The Start of Youth Grassroots Activism on the Music Scene in DC

Research Question

 

How has punk rock band Fugazi and the punk movement of the 1980’s propagated an established community of youth social and political activists in Washington, D.C.?

 

This question is important because social and political activism is highly relevant in any metropolitan, populated place – particularly our nation’s capital. D.C. has a strong activist community that its background in grassroots-level activist. It is relevant to study and learn how these types of movements and communities were conceived and, later, spread.

 

Background history

 

Fugazi is a Washington D.C. punk rock bank that was formed in the late 1980’s out of an era of destructive, reckless, and violent Sid Vicious-style punk rock. When Fugazi began playing shows they had particular themes and morals that they were instantly drawn to and projected that in their music. Highly socially and politically aware individuals, this band started writing songs with a different theme than typical punk rock. They sang about positivity, being drug and alcohol free, speaking out against casual sex and indulgence, promoting vegan and animal cruelty-free habits, and things of that nature.[1] This started an entire genre of punk bands coming out of D.C. that were, while still tough and rebellious, ethically conscious and socially aware.

 

Fugazi also focused on themes involving politics and social policies and issues. Having a strong issue with ageism, Fugazi would only agree to play shows at venues that would allow all ages and charge a low fee – in line with the idea that music should be made available to anyone who wants to hear it. As a community of straightedge punk rock bands emerged, more and more bands partook in this preference and DC began being a city known for having all ages shows that anyone could attend. This not only empowered the local youth, but made them included in the message that Fugazi was sharing – broadening their demographic and range of fans they could reach with their music.

 

After teaming up with an activist named Mark Anderson, Fugazi frontman Ian MacKaye formed a group called ‘Positive Force.’ This non-profit organization was interested in social and political activism, as well as service and volunteer-related work for people of the community. While many thought that punk rock music was all “sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll,” here was a community providing them wrong – an organized group of activists fighting for positive social and political change.

 

Social leaders or self-righteous do-gooders?

 

            Fugazi and other straightedge punk rock bands made some waves in the music community. On one hand, it appeared as though there was finally someone leading the youth community towards a positive, productive, and meaningful direction. On the other hand, many complained that they were changing the face of a genre of music that was about anarchy, indulgence, hedonism, and the idea of being free from societal boundaries.

 

            In his article, Michael Little explains that “rock and morality don't mix. Never have, never will. Good rock, unlike the kind served up here in D.C., is as likely as not just doing what the British quaintly call ‘taking the piss.’ Because rock is a prankster, and anybody who hasn't caught onto the fact that rock doesn't always mean what it says by the time he's old enough to vote deserves whatever he gets.”[2] Little is of the opinion that what Fugazi and all the other straightedge punk bands were doing had no place in punk rock music. He acknowledged that they were representing morals and that they were passionate about what they were doing, but he excluded them from being an authentic rock band because, he argues that, sincerity and truth are irrelevant in rock music – it is a place for stories, mischief, and fun.

 

            From the perspective of  R. Parisien, Fugazi was a positive band who used its exposure for good. In his article, he writes of a show: “Fugazi, which performs at Barrymore's Saturday night, creates positive, thought-provoking lyrics set to music that careens wildly from dissonant punk to rhythmic funk, often with a catchy pop edge that combines the danceable with the experimental.”[3] Here, he portrays Fugazi in a positive light and acknowledges the band’s intellect and positivity in a good light. Parisien values what Fugazi does and sees them as an entity changing the direction of the genre rather than going against its tradition.

 

An organized force forming a tradition

 

Soon after joining forces, Mark Anderson and Ian MacKaye acquired a headquarter space in a house that became a spearhead for social and political activism in D.C. This came about in a subculture of punk-rock group housing – some of which became hubs and think tanks for activists and the youth of the area to think up ideas and action for social and political change.[4] Younger kids who would, otherwise, have not been able to get out and attend shows where Positive Force and Fugazi were spreading social and political awareness, were now learning about social issues and being invited to take part in action against social oppression and political pressures. As the group grew, it became more and more organized until other movements and organizations branched off of it, including feminist punk rock groups.

 

In order to make a positive impact, Positive Force, in conjunction with its service/sibling organization – We Are Family, worked with the people involved in the DC music scene. This includes bands, musicians, and fans. There were benefits held to raise money for all kinds of different social and political organizations that would make a positive impact. They also organized protests called “Punk Percussion Protests” to get their voices heard to the politicians of DC.[5] This carries on to today, as Positive Force is still an active organization after 20 years. Between Positive Force and We Are Family, there are still plenty of events and opportunities for the youth and people involved and interested in the music scene to get involved in events ranging from working at or donating to benefit concerts, to delivering groceries for the elderly. These organizations, along with the bands that spearheaded them have made a profound difference on the music scene of DC and the members it holds.

 

In regards to the research question, my point of view is that Fugazi and Positive Force created a lot of positivity on the punk music scene, as well as among the youth and punk fans of DC. They got people involved in a cause and focused their energies towards a greater good. Though they may not have been making authentic punk rock music, they certainly accomplished something constructive for their community and continue to do so.

 

Additional Resources

• Positive Force Website
• We Are Family DC
• Dischord Records