfm.mit.edu as of the May 30th, 1999 posting of
the FAQ.
The Official alt.skinheads Homepage is at http://www.tradskin.org
You may distribute the FAQ freely but if you wish to display it on a
website of your own, I encourage you to link to the Official Website
since this will always be the most up to date version. This FAQ will be
posted at alt.skinheads and other newsgroups twice a month whether it
need be or not for review, criticism, and approval.
Also, Stephen Martin maintains a FAQ-lette, "Dear Doc Martin", which is a
subset of this FAQ. DDM contains his personal contributions to the Skinhead
FAQ and questions specifically directed to him, and his responses. Direct
your web browser to http://www.storm.ca/~smartin
If you have any questions, concerns, or corrections about the Skinhead FAQ
please contact me (Doug Herbert) at dherbert@tradskin.org
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1.1.1: Updates to the FAQ
This section is mainly used to keep track of the modifications made to
either version (text or html) of the FAQ and then apply to the other
version. But you can use it to see what's new in the FAQ!
30MAY1999:
The FAQ is (should be) available via FTP from rtfm.mit.edu
Began inserting Y2K compliant dates
19SEP98:
SECTION 3.10.1 - Removal of broken links: Monkey Boots Homepage
12SEP98:
Addition of Do A Runner! to the OI! Mail-order lists
01SEP98:
Updated Lee's Oi band lists, Section 3.5.1
01AUG98:
Updated numerous email addresses
01JUL98:
The Official Alt.Skinheads FAQ Canada Day Release by Tradskin.Org
Various: Updated Tomas Willis' web address, fixed Graham's name,
removed reference to his website, updated Elizabeth Richardson's
email address
SECTION 3.6.1 - Updated URL of the Oi Lyrics Page
SECTION 3.10 - Removed reference to homepage of band 'No Cover',
formerly 'Kenny Jones'
SECTION 3.14 - Removal of Liz Lopez's quote
SECTION 3.14.1 and 3.16 - Gave Fredrik Th
Ónell an email address
SECTION 5.1 - Update of Eric Coomer's email address
21JAN98:
SECTION 3.6.1 - Addition of "Joe Hawkins" lyrics by The Oppressed
01FEB98:
SECTION 3.10 - Separation of Homepages and Mailing List sections to
3.10.1 and 3.10.2
SECTION 3.10.1 - Addition of Skinhead Heaven and The Ska FAQ Homepage
links
SECTION 3.10.2 - Update Ska-List information
SECTION 4.2.2 - Addition of B Fowler braces comment
SECTION 4.8 - Update clothing stores' info
1.2: Table of Contents
Part 1
1.0 Acknowledgments
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Updates to the FAQ
1.2 Table of Contents
1.3 What is a Skinhead?
1.4 What is a Rudie, Rude Boy, or Rude Girl?
1.5 What is a Mod?
1.6 What is a Chelsea?
1.6.1 Do skinchicks exclusively date skinheads?
1.7 What is a SHARP?
1.8 What is a Bonehead?
1.9 What is an Independent Skin?
1.10 What is White Power?
1.11 What is a Hammerskin?
Part 2
2.0 Why are you a Skinhead?
2.1 How do you become a ("claim") Skinhead?
2.1.1 What is a Freshcut?
2.1.2 Why do new Skins need to get beat in?
2.2 Why don't you get a life?
2.3 Why do you hate?
2.4 Aren't all Skinheads Nazis/White Supremacists?
2.5 Why be a Nazi?
2.6 Aren't all Skinheads violent little motherfuckers just itching to
fight?
Part 3
3.0 Skinhead Culture
3.1 Skinhead History
3.2 Aren't Skinheads Working-Class?
3.3 Skinhead identity crisis
3.4 What is ska music?
3.5 What is Oi!?
3.5.1 OI! IT'S JUST STREET-ROCK'N'ROLL!
3.6 More on Oi!
3.6.1 Lyrics to Oi! songs about Skinheads
3.6.2 Oi! music label and mailorder addresses
3.7 Skinheads Media List
3.8 Magazine and Newspaper Articles about Skinheads
3.9 What about 'zines?
3.10 Are there any Skinhead homepages or other Internet resources?
3.10.1 Homepages
3.10.2 Mailing Lists
3.11 Skinheads in the Classroom
3.12 Skinhead Jokes
3.13 Skinhead Short Stories
3.14 What is the best dark beer?
3.14.1 Guinness Extra Stout
3.14.2 Murphy's Irish Stout
3.15 Do Skinheads use drugs?
3.16 Skinhead Scenes?
3.17 DONT WANNA BE A VICTIM: SKINHEADS (PART ONE)
Part 4
4.0 Skinhead Fashion
4.1 What colour are your Docs?
4.1.1 Anybody know where I can find DM oxbloods in either 3 or 4i?
4.2 Boots and Braces don't make a Racist
4.2.1 Boot Laces
4.2.2 Braces
4.3 The Late Great Burgundy Flight
4.4 Patches
4.4.1 The Spirit of 69
4.4.2 Crucified Skin
4.5 FREDS!
4.6 What the freak is a "wifebeater"?
4.7 What is a Donkey Jacket?
4.8 Where can I get ???
4.8.1 Anybody have a source for Sta-Prest trouser or Dickies?
Part 5
5.0 About the Newsgroups
5.1 alt.skinheads
5.2 alt.skinheads.moderated
5.3 alt.skinheads.arent.neo.nazis
5.4 alt.music.ska
Part 6
6.0 Requiem for the Dead
6.1 Stephen "Donny The Punk" Donaldson
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1.3: What is a Skinhead?
Following on the heels of their older brothers and sisters, the Mods (See:
What is a Mod?), in the 1960's British working class youths adopted a
shorter hair style and a more serious attitude towards life and play.
The Skinheads tended towards physical labour and veered away from the
overly flamboyant Mod style of dress as spoken of in the Kinks' song
"Dedicated Follower of Fashion". The shaved head and steel toed boots has
been said to have originated amongst dock workers who required the safety
of the steel toes and who shaved their heads as a precaution against head
lice.
It is the Skinheads predeliction towards manual labour rather than more
intellectual pursuits which has lead to the characterization of Skinheads
as being "unintelligent", "Cro-Magnons", "cannon-fodder for the military"
and other more or less polite references. This stereotype is just as
abhorent as any other stereotype that 'rights' activists campaign against
and it is a perfect example of the hypocrisy of these same activists that
they are the ones who perpetuate it the most. (See: Skinheads in the
Classroom)
After a hard days work the original Skinheads tended to dress in their most
respectable clothing and congregate at the mostly Jamaican run dancehalls
where they mingled with the West Indian community (See: What is a Rudy?),
many of whose members would be their workmates from the docks, and adopted
Ska as the musical sound of choice.
Other staples of the Skinhead culture are a love of generous quantities of
beer and soccer. (See: What is the best dark beer?)
The early Skins were not necessarily a racist bunch, as shown by the
melding of the two cultures and the existence of numerous West Indian
Skins. With the continued immigration from Pakistan things changed and a
number of Skinheads, both black and white who felt that their jobs were
being threatened turned against the Pakistani community while others
continued to enjoy the fine curries and other Indian/Pakistani foods.
The high point of the original Skins, sometimes identified as Trojan Skins
was the Summer of '69. The passage of time saw many Skins settling down,
growing their hair out, and starting families with their girlfriends (See:
What is a Chelsea?)
The mid and late 1970's witnessed a resurgence of the Skinhead culture with
a violent turn as teens adopted the Skinhead look and took their love of
soccer to a fanatical point. These "Football Hooligans" were devoted to
their chosen Football (Soccer to the rest of the world) teams and would
engage in physical confrontations with the supporters of opposing teams.
Often enough innocent bystanders ended up taking the brunt of the
aggression.
During this time the British Nazi Party and other minor racist
organizations began recruiting their followers from the ranks of these
football thugs and skinhead poseurs and thus the Boneheads came into being.
(Gerrard A. Lindsay) writes:
uh....skinhead is more than fashion sense and musical taste, but it
definitely requires the two. aside from working class pride and
self-respect the skinhead cult is still just that, a youth cult.
i know plenty of guys who are proud working class joes who are not by
any definition skinheads. i know tons of cool people in construction
boots and baggy pants who are not skinheads.
this isn't even really directed at you, i'm just seeing lots of people
using the 'it's not just a fashion' or 'it's not just music' thing to
excuse the fact that they are not really skinheads. if you don't dress
like a skinhead and don't like at least some of the music (and that
don't mean hc), yer not one.
Richard Collins writes:
Being a skinhead is alot in your heart. I mean the fashion is all part
of it but you have to have the belief as well. Some kids can dress the
part but not have the heart, sorry for that rhyme. But I have friends
that have grown out there hair because of jobs or whatever, I know
guys that are too old to bother with alot of the BS around the scene.
They still dress in a manner condusive (sp) to the skinhead fashion.
For years I just had short hair. Never bald, only as short as a number
two. People didn't even know I was a skin. Skins knew, punks knew,
mods and other people that are familair with the subculture knew. You
don't have to show the world what you are about unless you feel that
it is necessary.
Hey you don't gotta claim anything unless you are in a crew. I mean if
you are a proud working class kid who knows your roots and believes in
yourself you are just as much a skin as the next man. It's not all
about what you wear or how close you shave the scalp. If I grew out my
hair again I'm no less of a skinhead. Some people look shitty bald, do
the world a favor leave your crew cut if you have a funky head. I mean
just look at all those bald head NBA players, half of those guys need
to grow it back. Skinhead is more than a fashion statement, it's a way
of life.
Apparent White Supremist MARKW691 wrote:
Being a SKINHEAD is not about being violent and hating everyone but
about perserving a race and nation. Hate is a word commonly associated
with SKINHEADs but it's not about hate. We are called hate mongers and
bigoted bastards because we want to keep our bloodline clean. IN a
world of impurity we struggle to purify. SKINHEAD means self-sacrifice
and oppression by those who view our cause as unjust. To be called a
racist is not a put down for the actual definition of a racist is
person who supports and promotes their race. This means that if you
have any pride in your ethnical background you are a racist. SKINHEADs
do not roam the streets looking for a fight but work as lawyers
doctors and prominent business men. So don't be fooled by media
brainwashing we are not out looking for a fight. Although things can
turn violent, we do not tolerate anyone trying to desicrate our race
by race trading, homosexual marriages, and anti-white believers.
People hate us because we are proud. Pride by other races is
encouraged and so is race preservation by any others so long as it
does not interfere with our beliefs. Now I ask you this do you deem it
fair for a person to be hated because they have pride and want to keep
something in this God forsaken world clean?
Stephen Martin wrote:
And, his historical revisioning aside, he actually seems to have a
clue. To build upon what meager truths he's presented:
Hate is a word commonly associated with SKINHEADs but it's not about
hate. Being a SKINHEAD is not about being violent and hating everyone
but about just plain living and enjoying life (Beer, Chelseas and Ska
anyone?). We are called hate mongers and bigoted bastards by those who
are as ignorant as they claim us to be.
SKINHEADs do not roam the streets looking for a fight but work as
tradesmen, shopkeepers, and even [sinking as low as] lawyers. Don't be
fooled by media brainwashing. We are not out looking for a fight.
Things can turn violent but we do not tolerate anyone trying to attack
us and will defend ourselves.
People hate us because we are proud, we have respect and honour for
ourselves, and for the people who deserve it (remembering when our
institutions were something to be proud of, when there was more
civilization around us), and they often mistake this pride for hatred
of anything that is *non-skinhead*.
We really just don't care. We, as individuals, are proud to be who we
are, and if someone else is proud of who they are, why should it be a
problem?
I ask you this, do you deem it fair for a person to be hated because
they have pride in themselves and want to keep something in this God
forsaken world clean? Does it make sense to you to assume that if a
person is proud to be a Fireman they don't have equal respect for the
Police or Ambulance Attendants, Construction Workers, etc.? Is it
really any different than assuming that anyone who is proud of their
sub)culture has nothing but disdain and hatred for other
(sub)cultures?
Think about it.
Graham writes:
Michael Bennett wrote:
ARE THEY DIPSHITS OR WHAT. WHO TOLD THEM WHAT A SKINHEAD WAS. THEY
NEED TO CHECK INTO KKK, AND NOT SKINHEADS. TRUE SKINHEADS ARE
ANTI-RACIST. IT STARTED, BEFORE RACISTS CAME INTO PLAY, IN BRITAIN
WITH THE FRIENDSHIP OF JAMAICAN IMMIGRANTS AND LOCAL BRITISH YOUTH.
This is where are you wrong. While it is true that outright racist
skinheads are not "original" skinheads in the real sense, there were are
those skinheads who hold racist ideals. Whether you or anyone else doesn't
like it - in terms of political opinion, there is no such thing as a set
political stance that provides the "real" definition as to what a "true"
skinhead is or was.
Just like there are non-skinheads who are racist and anti-racist, equally
there are skinheads who hold racist and anti-racist beliefs. If anything
precludes someone from being a "real" skinhead it is someone who becomes
skin believing that "real" skins are either specifically racist or
anti-racist (bonhead or sharp).
Most skins I know- and it works in both directions- can respect, although
they may not agree with a skinhead who is a bonehead or a skinhead who is
sharp. Someone who is skin first, politics second (whether it be left or
right) most skins can accept.
There is an important distinction between a skinhead who is a bonehead and
a bonhead skinhead in the same way there is a distinction between a skin
who is sharp and a sharp skinhead.
The defining factor is which comes first - skinhead or politics?
