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

Q: Why do punks fetishize poverty so much?

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

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

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

-Rich

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