If someone allows their politics (left or right) to be the defining factor
as to whether they are a skinhead, then that person is a wannabe - using
skin image and culture for their own purely personal ends. Either they are
using the way society labels skins either to reinforce the sterotype that a
skin is only a skin to be racist (putting aside working class skin history,
culture and loyalty in the process) or (in the case of most modern sharps)
because they think it is really a bit of a laugh to go around challenging
the sterotype image (again skin history, culture and loyalty being put
aside).
It is true that some of the first skins were from Jamaca and they were
involved in crews with white English skins. Equally, however, some of the
first skins were involved in what was loosely called the "APL" (Anti-Paki
League) and it cannot be denied that both some West Indian and English
skins were involved in - to use the term of the time - "Paki bashing".
These combined crews of English and Jamacans objected to what they saw as
the influx of alien cultures and beliefs to the UK which was damaging their
job prospects and (for want of a better word) personal values.
The organised racism where racists hijacked the skinhead image came about
during the late 60s and into the 70s and still exists.
Equally with sharp it came about during the 80s. It's ideals were honest
and whether or not most skins accepted what it stood for it was respected.
However, in the 1990s it seems to have been hijacked. It now seems more
about a society for trendy stereotype challenging more than anything else.
THEY FOLLOWED THEIR FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAMS, AND FOUGHT OPPOSING
TEAMS. IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE OF COLOR, AND IT WAS ABOUT UNITY!!!!
In the early days most crews consisted of a cross-range of political /
cultural / nationalistic beliefs that included both racist and anti-racist
views. However, most were skinheads first and political second and hence
respected each other. I remember this being the case even during the mid /
late 80s. I can't say that it is so obvious today. Primarily, I think this
comes down to the right wing becoming more extreme and the left wing
becoming more silly.
It is true what you say that with the first skins, colour was not the
defining factor as to whether someone would or would not be accepted. The
fact that Afro-Caribbean skins existed alongside and together with white
English skins proves that point. However, equally, it is true that racism
was there from the outset against certain foreign nationals and cultures,
as in the APL example above. With the original skins the racial issue was
not a case of all (as bonehead skins would have you believe) or a case of
nothing at all (as sharp skins would have you believe).
In reality it was there but aimed at specific groups, not non-white
English/British nationals per se.
1.4: What is a Rudy, Rude Boy, or Rude Girl?
Rudy is synonymous with Rude Boy and Rude Girl. Of course the only
difference is in the sex. Melody Maker described a Rude Boy as a "sort of
cool super-hooligan," where 'rude' in Jamaican usage means wild, violent,
or reckless. Rude Boys were a product of the mean streets of Shanty Town,
as described in Desmond Dekker's "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), "Rude Boy
Train" (1968), and a host of other Dekker releases. Shanty Town refers to
Dekker's home, the overcrowded slums of West Kingston, Jamaica. The area
was plagued with unemployment, tension, and violence. An Associated Press
story noted that it contained "ramshackle dwellings, the majority of them
made of cardboard, plywood, corrugated metal or some other discarded
material." Dekker: "Them a loot/Them a shoot/Them a wail/At Shanty
Town/When rude boy deh 'pon probation/Then rude boy a bomb up the town."
Harry Young of Lightning Strikes (The Lou Christie Newsletter) states:
Due to very repressive police policies, only a few "rudies"
actually went around looting and shooting. But every teenage male
in Trench Town adopted the rude attitude and dress, especially a
jaunty cap. In the popular culture, "Rudy" became an outlaw hero
figure, like Jesse James, Billy The Kid, or even James Bond.
During the '50s and '60s many Jamaicans and other West Indies immigrated to
the UK. In addition to the Mod (see: What is a Mod?) influence, Skinheads
adopted the Rude Boy music (see: What is ska music?), tough street -level
attitude and various aspects of their fashion. These days Rude Boys can be
typically identified wearing a dark suit, thin black tie, and pork-pie hat.
Rude Girls appear to have more freedom in their fashion.
Brian Poust describes the Rude Girl look:
The norm seems to be either the Fred Perry, short skirt (dark color or
plaid is common), ankle socks and loafers look (fishnets and 3 button
jackets optional) a la the usual skinhead girl out on the town look,
or the A line dress, usually two tone in color it seems with nice low
heel shoes. Hair seems to range from the chelsea (which I'm seeing a
lot more grown out these days) to a bob, sasoon style, or for longer
hair, a flip (which works well with the A line dress). If you can find
a Mondrian patterned dress, you'll win the heart of every guy in the
room!
These are pretty much the recognizable looks, but be creative! Don't
fall for the checkerboard myth. It's not as cool as everyone thinks.
There are more colors in the spectrum than black and white and if I
never see a short plaid skirt again in my life, I'll die a happy man.
Pleats are right out, and don't underestimate a well fitting double
breasted car coat for the colder weather coming up. Flights are
functional, but the skinhead crowd more than supplies an ample number
of those at shows. Parkas are warm, but most girls I've seen wearing
them end up looking like they've raided dad's closet.
Experiment, find something that looks smart that everyone else isn't
necessarily wearing. If you've got the flip thing going on, try a
scarf a la "That Girl" Marlo Thomas every once in a while, it works!
1.5: What is a Mod?
Harry Lowes writes:
For the record, MODS were *Modernists*. MOD CONS means *Modern
Convieniences*. As in "The flat had all *MOD CONS*."
Brian Poust writes:
Mod is a direct outgrowth of Post War Britain, when all of a sudden
teenagers had disposable income and a desire for an identity beyond
schoolboy or working man. This strive for identity led to using their
income to look better, act smarter and have more fun than their
elders, and to make it known that they were a force to be reckoned
with, and that they had a voice and influence, especially in the
marketplace.
James F. Dugan writes:
Mods or modernists were working class youth cult in England in the
60's. They were very fashion concious and a product essentially of the
space age bigger better faster culture of the 60's, hence the name.
They also were fans of R&B and Soul (as well as some ska). Their
counterparts, the Teds or teddy boys or rockers were an older youth
cult that by the time the mods came around were essentillly American
style greasers. I wouldn't go so far as to call Psychobilly fans teddy
boys, for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that losts of
Psychobilly folks are ex-skins. Watch Quadrophenia.
Chris writes:
There is one problem here. They were on the cutting edge, but frankly,
they aren't anymore. That was the only reason to be. Skins on the
other hand, have the common working-class bonds and beliefs. That's
why we are still legitimate. Mods on the other hand, don't have this
reason for existing. They are just living the life that was, not is.
These days, a mod would be a fuckin raver (which kind of explains the
state of ska today, but that's another matter.) The mods that were the
forefathers of skins deserve the respect, but not the ones of today.
Brian Poust replies:
Your tired little arguments really are ridiculous. Your implication
that skinheads are on the cutting edge and that mods don't have a
working class ethic it beyond bullshit.
I think it shows a lot more self respect to have a good work ethic and
still care about being clean cut and well dressed than it does to look
like some downtrodden aggro loving half-wit. Working class is not
about poverty, my friend. Working class is about making a respectable
living and pulling your own weight, no matter what your job is.
There are a lot of skinheads who also realize this fact as well, you
just seem to have missed the boat. You can be a skinhead and still not
talk and look a complete mess. I daresay you'd be terribly laughed at
by original skinheads.
You obviously don't have a clue about mods, you only know that you
think skinheads are better. If you gave any thought to what you
believe before you wrote, whatsoever, you might realize that the only
reason to be a mod is NOT to be on the cutting edge, ravers are not
mods, ravers aren't on the cutting edge, and I am certainly not
illegitimate, thank you very much.
This is getting far too silly as it seems that a lot of skinheads
can't get their heads out of their asses to see that they aren't going
to take over the world, they aren't going to start some new Worker's
Revolution, and they're often just too damn closed minded for their
own good.
1.6: What is a Chelsea?
Chelsea originally refered to the girlfriend of a Skinhead but has since
come to refer to females as Skinheads in their own right. Whether the term
stems from the name of the fringe, short on top and longer around the
sides, they adopted, or whether he hair style was named after the girls
remains a mystery to me.
Jennifer J. Jewkes says:
I have a feather cut now...and it needs a trim. I live in Chicago...so
a chelsea is out of the question for now... I'm getting tempted to
shave it again...only when it get warmer..prolly in a few months..the
way Chicago's weather goes. I agree... Chelsea's are stunning...but
feather cuts have a bit more class..especially when you are older and
have to worry about finding a job.
Gerrard A. Lindsay weighs in stating that:
someone remarked that not many original skinhead girls had short hair.
maybe i'm wrong, but most pictures i've seen did feature skingirls
with short to cropped hair. maybe not extreme fringe, but i haven't
seen any pictures of skingirls with long hair from before the
seventies...
even the skinhead bible mentions skingirls going to male barbers for
haircuts...
Jenn replies:
I didn't say that they didn't have *short* hair, but that they rarely
*shaved* their heads. I've seen plenty o' pics of skinhead girls from
the '60s with bobs 'n stuff, or just really short hair, but a girl
with a shaved head 30 years ago would have been a true rarity, from
what I've seen.
> even the skinhead bible mentions skingirls going to male
barbers for haircuts....
Again, mine is obviously not the word of God, but there's a difference
between short hair and a shaved head on a female, and a woman in the
'60s with a shaved head would've had a hell of a time in public
(outrageous hairstyles not being *nearly* as common in those
days--unless you count beehives as outrageous).
Besides which, a great many "skingirls" in the beginning (unfortunate
though this may be) were pretty much just girlfriends of skinheads,
and not quite as apt to shave their heads."
jadec@uno.edu wrote:
noone answered my other hair question, what is a chelsea? is it a
fringe of a different name, or what?
Schroedinger Cat writes:
I think Jenn answered this one effectively, but I'll recap... in
relation to skinheads, it is both a skinhead girl and a skinhead girl
haircut (a ffringe, basically, though I usually hear fringes referred
to as just the bits on the front, chelseas go all the way around).
dave gets the final comment:
uhh not sure what's worse? environment with like no skingirls or an
environment full of skingirls just too old for you? life sucks below
the drinking age ;)"
1.6.1: J.A. Dare writes: "Question for you skinchicks: Do you just
exclusively date skinheads?"
From: Jenn
Well, at the moment I'm exclusively dating *a* skinhead...
But generally, I probably *couldn't* only go for skins simply because
I'd be very lonely--there are very few skinheads where I live and even
fewer single ones (my boyfriend included, now...). If I could, though,
I probably would, if only because I find skinhead guys particularly
attractive--more so than others, usually.
If I met a guy I really hit it off with who wasn't a skin, though, I'd
probably give it a chance.
In the end, though? Yeah, skinheads are always first on my list. :-)"
1.7: What is a SHARP?
Todd Ferguson writes:
In the late 1980's a group of skinheads got together in NYC to
form the first chapter of Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice.
SHARP had three main objectives: to educate the public about true
skinhead culture, to expose the bonehead imposters for what they
really are and to drive the boneheads out of their communities by
any means necessary. The New York chapter was quickly successful
and soon chapters sprang up elsewhere as news spread. Today SHARP
is the most predominant anti-racist skin group around and you can
find SHARP chapters all over the world, as well as other
anti-racist skinhead groups like SCAR, SPAR and RASH.
Sir Lawrence of Skarabia writes:
Here in Hawaii the are the HARPS H.awaiianskins A.gainst
R.acialP.redjudice. There are japanese and chinese skins here as well.
1.8: What is a Bonehead?
Bonehead is a derogatory term used by Traditional and other Skins to denote
any Skinhead who holds to racist or White Power beliefs, as well as those
Neo-Nazis who have adopted the skinhead "look" in an attempt to hijack the
movement.
1.9: What is an Independent Skin?
Kali Holloway writes: "Independent" is usually used interchangeably with
"traditional".
Stephen "Donny" Donaldson writes: "I thought 'independent' meant 'not in a
crew'. I certainly hear it in that sense in NYC."
1.10: What is White Power?
White Power is an empowering philosophy of White racial nationalism and
ethnicity. It refers to a diverse range of philosophies from leftist White
racism to National Socialism. Perhaps the simplest imperative about what
White Power stands for exists in the "14 words" coined by former Bruder
Schweigen member, David Lane:
"We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White
children." [WPF]
In the eyes of non-racists, White Power is the modern embodiment of the
evils of the Fascist Nazi Party and its belief in the superiority of the
"White" or "Aryan" race over the Jews, Blacks and others whom White Power
advocates choose to blame for the woes of modern society.
1.11: What is a Hammerskin?
In Pink Floyd's _The Wall_ movie, there is a video segment sung to the tune
"Up against the Wall," where Pink takes on the visage of a powerful leader.
During this sequence, hundreds of skinheads march through the street and
chase the "Pakis" (Pakistanis) out of England. Although the movie is
largely opposed to that viewpoint, young skinheads were emboldened by the
image of strength and came to call themselves Hammerskins. As these groups
spread throughout the U.S. and Canada, they took on regional prefixes like:
Western Hammerskins, Northern Hammerskins, Confederate Hammerskins and
other such names. [WPF]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.0: Why are you a Skinhead?
Stephen J. Alexander (stephen@coos.dartmouth.edu) writes:
> revolt@execpc.com writes:
>Assuming thier aren't any first generation skinheads on this NG, I'd
>like to know why some of you became skinheads.
>
>-Was it the image?
To some extent, yes. It is a wondrous thing to inspire respect (and
sometimes fear, depending on where you are) just because you look a little
odd and you stand up straight and proud.
>-The beliefs?
Yes, provided you're not talking about white pride. My take on the reason
anyone ought to be a skinhead is a matter of attitude. Basically it's
losing the juvenile sophomoric bullshit that most of the world partakes in
daily, and getting serious about your life. Of course that means getting
serious about having fun too... I guess that's why I have such
discriminating taste in beer, heh. Anyway, before I claimed skin I was
something of a rebel without a cause. In high school, I was always looking
for some way of life to relate to because all the crap I had seen previous
to that had got me nowhere... one religion or system of beleifs seemed as
empty and stupid as another. I knew what shitheads most of the world is
comprised of and I wanted to separate myself from it, but I didn't know
how. I don't think I could have at the time either, I was pretty clueless
in high school. Be that as it may, I guess it follows that when I met some
skins and realized what they were about, I came to know what I was meant to
be.
>-An apreciation for the dress, which is one of the strangest things
> about the whole lifestyle, especially in the U.S.
Yes. Boots and braces are rad as hell... I've thought so since I first saw
them, at that. I wouldn't say the style of dress is so much strange, as
distinctive. My mother thinks it's anachronistic, which makes sense when
you consider when the whole skinhead thing started. She also mentioned to
me how her father wore thin braces to work when she was a child in the
forties and fifties (in the states) so the style really isn't that far from
home. There are a few other features of the 'look' which the observer will
notice as well, which also suit me just fine.
revolt@execpc.com writes:
-Was it the image?
Stephen J. Alexander (stephen@coos.dartmouth.edu) replies:
To some extent, yes. It is a wondrous thing to inspire
respect (and sometimes fear, depending on where you are)
just because you look a little odd and you stand up straight
and proud.
Jenn comments:
Speak for yourself, kiddo! I don't look even the least *bit*
odd... [friendly grin]
Mike (UK) writes:
It was the image, look, lifestyle. A hard look that suits me and I
find appealing in others. Hardness tempered with a brain. I'll talk
myself out of a fight almost every time but I'll stand my ground when
I have to. Respect for myself and other skins. The clothes which look
fucking brilliant. A feeling of belonging to something that *I*
believe is worthwhile. Life can be impersonal enough even in the UK
(Heaven alone knows what it's like in the US) and the recognition
between skins is relief from this. The music (Ska) though I also like
Techno and am a good dancer! I also feel it's important to correct the
idea that all skins are boneheads as we're not. I'm not a kid anymore
but at 35 much of the angst and relative insecurity of youth has gone
to be replaced with even stronger conviction. I remember the skins in
'69 and the 2nd wave and hope the movement never dies. A right wing
"robotic army" plays no part in all this. (I think those latter are
very close even to George Marshalls words).
DREWSKIN has the final say:
I am a skinhead because the pride i feel for my country goes more than
skin-deep. I believe skinheads are the people most dedicated to their
beliefs in this world today... whether it means being a white power
skinhead(bonehead) a traditional skinhead,a SHARP skinhead, etc.
etc.... or just a normal guy like me who`s into good music, pride for
my country, beer, fine skinhead girls and likes dressing sharp and
dancing to good music...
2.1: How do you become a ("Claim") Skinhead?
freddfish@smart.net (Frederick N. Crouse) inquires:
Anyway, this fellow referred several times, in the course of the
story, to how he became a skinhead. In fact, he never referred to the
process as "becoming"; instead, he said that he "claimed skin"....
Jenn replies:
The phrase "to claim skinhead" is a commonly used one, but the word
"claim" is *not* necessarily used in the sense you see it. Basically,
there is most definitely a genesis involved, but rather than most
skinheads seeing their becoming such as being a gradual
process--during which *entire* period they would call themselves
skinheads--the best skinheads are those who have taken the time to
research and immerse themselves in the subculture, and learn as much
about it as they possibly can...*before* they "claim skinhead".
In other words, there is that period of genesis and learning, but it
is not until *after* they feel that they have enough of a grounding in
the history of the subculture, and enough to offer to it, that a
person will finally "claim skinhead", or start identifying him/herself
as an actual *part* of the subculture.
Stephen Martin wrote:
Unlike political parties, or specific job categories, social groups
such as Skinheads, Hippies, etc., have no formal entrance
requirements, yadda, yadda, yadda.
I think you'll find with many people that it is simply a matter of
them becoming aware of the fact that they have been, already *are*,
and always will be a Skinhead, and then taking that finally step of
identifying with "their people".
2.1.1: What is a Freshcut?
A Freshcut is someone new to the Skinhead subculture. "When are you no
longer a Freshcut?" That's purely subjective, depends on who you ask.
rooster@oi.skin wrote:
Being a freshcut is not a bad thing. It is just typical that the new
person gets picked on. Just hold your head high for a while and return
the abuse to the next freshcut that comes along.
Michael Rosencrantz (rosie@interport.net) writes:
It is the duty of the younger skins to irritate the older ones. When I
was younger I'm sure I bugged the hell out of the older guys. Now that
I'm a decrepid old man, I sometimes get a little huffy when 3000
teenagers ask me to buy them beer.
2.1.2: Why do new Skins need to get beat in?
mybrkeeper@aol.com (MyBrKeeper) wrote:
I've got a question about new skins in general. Why do they get "beat
in"?? Is that just a local thing or do you have to be beat up by older
skins to be a skin.
Graham writes:
See whether you can stand the pace of things.
You certainly don't have to be beat up by older skins to be a skin.
However, when you get to know a group of skins for the first time, if
you stand your ground then you end up with far more credibility than
you would otherwise have.
2.2: Why don't you get a life?
Skinheads, regardless of their political, sexual, or religious persuasion,
or lack thereof, do have lives which, while they may differ from your own
principles and ideals, are no less valid then those of any other member of
society at large.
While you may not agree with their lifestyle, keep in mind that there's
bound to be someone who doesn't approve of yours either.
2.3: Why do you hate?
While the popular media enjoys its love/hate relationship with Skinheads,
almost consistently portraying them as sub-literate, unemployed racists
with a fondness for hiring themselves out as bodyguards/storm troopers for
the Neo-Nazis, this is a gross distortion of the truth.
Anyone who truly understands the origins of the Skinhead subculture (see:
What is a Skinhead?) sees right through that stereotype but, unfortunately,
there are those who cannot distinguish between a Skinhead and a Bonehead
(see: What is a Bonehead?).
In all fairness to the Boneheads, in his White Power FAQ, Arthur
LeBouthillier answers this question saying:
White Power advocates love their race. Because of that, they are
strongly opposed to any attempts to harm it by means of loss of
territory, loss of economic or political self-determination,
disenfranchisement or race mixing. In order to preserve their race and
its interests, they are often willing to engage in hostile acts
against perceived threats to it.
Well, that's enough of that for now.
2.4: Aren't all Skinheads Nazis/White Supremacists?
No. The term Nazi comes from the name given to Adolph Hitler's
National-Socialist German Workers Party, a *form* of Fascism, and thus has
had no validity since 1945. The proper term for resurgent Nazis is
Neo-Nazis. Supremacy refers to an alleged right to rule over other races.
As with Neo-Nazism, although some Boneheads are White Supremacists many are
not.
Stephen Martin writes:
While skinheads, racists, and Neo-Nazis are not mutually exclusive,
they are not necessarily inclusive and it is just as wrong to tar
skinheads with the taint of neo-Naziism or racism as it is to paint
any ethnic group as a pack of criminals or what have you.
Please, do try to keep in mind that the original skinheads grew out of
the melding of British working class youth, both white and black, with
the music and fashions of the immigrant Jamaican community.
While such racialist organizations as the BNP (British Nazi Party),
and others have had some success recruiting members who affect the
style of dress associated with the skinhead subculture, you will find
that these aberrations are minor compared with the number of
Traditional skinheads, S.H.A.R.P.s, Gay/Lesbian skinheads, those
skinheads of African, Spanish, French, etc. descent, in addition to
those skinheads (none of the aforementioned categories being mutually
exclusive) running the gamut of political persuasions from Anarchists
to Apolitical to Communist to Conservative to Libertarian, etc. and/or
religious faiths including Buddhists, Christians, Jews, etc.
Just witness this following posting retrieved from Deja News:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Re: Older man wants to be a skinhead - advice?
From: James F. Dugan
Date: 1996/01/13
newsgroups: alt.skinheads
Dr. Stanley Korobka writes:
>Hi there, people. My name is Dr. Stanley Korobka and I am interested in
>becoming a skinhead. Although I am an older man (62) I must admit that
>I am very attracted to skinhead culture, especially the spirited music and
>rebellious fashions. I was always a good boy, did what my Daddy told
>me to, went to medical school, invested wisely and such. I suppose this
>is a midlife crisis long overdue. But there you have it. By the way, I
>am not a racist, I am actually Jewish. Can I still be a skinhead? Could
>anyone give me pointers on where to shop?
>
>Stan
>
>Dr. Stanley H. Korobka, aspiring skinhead
Well doc, I don't mind saying that this is without a doubt the strangest thing
I have ever seen on this newsgroup. Rest assured you don't need to be a racist
to be a skinhead, many of the skins here are non-racist and several are also
Jewish. However the fact that you don't know this makes me wonder what exactly
it is about being a skin that you find attractive. Skinhead is predominantly a
working class youth movement, and as you are neither working class nor a youth,
it would be a bit of a stretch. This isn't to say you couldn't be a skin, but I
think you may be the first 62 year old doctor to ever express interest.
Jim Dugan
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2.5: Why be a Nazi?
BRicha6796 wrote:
I've always wondered why people become nazi skins as opposed to real
skins. It seems to be fascists are way more greedy than "the evil jew"
I mean Resistance cd's are REALLY expensive. And if you ever read a
copy of Resistance most of the shit they preach i obviously untrue. I
mean wouldn't it just be better to be non-political? Not necessarily
SHARP but just be a skin as opposed to being part of all the bullshit.
Look at most nazi bands today. They sound like cock-rock. Is this
really skinhead music? I don't think so. I heard the america first
committee does not want to work with nazi's in "The Aryan Quest" cuz
their are too many gays. I just wanna know what makes hanging out with
bikers, gays, longhairs, and white trash look attractive as opposed to
hanging out with decent clean working class people.
Ivon Kalalang replies:
I really don't understand either. Maybe, it's the disposition people
take in life that resulted from a bad experience, or the in bred
desire to harm someone and you're just looking for an excuse. This is
how I picture it. The early skins were cockney fuckers. Racism was
never their main theology, and racist tendecies were what they were,
tendencies. Someone could be, someone couldn't be. So in comes along
NF and BNP takes the disenfranchised youth and churns out white power
kids.
So years later, the media exploits this. People have gotten so used to
seeing skinheads as being racist on TV, that it actually has an odd
influence on some people who just want to be a skinhead becuase they
are racist, and to them being racist from what they see on TV is what
being a skinhead is all about. Music is another topic in itself. WP
stuff is expensive, but considering a lot of it was put on R-O-R, and
R-O-R stuff is pretty damn rare. That's why I'd buy a WP album. I
mean, look at some of the bands from the US before 1990, Allegiance,
Arresting Officers, Forced Reality, and etc. They were actually okay
to listen to. I mean Arresting Officers has some catchy songs like
'Stop Red Action' and 'United Skins'. Anyways, the point is, it's
really too easy falling into the media's view of nazi skinheads. Just
look at that one stupid HBO special 'Skinheads USA'.
2.6: Aren't all Skinheads violent little motherfuckers just itching to
fight?
Richard Collins wrote:
Well assuming that the lot of us are college students or something to
that nature, it is safe to say a good number of the regulars out there
are of the more intellectual variety, despite their personal beliefs.
This brings we to a question about fighting. I'm not saying you can
not be smart and also tough at the same time, but people of
intelligence have been known to use their minds to avoid fighting.
Then again, we all at times get the overwhelming urge to beat the pulp
out of some stupid piece of human fieces. So are any of you girls or
boys aggro skins?
Do you have some friends that can not go out without ...
A) Starting a fight
B) Suggesting you (as a group) start a fight
C) Looking for any excuse to jump into a fight
Last night at Desmond Dekker this little skin girl told a bunch of us
boys that some guy hit her. So a boot party nearly insued. I was just
watching being the hippie scum that I am. No, but seriuosly I don't
get off on being the sixth guy to boot some one's head in. Fighting to
me is not a nessicary part of being a skinhead. I recognize fighting
as a part of life we all must face but it doesn't need to be a part of
every night on the town.
Graham replies:
I was when I was younger. I soon realised however that I was going to
end up in a lot of shit. What's the point?
If you have to stand your ground then I believe stand it. I don't
believe in going out looking for fights though. I realised that if I
was going to (to use an old naff but appropriate phrase) live by the
sword, then I was going to die by the sword. Eventually you end up
getting into a fight with someone who is much stronger and you get the
shit kicked out of ya.
These 3. [A, B, and C] I can think of a couple of skins I know that
are like it.
The problem is that there are those who like to start a fight on
purpose but then leave everyone else to finish it.
I suppose I used to see it as the easy way to solve everything.
CRM94001@UConnVM.UConn.Edu (Chris) replied:
Depends on whether the guy deserves it or not. In the case that you
just described, yes, I would. But if some guy just starts talking shit
and calling me names, that's no reason. I've been called worse.
Sometimes you just get in the mood where you're just waiting for a
fight. About a week ago, I was going to hit this crusty that was
shooting his mouth off too much, but my friends held me back. They
later changed their mind when we found out the next day that the same
scumbag had hit this female friend of ours. All in all, it depends on
the situation.
Janis Collins writes:
I'd sure like to find the real reason behind this group. If you're so
non racist and nonviolent, what's up with all the fighting?
Generalizations have their beginnings in truth even if they tend to
get distorted later. 9 time outta 10 if you see red docs with white
laces on a skinhead with the famous red suspenders you're looking at
trouble. If they're enmasse, you're really looking at a massacre
fluffy@nyc.pipeline.com (James F. Dugan) replies:
What the hell are you talking about?
9 times outa 10 I see oxbloods with white laces, i'm saying "Hi, how
are you" to their owner. As for red suspenders, they're really not
that popular. Futhermore, 9 times outa 10 when a skin beats someones
ass, they deserved it, and 5 times out 10 the other idiot started it
and wants to whine about it later. Even accepting all of the things
you say as gospel, there is separate and perfectly good reason for
your experiences: you and your friends are assholes.
Janis Collins (dallas25@voicenet.com) writes:
Because they're already proving themselves defective so why not expect
more negative behaviour?? Are you trying to say that you're just as
likely to get a violent response out of a Joe Citizen/well-to-do
officeworker as you are a skinhead?
And of course Janis is right. Witness this exchange:
Chris UCB (chrisucb@aol.com) wrote:
I am looking for fellow skins in the S.F. area particularly the east
bay. I am tired of always being bored at home please e-mail me or post
to this newsgroup.
Richard Collins (richie@netcom.com) writes:
Who are you man? Where do you live?
Note the way Richie immediately starts pumping poor Chris for his address,
obviously so he can go over and beat him up. Let's read on...
The scene out here is huge. I live in the east bay in the suburbs but
still the city is only minutes away. Are we talkng east back like
Livermore? Concord?
Obviously a well veiled threat there, and see how he's still searching for
his address?
Even the farthest reachs are accessable to SF.
Yep, Skinhead Fascists. They're the worst and it's obvious that Richie is a
member of their crew... (I guess that's enough sarcasm)
Joellen Welch (jowelch@lynx.dac.neu.edu) gets the last word with:
'Janis Collins ' wrote:
I'd sure like to find the real reason behind this group.
Janis-
The real reason for this group is so SKINHEADS can "get together," in a
virtual sense, and talk about stuff, and meet, complain, rant, etc.
Michelle-
Don't take that personally. What I mean is anyone should be able to post,
as long as they know what they're talking about, which you have proven
since before I've even been here.
If you're so non racist and nonviolent, what's up with all the
fighting?
Janis-
I'm violent, I have a violent attitude, but try to remember that while some
of us may not have hair, most of us have proven our high intellectual
capacity, and many of us are proven geniuses. From that, you can infer that
we do also have brains. We think before doing something stupid, like
running out and beating someone up over bullshit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.0: Skinhead Culture
Many argue what this whole thing is about. My take on it is stop arguing
and start enjoying life! The following song sums it up well:
"It's the movement
that keeps our spirit strong,
It's the pride we have
that keeps us moving along,
It's the music,
that beat so proud and true,
It's the way we live,
it's good times, through and through
The Times
Smilin' faces,
Cheers! to everyone,
There's no time to waste, no hesitation,
Let's start having fun!
We hear their politics,
Their fucked up views and expectations
We get so sick and tired
of bullshit lies and accusations
The Times...
We stand side by side,
Marching to the end
Brotherhood is in our blood
Strenth within our friends! Oi!..."
-"The Times" by The Skoidats
3.1: Skinhead History
courtesy of the Lashout Website
(http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~lashout/skns.html)
Skinhead origins begin in Britain in the mid to late 1960's. Out of a youth
cult known as the "Mods," the rougher kids began cutting their hair close,
both to aid their fashion and prevent their hair from hindering them in
street fights. These working class kids adopted the name "Skinheads" to
separate themselves from the more dainty and less violent Mods. Huge groups
of these explosive youths would meet every Saturday at the football grounds
to support their local teams. The die hard support for a group's team often
lead to skirmishes between opposing supporters, leading to Britain's
legendary "football violence." When night swept the island, the skinheads
would dress in the finest clothes they could afford, and hit the dance
halls. It was here they danced to a new sound that was carried to Britain
by Jamaican immigrants. This music went by many names including: the ska,
jamacian blues, blue beat, rocksteady, and reggae. At these gatherings the
skinheads would dance, drink, and laugh with each other and the Jamaican
immigrants whom brought the music to Britian.
During the 1970's, there were many changes in the "typical" skinhead. For
some fashion went from looking smooth in the best clothes you could afford
with a blue-collar job, to looking like you were at home, even when you
were out. For others the disco craze of the seventies hit hard, resulting
in feathered hair, frilly pants, and those ugly seventies shoes. By the
late 70's the National Front, Britain's National Socialist party, had
invaded the skinhead movement. Kids were recruited as street soldiers for
NF. Since skinheads were already a violent breed, the NF decided that if
their young recruits adopted the skinhead appearance, the might benefit
from the reputation. It was at this point that racism permeated the
skinhead cult without the consent of its members.
Also by the mid 70's punk had put the rebellion back in rock-and-roll,
opening a new avenue for street kids to express their frustrations. The
shifting mindset brought kids into the skinhead movement as yet another
form of expression. By the late 70's punk had been invaded by the colleges,
and record labels, letting down kids who truly believed in its rebellion.
From the streets came a new kind of punk rock, a type which was meant to be
true to the working class and the kids on the street. This new music was
called "Oi!" by Gary Bushell, and the name stuck. Oi! revived the breath of
the working class kids. Because of Oi! music's working class roots, the
media scorned its messages unlike they had done with the first wave of
punk. With the change in music came a new kinds of skinheads, and the gaps
between the different types widened. Aside from the National Front's
skinheads, the movement had been simply a working class struggle, rather
than a right-left political struggle. With skinheads forming their own
bands, political lines began to be drawn on the basis of right-left and
even non-political politics. Politically right groups were often associated
with the National Front and had distinct racial messages. Leftist groups
looked at the working class struggle through labor politics. Non-political
groups often shunned both sides simply because they chose to be political.
The Oi! movement consumed most of the 1980's and is still alive today.
Skinheads have spread to every part of the globe. Each country supports an
independent history of skinhead goals, values, and appearances. The
definition of "skinhead" varies from country to country, which doesn't say
too much since it also varies from city to city.
Starting in the late 80's, through present day, there has been a large
resurgence back to the "traditional" values and appearance of the 1960's
skinhead. This has occurred in Britain, America, as well as most of Europe.
This has lead to even more tension, this time between "traditional," and
"non-traditional" skins.
3.2: Aren't Skinheads Working-Class?
TBD
3.3: Skinhead identity crisis
Joellen wrote:
I hate to generalize, but a lot of people who aren't skins who are my
friends tend to generalize as well. I made friends with this girl in
one of my classes last year, and she found out I was a skin, and then
it was like the whole skinhead thing was more important to talk about
with me than anything else we used to talk about. She'd say things
like "I told my boyfriend last night that I was friends with a
skinhead and he almost DIED. Can you beleive it? So I thought maybe
you could talk to him so he knows what you're about and he doesn't
have to worry about me hanging out with you and all." I was polishing
my boots and my roommate and her friend were over, and the friend
asked me why I was polishing my boots. I was polishing them because
they looked like they'd been through a war. My roommate piped in with,
"Well, she's a skinhead, and skinheads have to have really shiny
boots." It seems that everything anyone else does normally, we only do
because we're skinheads.
"Why is that girl over there eating a hamburger, Tiffany?"
"Well, you see, Todd, my darling, she's a skinhead."
God forbid the professors find out you are, you have to write papers
about it when everyone else can choos the assignment.
"Well, I thought I might suggest that *you* write *your* paper on
skinheads. Maybe you could write about the night your whole dorm tried
breaking your door down when they found out and how you had to keep
yourself locked inside with a parking meter in hand in case they got
in you were going to hurl it at the first one's head as a warning to
the others."
"Or maybe you could tell us all about the history behind the culture,"
when everyone else is writing about their familial historical
backgrounds.
John M. Stafford replied:
A decade of experience has taught me that when someone who is not a
skinhead mentions the word "skinhead" to me, my reaction is to just
smile at them. You don't agree, you don't deny. If you deny then you
are obviously living a lie. But if you agree then the damn "skinhead"
thing becomes more important than your own skills and personality. I
have no need to discuss skinheads with non-skinheads, and I am not so
insecure about it that I need to shove it down everyone's throats.
Horse wrote:
Skinheads aren't just static characters. We are dynamic (for those
english majors out there) we have varied interests, we can't be holed
into the stereotypical corner like the media and other idiots would
like us to be.
And its this dynamic character that separates us from the wankers that
try to horn in on the subculture. They try so hard to fit the
stereotype that they stick out like sore thumb. And even further more
thats why this subculture hasn't gone the way of grunge, or the raver,
or any other fad thats was there today then gone the next. The
constrictiveness of each little fad wears off and loses its fun after
a couple months.
Its the individuality thats keeps it strong, with the respect and
tradition at its base.
3.4: What is Ska music?
Ska is dance music, first and foremost. Ska was a Jamaican dance music that
swept out of Jamaica in the early 1960s to shake the butts of working- and
middle-class Jamaicans before going on, via the West Indian immigrant
connection, to the U.K., and then on to the world. In the U.K., ska was
also known as `blue beat' music. Rocksteady, and later, reggae sprang from
the loins of ska in the late 1960s. Mid-1970s and 1980s/1990s revivals of
this popular dance form have kept this music alive and fun through the
present. The ska beat on drums and bass, rhythm guitar, lots of horns and
maybe a Hammond organ --- that's the ska sound. [AMS]
Ska came to England with immigrants in the early 1960s. Known in the U.K.
briefly as ``Jamaican Blues,'' ska inspired the formation of the Blue Beat
record company, providing yet another name for the ska sound: `blue beat.'
Ska gained popularity in the U.K. with the `Mod' scene, leading to the
residual association of small-brimmed trilby (hats) and scooters with ska
music. [HSBR] (For scooter talk, check out the alt.scooter Usenet group.)
[AMS]
For more information on ska and it's relation to the skinhead subculture,
checkout The Ska FAQ Home Page at http://www.twillis.com/ska/faq/
3.5: What is Oi!?
1. "Hey!" (from cockney slang, a shortening of the greek 'oi polloi' or
common people.)
2. Oi! is the label which Gary Bushell (a British journalist) gave to the
late seventies/early eighties streetpunk bands who refused to be a
part of the plastic punk (call it the ancestor of MTV punk) that was
big at the time. Nowadays Oi! is thought of as a melodic, old school
type of punk but it was originally more of a movement than a sound.
The grandfathers of Oi! are Sham 69. They were one of the first bands
to take punk to a level higher than just shock value. They used their
music as a working class protest.
The classic Oi! band is the Cockney Rejects (who were the first band
to use the chant oi! in their music). Their 'ruck n roll' attitude (we
ruck n you roll) pretty much sums up the oi! stance, non-political,
working class, proud music.
A lot of bigger punk bands were also originally identified with the
oi! movement (i.e. the Exploited who as 'skinhead herberts' are on Oi!
the Album).
Oi! is streetpunk, oi! is working class kids winning, oi! is punx and
skins together, oi! is oceans of beer and mountains of pride.....
Buy an Oi! comp and it'll change yer life. [OTF]
[written by Gerrard Lindsay (botbskin@akula.com) of Bottom Of The Barrel.
http://www.akula.com/~botbskin/]
3.5.1 OI! IT'S JUST STREET-ROCK'N'ROLL!
"If punk was *real*, then Oi! was *reality*!"
-Laurie Pryor
"No mess. No fuss. Just pure impact..."
-Mick Furbank
Oi! is a melodic type of punk-rock which originated in Britain around 1980
and has since spread throughout the world. The forefathers of Oi! (Sham 69,
Menace, The Lurkers, Slaughter And The Dogs, Cockney Rejects, Cock Sparrer,
Angelic Upstarts, etc.) played what some of the smarter press of the time
dubbed, "real-punk" (i.e. punk-rock with a message/theme of "social
realism"). A lot of the press who courted the original wave of punk-rock,
wholly ignored or wrote-off what was soon to be called Oi! as "thug-rock,"
and thus insured unfair treatment of the genre right from the get-go.
Around 1980, bands like the 4-Skins (East London), Infa Riot (North
London), The Last Resort (Herne Bay), Red Alert (Sunderland), The Business
(South London) and Blitz (Manchester) began to pop-up all across Great
Britain. This phenomenon of strikingly similar-minded, yet unrelated bands
was quickly clumped together as "Oi!" by Sounds journalist Gary Bushell,
taking the name from the classic Cockney Rejects song, "Oi! Oi! Oi!"
Bushell not only gave Oi! its name, he compiled and gave the world the
first Oi! compilation, "Oi! The Album" (released by EMI injunction with
Sounds magazine). "Oi! The Album" -- though not a truly stellar record or
even completely representative of the Oi! genre of the time -- set the
precedent for the compilation as an important part of the Oi! movement, as
witnessed by the release of countless Oi!-focused compilations world-wide
ever since its release. Musically, Oi! is generally distinguished by
anthemic melodies, terrace-style backing vocals and a pace/tempo more
suitable for pogoing and singing along, than slam-dancing and stage-diving.
Together with ska and reggae, Oi! forms the musical focus of the
traditional skinhead subculture, and together with hardcore and classic
punk-rock, it forms the musical focus of the punk subculture.
The impact of the early '80s, English Oi! scene could be felt the
world-over, with Oi! bands and scenes popping-up globally, kick-started by
bands like Iron Cross in the U.S., Bohse Onkels in Germany, Komitern Sect
in France, Cobra in Japan, Nabat in Italy and so on. This is barely
mentioning the huge impact Oi! had on the U.S. hardcore scene, evidenced by
such classic American hardcore bands like Agnostic Front, 7 Seconds, Youth
Brigade and Negative Approach citing Oi! as a huge influence, as well as
covering many brickwall standards.
Sociologically, Oi! is a coalition of street-punks and skinheads, and
emphasizes working-class concerns and themes: labor, fighting, shagging,
drinking, pride, self-respect and generally having a laugh -- the "politics
of life" or the "politics of the street." Being rooted among the
working-class, street kids and the powerless, authentic and traditional Oi!
rejects the authoritarian and conservative politics of the extreme right as
well as the knee-jerk, reactionary politics of the extreme left.
Oi! is having a laugh and having a say.
Oi! is bigger than any uniform.
Oi! is sharp in brain and dress.
Oi! is you and me... Winning.
Oi! is thinking for yourself.
Oi! is pride and self-respect.
Oi! is the beat of the street.
Oi! is working class protest.
Oi! is youth eternal.
Oi! is youth enrage.
Oi! is a way of life.
Select major British Oi! bands (past and present) include: A.B.H,
Another Man's Poison, Anti-Establishment, Anti-Social, Attak, The
Betrayed, Blitz, Braindance, The Blaggers, Boisterous, The Business, The
Burial, Cock Sparrer, Cockney Rejects, Combat 84, Condemned 84, Crashed
Out, Criminal Class, Crux, Distortion, The Ejected, The 4-Skins, The
Gonads, Gundog, Infa-Riot, Indecent Exposure, Intensive Care, The Last
Resort, Last Rough Cause, Major Accident, The Oppressed, Pressure 28,
Prole, Red Alert, The Samples, Section 5, Short'n'Curlies, Straw Dogs,
The Strike, Subculture & Vicious Rumors.
Select major American Oi! bands (past and present) include: The Anti-Heros
(GA), The Authority (CA), Battle Cry (NY), Best Defence (PA), The
Bruisers (MA), Boot Party (CA), Bottom Of The Barrel (NY), Bovver
Wonderland (CA), Broken Heroes (NJ), Chapter 21 (Chicago), Ducky Boys
(MA), First Strike (NY), Forced Reality (CT), Headwound (NJ), Iron Cross
(DC), Immoral Discipline (DC), Limecell (PA), Lower Class Brats (TX),
Moonstomp (GA), Niblick Henbane (NJ), 90 Proof (TX), Oxblood (NY),
Patriot (NC), The Press (NY), Pist'n'Broke (MI), Pledge 84 (NY), The
Radicts (NY), The Service (WI), Stars And Stripes (MA), Stormwatch (DE),
The Templars (NY), The Toughskins (CA), U.S. Chaos (NJ), Those Unknown
(NJ), The Uprise (PA), The Wretched Ones (NJ) & Youth Defence League
(NY).
Select major International Oi! bands (past and present) include: Agent
Bulldog (Sweden), Angry Ducks (Japan), The Bad Vultures (Japan), Becks
Pistols/Pobel Und Gesocks (Germany), Bitter Grin (Canada), B.T.M.
(Poland), Camera Silens (France), Cobra (Japan), Crikey Crew (Japan),
Dose Brutal (Brazil), The Fuck Ups (Norway), Gruesome (Japan), The
Herberts (France), Impact (Canada), Klasse Kriminale (Italy), Kohu-63
(Finland), Kidnap (France), Komitern Sect (France), Die Lokalmatadore
(Germany), The Magnificent (Holland), Mata Ratos (Portugal), Nabat
(Italy), Oxymoron (Germany), The Pride (Holland), The Quick And The Dead
(Australia), Rezystencja (Czech), Sideburns (Japan), Snix (France), The
Stage Bottles (Germany), Tolbiac's Toads (France), The Vacant Lot
(Canada), Vanilla Muffins (Switzerland), Virus 27 (Brazil), Warrior Kids
(France), The West Side Boys (France), Zakarrak (Spain) & Zona A
(Slovakia).
Other bands which move on the fringes of Oi! include: The Adicts, Angelic
Upstarts, Anti-Nowhere League, Barbed Wire, Blaggers ITA, Blanks 77, The
Blood, The Casualties, Chron Gen, The Crack, Dropkick Murphys,
Exploited, Frankie Flame, Garotos Podres, Lurkers, The Macc Lads,
Menace, 999, Oi Polloi, One Way System, The Partisans, Peter and the
Test Tube Babies, Toy Dolls, Red London, Redskins, Resistance 77, Rose
Tattoo, (early)7 Seconds, Sham 69, Slaughter And The Dogs, Splodge,
Stiff Little Fingers, Special Duties, The Suspects, The Swingin' Utters,
Vice Squad, The Violators & Youth Brigade.
Some Oi!-focused record labels (past and present) include: Bird, Bleach,
Bronco Bullfrog, Carry On Oi!, Captain Oi!, Chaos Productions, Dim, Do A
Runner!, Dojo, DSS, Force Majeure, GMM, Hammer, Havin' A Laugh,
Headache, Helen Of Oi!, Kickback, Knock-Out, Link, Longshot, No Future,
Oi! Records, One By One, PunkCore, Riot City, Scumfuck, Sta-Press,
Step-1, S.P.E., Teenage Rebel, T.K.O., wins, Vulture Rock & Walzwerk.
Some related newsgroups are: alt.punk, alt.punk.europe, alt.skinheads,
alt.skinheads.arent.neo.nazis and alt.skinheads.moderated
[written and compiled by Lee 69 (SoundViews@aol.com) of "Do A Runner!"
'zine & records. http://members.aol.com/SoundViews/doarunnr.html]
3.6: More on Oi!
On 6 Mar 1996, Gerrard A. Lindsay wrote:
ever notice how many 'skinhead' songs and songs about skins that there
are in the world?
for instance 'skinhead moonstomp', 'skinhead girl', 'skinhead
jamboree', 'skinhead speaks his mind', 'skinheads don't fear',
'moonhop in London', 'skinhead moondust','where have all the bootboys
gone','bootboy',oi! oi! oi!,'skinheads in stapress', 'resort
bootboys', 'bring back the skins', 'chaos', 'clockwork
skinhead','boots n braces','back with a bang','crucified' (by iron
cross),'skinheads rule,ok', 'fresh and burning','joe hawkins'......
From: am24379@swt.edu (Andy MacLaurin), fluffy@nyc.pipeline.com (James F.
Dugan), skh8729@ocvaxa.cc.oberlin.edu (Kali Holloway) (revised in v0.15
with corrections from James F. Dugan)
As for lyrics, here are the complete lyrics for Suburban Rebels as
taken from the liner notes of The Business 1979-1989 on Blackout
Records.
They're the sons and daughters of well off bankers
Tom Robinsons' army of trendy wankers
Flared blue jeans and anoracks,
With yellow streaks all down their backs
Who act so tough when [they're] on TV,
But trendy wankers don't scare me
Oi Oi Oi Chosen Few, (x2)
This is what we think of you
Suburban Rebels playing at reds
You would-be urban terrorists
You don't scare us with your badges and banners
You know fuck all about heavy manners.
You're the middle class kiddies from public school
Who write your slogans on toilet walls
Like Tony Benn's clones in plastic macks
You wave a hammer and sickle, never Union Jacks
Got lots of mouth when you're in a crowd
But when you're alone, you don't speak loud!
Of course, I have several versions, where the lyrics are changed but
this is the closest to an "official" version I've found. I also have
the lyrics to Harry May, Coventry, Shout it Out, No Emotions, Never
Been Taken, Out in the Cold, Blind Justice, Do a Runner, Another Rebel
Dead, Welcome to the Real World, Frontline, Mortgage Mentality,
Handball, Smash the Discos, H-Bomb, Loud Proud and Punk, Real Enemy,
Product, and Saturday's Heroes, if anyone is particularly interested.
I may post them anyway, if I can scan them.
Jim Dugan
3.6.1: Lyrics to Oi! songs about Skinheads
Email me (jadare@vt.edu) for additions and/or corrections. Songs with
asterisks (*) after them indicate lyrics obtained from the Oi! Lyrics
website at http://www.gis.net/~skin contributors are many (see website).
Lyrics available in this section(in alphabetical order):
The Boys* -Youth Defense League
Carry On -All Systems Stop
Chaos* -The 4-Skins
Clockwork Skinhead* -The 4-Skins
Combat 84* -Combat 84
Giovani Skins Senza Una Chance -Klasse Kriminale
Hard Skin -Hard Skin
He's A Skin -Anti-Heros
Joe Hawkins* -The Oppressed
Resort Bootboys* -The Last Resort
Skinhead* -Combat 84
Skinhead 88* -Youth Defence League
Skinhead On The MBTA -Dropkick Murphys
Skinheads Forever -Fully Loaded
Skinheads In Sta Press* -The Last Resort
Skinheads Rule O.K. -The Templars
Un Altro Rebelle Morte -Klasse Kriminale
Vi Accuso -Klasse Kriminale
Violence In Our Minds* -The Last Resort
What's A Skin -Anti-Heros
"The Boys"* -Youth Defense League
We're from the city, from the streets
Our mates always seem to meet
No one seems to care
Wear our boots and crop our hair
We don't wear Martens just for kicks
Don't wear braces just for chicks
Don't cut our hair to make us look bad
Won't be caught up in nobody's fad
(chorus)We're the boys - YDL
We're the boys - YDL
We're the boys - YDL
We're the boys - YDL
Skinheads!
(repeat 1st verse)
"Carry On" -All Systems Stop
From "I've Got My Friends" Comp CD booklet (FR6809)
A Man with pride is a skinhead with boots on
A man with strength is a skinhead that's strong
A skinghead with honor will never show shame
A Skinhead that's true can carry the flame
(Chorus) I know we got the pride
Again we're growing strong
Somehow we'll find the strength to carry on
(Chorus)
Skinheads in the street drinking and fighting
Skinheads in the street fighting the law
Working class man a true patriot
Working class hero won't take no shit
(Chorus x4)
I know we've got the strength
I know we've got the strength
I know we've got the strength
to Carry on (x3)
Carry on!
"Chaos"* -The 4-Skins
Do you remember the days in 69?
Seeing all the skinheads standing in a line
Foaming at the mouth, Waiting for a fight
High boots, cropped hair, what a fuckin sight
(Chorus) Come back of the skinhead
come back of the boot
People that we don't beat up
We're gonna fucking shoot
We are the new breed, we will have our say
we are the new breed, we ain't gonna die
Trouble east London
Trouble in the street
On the street corners
Where the gang still meets
Talking about the weekend
What they're gonna do
If you aint careful
They are gonna do you!
(Chorus)
Chaos in the city
Civil war now
Skinheads taking over
Like skinheads know how
Skinhead with his boots on
Nobodys fool
Skinheads taking over?
Chaos is the rule!
Chaos, chaos, chaos - dont give a toss
Chaos, chaos, chaos - dont give a toss!!!
"Clockwork Skinhead"* -The 4-Skins
Wearing braces, the red, white, and blue
doing what he thinks he ought to do
Used to be a punk and a mod too
Or is it just a phase he's going through
(chorus) He's a clockwork skinhead, just a clockwork skinhead
clockwork skinhead - got no choice
He's a clockwork skinhead, just a clockwork skinhead
clockwork skinhead - One of the boys
Take him to the pub, buy him a beer
Tell him what he wants to hear
Wind him up like clockwork toy
wants to be a man but he's just a boy
(chorus)
Believes everything the papers say
What's he gonna be today
What is it hip to be
Will he be himself or will he copy me?
"Combat 84"* -Combat 84
Pair of DM's on your feet
Well polished and looking neat
Paramilatary, here's the score
We're the band Combat 84
Know whats sacred we must fight
Thats why we won't be denied
Short hair and braces hanging down
There'll always be a skinhead in town
(chorus)Thats why we rule the street
Thats why we ???????? (2x)
1st verse
"Giovani Skins Senza Una Chance" -Klasse Kriminale
"Young Skins With No Chance" English translation
From "I Ragazzi Sono Innocenti(The Kids Are Innocent)" LP lyric sheet
(TWINS 02)
(Chorus) YOUNG SKINS WITH NO CHANCE (x4)
They write their problems on the walls
Confused politics entered them
Alcoholic nights of frustration
Skins in the street have no answer
They drink beer waiting for a gig
Among these streets drugs and concrete
Where are true friends
Where are old values
Skins in the street have no answers
But they want to live free
They have no jobs they have no money
And nobody will listen to them
Guilty free innocent injured
The revolt will burst one day
Skins want a bit of peace
And freedom one day
(Chorus) (x4)
"Hard Skin" -Hard Skin
From "Hard Nuts and Hard Cunts" LP lyric sheet (HOO31)
Hard Skin, we're hard
Boots and braces, hair cut short
Don't do things that we are taught
Boozing and shagging
And going to the game
Life for us will always be the same
Hard Skin we're hard
Running and fighting on a Saturday night
Life is pukka, life's alright
We're Hard Skin and we're ok
You can't touch us
We won't go away
"He's A Skin" -Anti-Heros
From "That's Right!" LP lyric sheet (WWR027)
They call him a nazi, they call him a child
cause he holds his head up high,
too proud sometimes too wild
He's the one that's full of hate, the target of abuse
Won't try to explain himself, because there is no use
(Chorus) He's a skin, he's a skin,
stick with you through thick and thin
He's a skin and he'll be a skin,
when he's the only one
You know that he's got his friends,
you know they stand tall
Each right maybe have some drinks
and then they have a ball
Don't you try to stop them, don't get in their way
No matter waht you do, we will have our say.
"Joe Hawkins"* -The Oppressed
See him walking down the street
Doctor Martens on his feet
Levi jeans Ben Sherman shirt
Fuck with him and youll get hurt
(Chorus)Hes a skinhead, he dont care
Marten boots and short cropped hair
Hes a skinhead, he dont care about you
Walking down on the Brighton pier
Long haired hippies filled with fear
Cruch of bone as the boot goes in
Joes so proud to be a skin
(Chorus)
Prison couldnt change his ways
Skinheads back hes here to stay
So if you think youve got the suss
Be a skinhead, be like us
(Chorus)
Hes the king, king of skins
Whats his name, Joe Hawkins...
"Resort Bootboys"* -The Last Resort (aka The Warriors)
We wake up a 10 o'clock
Put your boots on and go round the block
We have a few beers and we joke around
We make our way to the football ground
We hate all the junkies, we hate all the grease
We're only here to disturb the peace
Wear Dr. Martens and wear levi's
We are the resort bootboys
We know its gonna be a hell of a game
One - nil down its always the same
But we don't really give a fuck
Believe it or not, we're here for the ruck
After the game we count all the scarves
We jum all over some geezers car
We lost the game but we won the fight
I hope its on the box tonight
"Skinhead"* -Combat 84
We will never fade or die whatever you try to do
We're the first of today, and the last of tomorrow
Skinheads not a fashion, its a way of life
(chorus)
Skinhead skinhead never give up just stick together and act as one
You never never never give up, just stick together and act as one
See us on the telly, you read about us in the news
We will never fade or die, whatever you try to do
"Skinhead 88"* -Youth Defence League
Subculture working for twenty years
Bred full of anger and public fear
We will soon unleash our rage
read about us on the front page
(chorus)Skinheads 88 (x2)
Standing strong, bred to hate!
We are skinheads from the start
we'll reject what you have taught
Boots and braces a way of life
a way to deal with all our strife
(chorus) 4x
Those who try to oppress you
judges and the boys in blue
They had better listen to us
'cos we're the ones who got the suss
"Skinhead On The MBTA" -Dropkick Murphys
(Not really Oi! but damn good song anyway)
From "I've Got My Friends" Comp CD booklet (FR6809)
Now let me tell a story about a big ol' skinhead
on a tragic and fateful day.
He put 10 cents in his pocket kicked his wife and family
and went to ride on the MBTA
(Chorus) Well did he ever return, no he never returned,
and his fate is still unknown,
he may ride forever neath the streets of Boston,
He's the skinhead who never returned.
Skinhead goes right down to Kendall Square station
and he changes for Jamaica Plan,
The conductor says skinhead I need a nickel,
Skinhead throws him right off the train
(or "Skinhead punches him in the brain" for angry folks)
(Chours)
Now all night long skinhead drives through the station
wondering who can I go see.
Can't afford to buy crack in Chelsea
or a bundle in Roxbury.
(Chorus)
Skinhead's wife goes to the Scully Square Station
ever day at quater past two
And through the open window she hands Skinhead a grenade
as the train comes rumblin through
(Chorus)
Now you citizens of Boston don't you think it's a
scandle how skinhead stole that train.
What's the big fucking deal,
He'll work for beer,
Let skinhead drive that train!
(Chorus x2)
He's the skinhead who never returned
He's the skinhead who never returned
He's the skin who never returned!
"Skinheads Forever" -Fully Loaded
From "Skinheads 4-Ever" LPEP back sleeve (VOLT-20)
I know that things have changed
Since the good ol' days
But things haven't changed that much
So you got married well I did too
But I don't cowar to the touch
Bon't tell me that you've had enough
Of being an asshole male
Talking shit on girls and getting drunk
Loud music with a hail
That we'd be Skinheads forever
I'm never never gonna change
That we'd be Skinheads forever
I'm talking to my brothers in shame
You stopped hanging out
A long time ago
Won't even show up for free beer
What the fucks the problem
Ain't we good enough
Does she have you on a leash to
Keep you near
Your getting too soft gotta slap you around
Like she does but we don't keep you down
Listen very closely to what you said
Change your views you'll be dead
"Skinheads In Sta Press"* -The Last Resort (aka The Warriors)
Run amok and have fight
Get pissed up cause a riot
Smash windows and burn beach huts
Tell the government to stuff the cuts
Cut the taxes one by one
Cut them til the job is done
Show them how to be a pest
Be a skinhead in Sta Press
They got more money then I got sense
Theyre just after your last few pence
Shine up your boots pour a pint
Lets go protest tonight
The old bill try to take us down
Bring us before The Crown
Lock us up when we have fights
Keep us of the street at night
"Skinheads Rule O.K." -The Templars
From "The Return of Jacques de Molay" CD sleeve (Dim 022)
See by the boots that I wear
See by the way I cut my hair
I'm proud to be a skinhead, it's a way of life
A youth subculture as sharp as a knife
(Chorus) Look at the youth today
Skinheads rule and that's O.K.
See us in the cities, see us in the suburbs
25 Years on and we're still going strong
Skinheads rule O.K., we are the boys
Our music is loud and our music is Oi!
(Chorus)
We remember our roots, we remember them well
Spirit of '69 still lives on
The music may have changed but not our hearts
We still love reggae, rocksteady and ska
(Chorus)
"Un Altro Rebelle Morte" -Klasse Kriminale
"Another Rebel Is Dead" English translation
From "I Ragazzi Sono Innocenti(The Kids Are Innocent)" LP lyric sheet
(TWINS 02)
Another rebel is dead
They say he has killed himself
The system's guilty
Another name in a list
Which will be forgotten
A high price to pay
You were a Skinhead
And you had tattooed it inside you
Terraces you house
"Genoa" in your heart
Fight in the suburbs
Gigs and laughs
(Chorus) Another kid.
Like you and me.
His name is Davide.
Don't forget it
You'll always be in
our hearts
All together at "Polena"
Ready to invade the streets
You liked all this
There was a sile in you
You were proud among the kids
And everybody followed you
The last farewell
Among the colours of your football team
Too many questions
But no answer
A young girl
Will never know why
(Chorus)
"Vi Accuso" -Klasse Kriminale
"I Accuse You" English translation
From "I Ragazzi Sono Innocenti(The Kids Are Innocent)" LP lyric sheet
(TWINS 02)
I accuse you as you accused us
I accuse you of your ignorance
I accuse you of lack of objectivity
Neither knowledge nor tolerance
Because for a journalist life isn't important
Truth isn't important slaves of lobbies and
parties they sit at those desks
For a journalist reality isn't important
You speak about things you'll never understant
Newspapers, news
Monthly, weekly magazines
you spread hate and confusion
After creating a new fashion
But the Skinheads are really different
The Oi! it's too real and proud
And you'll never understand it
But the Skinheads are really different
The Oi! you'll never understand it
On your waste paper
you've written our name
Thanks to your power of press
You cancel our gigs
I accuse you of inventing news
In the front page without thinking
You have destroyed the truth
without even speaking with us
For a journalist my story isn't important
Other ideals other experiences re-written
As if they were mine
For a journalist truth isn't important
You speak about things you'll never understand
I accuse you as you have accused us...
"Violence In Our Minds"* -The Last Resort (aka The Warriors)
I was walking down the road with a dozen pals of mine
Looking for some aggro, just to pass the time
We met this stupid hippy and he tried to run away
But i punched him in the nose just to pass the time of day
(chorus) Great big boots, great long laces
Our jeans held up with scarlet braces
Get out of our way or get took for a ride
We've just got violence in our minds
Wake up in the morning, have me ready brek
Drink me cup of Bovril and wring my mothers neck
Strollinto town, beat a Soul Boy black and blue
Put a fruit gum in the meter cos there's fuck all else to do
(chorus)
We go to football matches, we always have a laugh
Always get some bovver in, before the second half
We have our selve a smashing time, we really have some fun
Especially when the odds are ours 25 to 1, to 1
"What's A Skin" -Anti-Heros
From "That's Right!" LP lyric sheet (WWR027)
Skinheads there when things get rough,
and when he's needed he's always tough
Won't ever run won't ever hide,
he ain't scared that they'll lock him inside
Seems to stand above them all,
He'll be there when the low lifers fall
You know what I say is true and you know in your
heart when I speak about you
Know in your heart when I speak about you.
(Chorus) What's a skin,
he's hard what's a skin he's tough,
what's a skin he's honorable.
Do you think we won't live long?
Do you think that we're not strong?
Fire burns in all of our hearts
be on top cause we got the smarts
Skinhead knows when he is right
and he knows he don't have to fight
But when he does he tends to win
and that's how they remember him
That's how they remember him.
3.6.2: Oi! music label/mailorder addresses
It is often the case that finding Oi! music is a difficult task. Typically,
large nationwide music stores don't carry Oi! and if they do you might be
able to pick up an Oi! compilation. That's well and good if you're just
getting into Oi! or just a curious music lover. However, if you have found
yourself hooked on Oi!, compilations aren't enough. You might have found a
track on a compilation by a certain band you wish to hear more of or a
friend of yours suggests a certain album or band. Thus, I have compiled a
list of record label and mailorder addresses. Where ever I could, I
included fax numbers, telephone numbers, email addresses, etc. Additions
and corrections are welcomed. Typically, their catalogues cost a $1 or a
few stamps. I suggest if writing to the international labels/mailorders
from the US to send them 3 32 cent stamps which covers for overseas mailing
charge.
------------------------------------------------------------
US label/mailorder addresses
------------------------------------------------------------
Do A Runner!</b> Oi!/Street-punk 'Zine
P.O. Box 23523
Brooklyn, NY 11202-3523
USA
email: SoundViews@aol.com
So far they've released a mini-lp for the Templars, up next is a
worldwide oi! comp, and a videozine. They also do distro on a number of
other oi!/skinhead records and zines.
GMM Records
PO Box 15234
Atlanta, GA 30333
FAX/Phone: (404) 873-5484
Very good! Reissue classic Oi! albums to releasing modern Oi! such as
Condemned 84(UK), Anti-Heroes(GA), Patriot(NC), Oxymoron(Germany), The
Authority(SoCal), etc.
Vulture Rock
PO Box 40687
Albuquerque, NM 87196
FAX/Phone: (505) 294-0398
Very good! Sells tons of Oi! Very LARGE selection of American, JAPANESE,
and other international Oi!/streetpunk music. I've gotten lots of stuff by
them, very reliable. Only downside is they sellout of their stuff really
quick because of their popularity.
Headache Records
PO Box 204
Midland Park, NJ 07432
I know they've released stuff by the Templars(NYC) and The Wretched
Ones(NJ), and probably other area Oi!/streetpunk.
Taang! Records
706 Pismo Court
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (619) 488-5950
FAX: (619) 488-5156
E-mail: taang@eletriciti.com
This is the label The Business are on and I believe Anti-Heros are with
them too. I don't know who else is on this label, but hell, The Business
are huge sellers among the Oi! community.
------------------------------------------------------------
International label/mailorder addresses
------------------------------------------------------------
DOJO Records
PO Box 281
Canterbury, Kent
CT1 2BB, England
Sell all the old Oi! compilations on CD. Very good place to start out if
you're new to Oi! music.
Step-1 Music
PO Box 21
Tenterden, Kent
TN30 7ZZ, England
Also sell old Oi! CD comps and reissue classic Oi! albums on VINYL.
Visionary Vinyl
PO Box 30
Lytham St. Annes
FY8 1RL, England
FAX: 01253-712362
Phone: 01253-712453
email: king@visicom.demon.co.uk
Mainly reissues classic Oi!/streetpunk LPs and 7"s. Also sell many Oi!
videos, such as "Oi! the Video" (1 and 2), Cocksparrer, Last Resort, etc.
Be warned, be sure if ordering in the US to request to get the NTSC version
or else you'll probably get the PAL version which won't play in VCRs in the
US. I know, from personal experience.
Captain Oi!
PO Box 501
High Wycombe, Bucks
HP10 8QA, England
Sells old Oi! CD comps including reissue of Oi! Records (of Roddy Moreno
fame) stuff.
Helen Of Oi! Records
15 Spring Gardens
Ventnor Isle of Wight
PO38 1QX, England
Sells LOTS of modern Oi!/streetpunk from the US, UK, and abroad.
Walzwerk Records
Postfach 1341
D-74643 Knzelsau, Germany
FAX: 0049-07905/259
or
Walzwerk Records
Ballingloger, Lixnam
Co. Kerry, Republic of Ireland
FAX/Phone: ++353-66-32088
http://www.arrakis.es/~walzwerk/index.htm
I found 2 addresses for Walzwerk. If you're looking for European Oi! check
this label out, they have tons! I got a Mata Ratos (Portugese Oi!) 7" from
them. Very Good!
DSS Records
PO Box 739
4021 Linz, Austria
FAX/Phone: 0043-732-316391
email: dss_rec@highnet.co.at
Don't know much about DSS but I do know they sell alot of modern Oi!/
streetpunk.
Dim Records
Ullrich Grossmann
PO Box 1718
96407 Coburg, Germany
FAX/Phone: 09561/60099
Dim released the now classic Templars 1st full release, "Return of Jacques
de Molay." Don't know what else they sell though.
Twins
C.P.804 - Como 5
22100 Como, Italy
Sell ITALIAN Oi!/punk such as Klasse Kriminale, Nabat, The Stab, etc.
3.7: Skinheads Media List (v2.7 14SEP97)
by db@progeny.demon.co.uk
I've compiled a book and film listing, to expand upon that which
appeared in Stephen Martin's first version of the FAQ. It is a
bit lengthy, but of hopefully of interest and value anyway, see
what ya think!
Books and Films of interest to Skinheads; not necessarily an
exhaustive list or required reading/ watching. Neither is this
meant to be an indication of the quality of the content!
* BOOK Information given, where possible:
Title
Author, year of publication, Publisher
ISBN, availablilty info, synopsis/comments
* FILM Information given, where possible:
Title
Lead Cast,
Director, Year of release, Country of production
Category & any release/availablilty info.
Additions, corrections, updates, comments and any detail to fill the gaps
welcome, please email me (db@progeny.demon.co.uk).
--------------------------------------
Section 1: Suppliers
--------------------------------------
Try the following source for your quality gear:
-------------------
* ST Publishing
-------------------
at:
PO Box 12
Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
DG11 3BW
SCOTLAND
United Kingdom.
ST (Skinhead Times) Publishing in the UK publish a large range of these
books and orders can be placed with them direct. They do not have a
telephone ordering service, nor do they accept credit/debit cards.
If you want to know about titles and costs; drop them a line and ask for a
catalogue (I'm sure they'd also appreciate a stamped addressed envelope or
a little dosh).
NB: STP no longer publish the paper 'Skinhead Times' - it ceased being
produced back in 1995 and they no longer have any back copies either. They
do however publish a new 'zine style street mag called 'One Eyed Jack'.
Contact STP for details.
-------------------
* Visionary
-------------------
at:
http://www.state51.co.uk/uk/visionary/ or
king@visioncom.demon.co.uk
Suppliers of Alternative music videos, CD's and Vinyl. Uk based with full
online catalogue. You can order by credit card as well.
--------------------------------------
Section 2: BOOKS
--------------------------------------
Quoting the author and/or title and/or ISBN at your local bookshop should
be able to get you nearly all of the titles available. For those out of
print - you'll have to rely on book searchers or your local 2nd Hand
bookstores.
--------------------------------------
Soccer (Football) Violence (Factual)
--------------------------------------
Everywhere We Go - Behind the Matchday Madness
Dougie & Eddy Brimson, 1996, Headline Book Publishing
0747252254
Steaming In (Journal of a Football Fan)
Colin Ward, 1989, Pocket Books
0671853651
In Your Blood (Football Culture in the late 1980's & Early 1990's)
Richard Turner, 1990, Working Press
1870736079
**Out of print**
Among The Thugs
Bill Buford, 1991, Mandarin
0749313285
Bloody Casuals (Diary of a Football Hooligan)
Jay Allan, 1989, Northern Books
0905489411-1
-------------------
Novels/ Fiction
-------------------
The Football Factory
John King, 1996, Vintage
0099731916
One For The Road
Kid Stoker
Nightshift (Growing Up in and around Wigan Casino 1974-1981)
Pete McKenna, 1995, STP
England Belongs to me
Steve Goodman, Low Life (STP)
1898928002
Red London
Stewart Home, 1994, AK Press
1873176120
Saturdays Heroes
Joe Mitchell, Low Life (STP)
1898928053
The Complete Richard Allen Volume 1
(Skinhead, Suedehead, Skinhead Escapes)
Richard Allen (aka James Moffatt), 1992, STP
The Complete Richard Allen Volume 2
(Skinhead Girls, Sorts, Knuckle Girls)
Richard Allen (aka James Moffatt), 1993, STP
The Complete Richard Allen Volume 3
(Trouble for Skinhead, Skinhead Farewell, Top Gear Skin)
Richard Allen (aka James Moffatt), 1994, STP
The Complete Richard Allen Volume 4
(Boot Boys, Smoothies, Terrace Terrors)
Richard Allen (aka James Moffatt), 1995, STP
The Complete Richard Allen Volume 5
(Mod Rule, Punk Rock, Dragon Skins)
Richard Allen (aka James Moffatt), 1995, STP
The Complete Richard Allen Volume 6
(Glam, Teeny Bopper Idol, Demo)
Richard Allen (aka James Moffatt)
** due to be published by STP, date to be announced **
** The 18 individual Richard Allen novels were originally published in the
1970's by New English Library - all are now out of print.
Casual
Gavin Anderson, 1996, Low Life (STP)
1898928207
-------------------
Graphic Novels
-------------------
Skin
Milligan, McCarthy & Swan, 1992, Tundra
1858090008
-------------------
Photobooks
-------------------
Skins
Gavin Watson, 1994, STP
1898927057
Public Enemies
Leo Regan, 1993, Andre Deutsch
0233988300
Oi! The Photobook
A.H van der Sluys, 1993, Double Shot (Roermond, Holland)
NO ISBN
Cream of The Crops, A Skinhead Photobook
Mark Brown, 1997, Street Music Publishing
8460563677
--------------------------------------
Reference - Skin, Ska & Mods
--------------------------------------
You're Wondering Now (A History of The Specials)
Paul Williams, 1995, STP
1898927251
Skinhead
Nick Knight, 1982, Omnibus Press
0711900523
Total Madness
George Marshall, 1993, STP
0951849743
Spirit of '69 (A Skinhead Bible)
George Marshall, 1991, STP
0951849700
Boss Sounds (Classic Skinhead Reggae)
Marc Griffiths, 1995, STP
Skinhead Nation
George Marshall, 1996, STP
1898927456
Watching the Rich Kids
Arthur Kay, 1992, STP
**Out of print**
Skinhead Street Gangs
Loren Christensen
Bad Manners
George Marshall
**Out of print**
Mods
Richard Barnes
**Out of print**
Scooter Boys
Gareth Brown
The Two Tone Story
George Marshall, 1990, STP
0951849735
**Out of print**
Skinheads Shaved For Battle: a cultural history of American Skinheads
Jack Moore, 1993, Bowling Green (Ohio)
0879725826 (HB), 0879725834 (PB)
- This book has been termed "somewhat 'objective' in their appraisal
of White Power advocates" in the White Power FAQ, and has been
consistently derided by the members of alt.skinheads. Stephen Martin
(smartin@somemag.com).
Loud, Pround 'n' Punk - The Business
Garry Fielding, 1996
The Two Tone Book for Rude Boys
Omnibus Press
** Out of print**
-------------------
Alternative/Political
-------------------
Fuhrer-Ex
Ingo Hasselbach, 1996, Chatto & Windus
0701165367
- From the German book: 'Die Abrechnung: Ein Neonazi Steigt Aus' by
same author, 1993 by Aufbau-Verlag GmbH, ISBN: 3746670136 this version
contains photos (the English version is text only)
Blood in the Face: "The Klu Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, Nazi Skinheads and
the Rise of a New White Culture"
James Ridgeway, 1990, Thunders Mouth Press
1560250038
GAY SKINS: Class, Masculinity and Queer Appropriation
Murray Healy, 1996, Cassell
0304333247
-------------------
Reference - Punk
-------------------
Punk Diary (1970-1979)
George Gimarc, 1994, Vintage
009952211X
Sex Pistols File
Ray Stevenson, 1978, Omnibus Press
0860014649
Cranked Up Really High
Stewart Home, 1995, Codex
1899598014
--------------------------------------
Section 3: FILMS
--------------------------------------
-----------------------
Soccer (Football) Violence
-----------------------
The Firm
Gary Oldman, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis
Alan Clarke, 1989, UK
* TV FICTION
Trouble on the Terraces
Narrated by Sean Bean
Allan Sharpe, 1994, UK
* VIDEO DOCUMENTARY
I.D.
Reece Dinsdale, Warren Clarke, Sean Pertwee, cameo by Phil Davis
Phil Davis, 1995, UK
* MOTION PICTURE
Hooligan '96
Narrated by Lesley Grantham
Sharper Image Productions, 1996, UK
* VIDEO DOCUMENTARY
-------------------
Mods & Skins
-------------------
Romper Stomper
Russell Crowe, Daniel Pollock, Jacqueline McKenzie, Alex Scott
Geoffrey Wright, 1992, AUSTRALIA
* MOTION PICTURE/ FICTION
- A cinematic masterpiece, one of only two films which I have paid to
see twice. - Stephen Martin (smartin@somemag.com)
Quadrophenia
Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Wilcox, Sting, Phil Davis, Mark
Wingett
Franc Roddam, 1979, UK
* MOTION PICTURE/ FICTION
Made in Britain
Tim Roth, Terry Richards, Bill Stewart, Eric Richard, Geoffrey
Hutchings
Alan Clarke, 1982, UK
* TV FICTION
Meantime
Tim Roth, Phil Daniels, Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, Marion Bailey
Alan Clarke, 1983, UK
* TV FICTION
A Clockwork Orange
Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Adrienne Corri, Miriam Carlin
Stanley Kubrick, 1971, UK
* MOTION PICTURE/ FICTION
- This film is not available in UK in cinema or video due to
restrictions placed upon it by the Director.
Skinheads, The Second Coming of Hate
Chuck Connors, Barbara Bain, Jason Culp, Elizabeth Sagal, Brian Brophy
Greydon Clark, 1989, USA
* MOTION PICTURE/ FICTION
- "Skinheads: the Second Coming of Hate", is a nonsensical film whose
only reasons for existence seemed to be to add to Chuck Connors' bank
account, and to bolster the bruised egos of jocks everywhere. -
Stephen Martin (smartin@somemag.com)
Skins - The Movie
Wings Hauser
Wings Hauser,,USA
* MOTION PICTURE/ FICTION
- Has anyone seen this piece of trash?? If you havent...dont bother.
What a load of bollocks. Its written by, directed by, and stars one
pratt named Wings Hauser. Where the fuck did they dig up this guy???
Anyway.....obviously this guy was beaten up by some skins and this
movie is his fantasy of what he wishes he could do if he actually had
a set of testicles. All I can say is save any money hiring it. About
the only good bit in it is the head skin's shirt, and the room with
the giant swastika painted on the floor (if you're a neo-nazi). Save
your money and forget it. Deth (deth@magna.com.au)
World of Skinhead
Filming by Doug Aubrey
Alan Robertson & Doug Aubrey for Channel 4 Television, 1995, UK
* TV DOCUMENTARY
- George Marshall was consultant on this programme and it is worth
viewing alongside his book 'Skinhead Nation'. STP plan to release this
on video at some point - no details announced as yet.
Skinhead Farewell
BBC, 1996, UK
* TV DOCUMENTARY
- This TV programme on the life of Richard Allen was transmitted in
the UK in March 1996. It is not available on video, nor is it planned
to be released.
American Skin
1996, USA
* MOTION PICTURE/ FICTION
- Elizabeth Marie Richardson (emrchrds@cc.memphis.edu) writes:
American Skin is a piece of shit. First of all it's a bonehead movie.
Second of all, the sound and the cinematography is horrible as well as
the plot.
Oi! THE VIDEO (Part 1)
Visionary Video, UK
* HISTORY/ MUSIC
- Features Sham 69, Blood, Cock Sparrer, Angelic Upstarts, Cockney
Rejects, Splodge, Peter & The Test Tube Babies, Toy Dolls, Business,
Red Alert. Catalogue No: JE284 from:
http://www.state51.co.uk/uk/visionary/
Oi! THE VIDEO PART 2
Visionary Video, UK
* HISTORY/ MUSIC
- Features The 4 Skins, Blitz, Vicious Rumours, Oppressed, Condemned
84, Section 5, Boisterous, Another Mans Poison, Braindance, Last
Restort, Argy Bargy, The Business. Catalogue No: JE294 from:
http://www.state51.co.uk/uk/visionary/
-------------------
Punk
-------------------
Rude Boy
Ray Gange, The Clash, Sara Hall, Johnny Green, Terry McQuade, Liz
Young
Jack Hazan & David Mingay, 1980, UK
* MUSIC FICTION
The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle
Mary Millington, Liz Frazer, Malcolm McLaren, The Sex Pistols
Julian Temple, 1980, UK
* MUSIC FICTION
Sid and Nancy
Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman, Drew Schofield
Alex Cox, 1986, UK
* MOTION PICTURE/ BASED ON FACT
-db@progeny.demon.co.uk
3.8: Magazine and Newspaper Articles About Skinheads
The Werewolf of London (baetsch@plains.nodak.edu) writes:
Check out the Jan. 8th issue of the New Yorker magazine, there's a
long article (about 20 pages) by a former member of the German
neo-Nazi movement. He has since had a change of heart and wised up to
the total bullshit that neo-nazis spew, and now he gives talks at
schools and stuff...I thought it was pretty interesting. His name was
Ingo Hassebruck (?? Something like that)
inkedsknhd@aol.com (Inkedsknhd) writes:
Check out the article in the new (April 1996) Esquire about
"skinheads" in the military! Once again, all skins are neo-nazis! So
are guys with shaved heads! Lets hear some positive stuff from
military skins for a change.
NY Times and ADL Slander Skins Again
by the late Stephen Donaldson
June 28, 1995
Letter To The Editor
The New York Times
229 W. 43rd St.
NY NY 10036
The Times has once again (June 28) carried a one-sided report on skinheads,
which takes the fund-raising propaganda of one group, the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL), at face value to give readers a totally misleading impression
of another group, skinheads.
If the Christian Coalition issued a report demonizing homosexuals you would
include a response from gays; if the Environmental Defense Fund issued a
report demonizing Western cattle ranchers you would try to put it in
perspective. Why does the Times thow the principle of balanced news
reporting out the window as soon as the word "skinhead" is uttered?
First you take an already skewed ADL "Survey of Neo-Nazi Skinheads" and
then report its findings--not in quotations from an ADL spokesperson,
either--as applicable to all skinheads ("skinheads remain....", "skinheads
share...they read...they prefer....their disposition" "American skinheads
are organized..."). You might as well take a report on "Right-Wing Militia
Military Veterans" and then continually tell your readers "veterans
favor....; veterans denounce...., etc." as if these militia members
represented all veterans.
In fact, the ADL has accepted the preposterous claims of extreme right
groups to the skinhead tradition---which actually began among Jamaican
blacks in the 1960s, not "in England two decades ago"--and given them
currency because having a scary enemy helps the ADL raise money. In so
doing they are actually helping the Nazis by giving them legitimacy among
working-class youth. Traditional skinheads denounce these imposters as
"boneheads" who have no respect for the long tradition of racial
integration which in fact has characterized the skinhead movement. Anyone
who has attended skinhead music events in New York City can see for
themselves that black, Hispanic, Oriental and Jewish skinheads are common.
Nationally and internationally traditional working-class skinheads far
outnumber the boneheads, financed by wealthy right-wing patrons, who are
trying to steal a proud tradition.
All the "skinzine" publications I have seen are determinedly non-rascist,
and the main one in New York, "No Escape," is edited by a black skinhead.
So is "Carry No Banners," the leading Midwestern skinzine. The ADL report
may have "found no discernible national skinhead organization in the United
States," but they either didn't do much research or deliberately omitted
traditional skinheads, since they omitted the nationally organized
non-rascist United Front organization, now headquartered in Ohio. Maybe
they couldn't handle the UF's racially integrated logo.
Traditional skinheads often proclaim that they have been crucified by the
sensation-seeking mass media. As a former newspaper reporter, I like to
defend good papers like The Times. But you continually prove their point.
As a responsible paper, you should be talking with real skinheads,
especially here in New York where you are published, and report the truth,
not just the ADL's propaganda. Why don't you talk to someone from SkinHeads
Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP), which has chapters around the nation and
in New York, for example?
The writer reported on alternative music for a number of publications,
including Maximum Rock & Roll, New York's Under the Volcano, and, in 1994,
the Skinhead Times, under the name "Donny the Punk".
Don't forget to check out into alt.music.ska and read the FAQ for more
information on Ska and it's relationship with Skinhead culture.
3.9: What about 'zines?
Skinhead/Ska/Punk/Oi! 'Zines
(All apolitical & non-racist!)
Do A Runner! Oi!/Street-punk 'Zine
P.O. Box 23523
Brooklyn, NY 11202-3523
USA
email: SoundViews@aol.com
internet: http://members.aol.com/SoundViews/doarunnr.html
*Issue #1 - out of print!
*$3(US)/$4(World) for issue #2
*Issue #3 due out Summer 1998.
All rates in US funds.
L'ERE BETE fanzine
C.P. 27501
Laval, Quebec
HYG 4YZ
Canada
fax: (514)686-7613
email:lerebete@geocities.com
internet: http://netrover.com/~ricky/lerebete/
Contact for prices.
Oink! Skinzine
P.O. Box 27813
Washington, DC 20038-7813
USA
*during summer months:
P.O. Box 46
Cresskill, NJ 07626
USA
email: avidday@intac.com
internet: "The Skinternet" http://www.intac.com/~avidday
*Issue #4 still available with FREE 7" from the Templars and Bottom Of The
Barrel-$4ppd/$6(world)
*Issue #5 in the works with FREE 7" from Wretched Ones, Lager Lads,
Infiltrators, and the Krays-available now for preorder-$4ppd/$6(World)
All rates in US funds.
Teenage Warning! Street Music 'Zine
*Ordering from Europe:
Marcos Mari Brown
Apartado de Correos 1474
07800 Ibiza (Baleares)
Spain
1.50 Pounds/5DM/15FF/$3 or 300 Pesetas per issue
*Ordering from rest of the World:
Johan Van Mieghem
Postbus 46
9050 Ledeberg 1
Belgium
$4 per issue
email: bullfrog@arrakis.es
internet: http://www.arrakis.es/~bullfrog/zine.htm
All rates in the above currencies. Accept cash (registrated letter) or IMO
(International Money Order). No cheques, or eurocheques.
--------------------------------------
Other 'Zines
voxpop@nyc.pipeline.com (Michelle Chen) writes:
Alright. It's time to spam for my zine. My zine doesn't have very much to
do with skinheads, I'm afraid, but spamming for my zine is more productive
than posting up Jews4Jesus propaganda (wink, wink). I'm currently getting
ready to spit out another fun-filled issue of Inverted Magazine. The 3rd
issue is a split issue put together by me and a kid in Chicago named Brian
(for those of you on IRC, that's Briangeek--yes, meeting zine geeks over
IRC is pathetic), who runs big*geek zine. I'm sure you will find it
entertaining, and if not, you will at least have plenty of other reasons
not to like me after reading it. Oh, and for those of you who read the
second issue, I did NOT rip anything off of the Lashout website this time.
If you would like to subscribe, send a stamp to this address:
Inverted Magazine
c/o Michelle
75 Grand St. #2E
New York, NY 10013
Yes, that is my home address. I invite you all to come to my house and kick
my ass if you think you did not get what you payed for (though, I'm sure my
zine is worth around 32 cents).
Thank you for your time.
--------------------------------------
White Power (possibly defunct)
Rampage: A Skinhead Voice
P.O. Box 19
Coalville
Leicester LE67 1DS
England
SledgeHammer: The Voice of the White Nations,
by the Northern Hammer Skins
P.O. Box 428
Gatineau Quebec, J8P 7A1 Canada
$25.00/yr. (12 issues) in Canada
$30.00/yr. U.S.
$35.00/yr. Overseas
All rates are in Canadian funds
3.10: Are there any Skinhead homepages or other Internet resources?
3.10.1: Homepages
Skinheads On The Internet/The Lashout home page
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~lashout/skns.html
Traditional Skinhead
http://pages.prodigy.com/NY/quintskinhead/
Skinheads Rule...OK?!
http://www.op.net/~lambreta/
The American Skinhead Page
http://edlab-www.cs.umass.edu/~mmelillo/
SPiRiT 69's Home Page!
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/1741/
Skinhead Heaven
http://www.macropolis.demon.co.uk/heaven.htm
Bottom Of The Barrel
http://www.akula.com/~botbskin/
Oi! the FAQ
http://www.akula.com/~botbskin/whatoi.html
The Ska FAQ Home Page
http://www.twillis.com/ska/faq/
Bronco Bullfrog Homepage home of Teenage Warning! 'Zine
http://www.arrakis.es/~bullfrog/
The Skinternet home of Oink! Skinzine
http://intac.com/~avidday/index.html
Do A Runner! Oi!/Street-punk 'Zine
http://members.aol.com/SoundViews/doarunnr.html
L'ERE BETE fanzine
http://netrover.com/~ricky/lerebete/
BSSC Home Page
http://www.StudioJohnMStafford.com/BSSC_Home_Page.html
Razors in the Night
http://www.users.interport.net/~sed/
Stormwatch (stormwatch@gnn.com) Homepage
http://members.gnn.com/stormwatch/stormwatch.htm
Personal Homepages
Snag's Homepage
http://www.worldramp.net/~snag/
Stephen "Donny" Donaldson (sprdon@ix.netcom.com) Homepage
http://www.igc.apc.org/spr/
A Ska page
http://www.duke.edu/~jrb11/viskasity.html
Bootboy (bootboy@airmail.net) For vit musik
http://web2.airmail.net/bootboy/nordl.htm
SkabOi! (skadadle@tiac.net) homepage on the web
http://www.tiac.net/users/skadadle/skadadle.html
Schroedinger Cat's (scat@panix.com) homepage
http://cognac.resnet.upenn.edu/~scat
Mac's (cmmorrison@oxblood.compulink.co.uk) skinhead www page
http://members.aol.com/skinheaduk/
3.10.2: Mailing Lists
ska-list
From the Tomas Willis (skafaq@twillis.com) Ska FAQ:
How do I get a ska email-based mailing list? What are other ska resources
on the Internet?
There are a few options.
1. Cleveland Ska Concert Mailing List
To join the Cleveland Ska Concert Mailing List, send email to
plato@en.com to subscribe.
2. Cincy Ska Mailing List
To join the Cincy Ska Mailing List, send email to
jbohland@ddt.eng.uc.edu
3. Skagroup mailing list
There is also a ska mailing list group, Skagroup, that runs like a
listserv (all posts are automagically mailed to all members of the
list). To subscribe, just send email to majordomo@list.pitt.edu with
subscribe skagroup
in the message body.
4. SkaBeat mailing list
Also, you can send email to Andre Prochaska (djdre@aol.com), to get
onto the SkaBeat, mailing list, as described in Zines.
oi-list
Lee 69 of "Do A Runner!" Oi!/Street-punk 'Zine maintains the oi-list.
You can reach him by email (SoundViews@aol.com) or visit the homepage
http://members.aol.com/SoundViews/doarunnr.html
3.11: Skinheads in the Classroom
TBD
3.12: Skinhead Jokes
On 13 Feb 1996, Stephen Donny Donaldson wrote:
Q: There's a skinhead, a punk, and a rudeboy in the back seat of
a car. Who's in the front seat?
A: A cop.
From: tony testa , Feb-14-96 14:58
how many skins does it take to change a lightbulb?
11-one to do it and ten to back him up
richie@netcom.com (Richard Collins) wrote:
There was a three story apartment building in California. On the first
floor lived some skinheads. On the second floor lived some punks. On
the third floor lived some hippies. On day a big earthquake hit and
the building was toppled to the ground. Who survived?
The skinheads, they were at work!
"Dominic Green" (demonicgroin@cix.compulink.co.uk) writes:
The New York Police Department expressed concern yesterday at the
number of Hairless Vagrant Youths hanging around underpasses, dark
alleyways and latrines holding Personal Computers with the intent to
Maim and Rob. One such unhirsute youth was questioned by reporters:
Our Man In Brooklyn: 'So, Dave - can I call you Dave?'
Dave: 'That's me name.'
OMIB: 'So, Dave, you - hit people with this Personal Computer thing?'
Dave: 'I do. Ram the screen down straight over their ead. IBM PC's
works best, then the ole ead goes right down the cathode tube.
Macintoshes only works on folk with small eads, like Children and
Creationists.'
OMIB: 'But...why don't you just...hit them. With your hands?'
Dave: 'I'm a child of the Information Age.'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fellow I know was over in England for a while and sent this back:
Bonnets, Spanners, and Boots... by Mel Pheasant
The language here is quite different. It's almost the same, but enough to
make it unintelligible if you are listening to someone speaking slangily in
a pub, after having a few. I'm putting together a glossary for myself:
chip 'o larter - a little sausage used for garnish
(not a guy from Ireland)
bonnet - car hood
boot - car trunk
gateau - cake
prawns - shrimp
yorkshire pudding - not pudding at all, but a full coarse meal
minced meat - not a meal at all, but a desert
bangers and mash - disgusting sausage in something or other
clotted cream - unknown, but apparently quite popular
oxtail soup - unfortunately, what you'd think
sweets - deserts
crisps - chips
chips - fries
lunch - usually the meal around noon
dinner - usually the meal around noon
supper - usually the meal around noon
(note no clear word for evening meal)
tea - a fictitious break around 4pm that no one
seems to take
high tea - late night snack I think
low tea - no reference to this, perhaps Sat. morning
tea after a big party?
takeaway - takeout food
drizzle - rain
sleet - rain
rain - rain
blustery - rainy
showers - rain
mist - rain
gales - wind and rain, don't even bother with an
umbrella
fog - slower rain
wind - rain coming in at a slight angle, just
under the umbrella
wet - rain, but they aren't sure what kind, or
a mixture
damp - fog, with some drizzle and rain, perhaps
showers
stormy - blustery rain, with wind
cold front - rain
warm front - rain
occluded front - rain
sun - occasional light poking through the clouds
light - thin clouds with drizzle or rain
dark - think clouds, with any kind of rain
patchy - different kinds of rain, with thin cloud
patches
clear - not describing the sky, but perhaps "rain
clear across England"
weather - rain
dry - the weather man's been on the wagon
widget - strange things put in beer cans to get it
to foam properly
beer - beer
pint - beer
ale - beer
bitter - beer
lager - beer
cider - horribly strong beer/cider
draught - beer
half - a weenie glass of beer
stout - beer you can't see through
real ale - beer made the old way
cheers - like aloha, means almost anything, like hi,
bye, please, thankyou, excuse me, excuse me
for farting, a toast, thanks for the toast,
thanks for stepping on my foot, thanks for
spilling beer on me, thanks for holding the
door open, etc.
sod - "sod it", an expletive suitable for use in
front of youngsters
mate - Canadian equivalent of "guy", American "man"
dodgey - what you'd think, actually, just applied to
more things
fag - cigarette
faggots - large meatballs
First UK Tranlation Guide by an anonymous person:
In this first attempt, I'm going to try a phrase-translation guide to
talking in the UK:
"A hurricane came by and flattened my house, and whisked away all my
children and worldly belongings" translates to "we had a bit of a wind".
"The idea was so stupid we laughed it out of the meeting room" translates
to "It's not on".
"This soup is so aweful you couldn't even stick a goddamned knife through
it" translates to "It's a bit stodgy".
"Two hundred bored fishermen, unable to fish because of bad weather, beat
the crap out of each other and busted up a lot of commercial property"
tranlates to "there was a bit of a