Just when you think no one is reading:

In response to the "so you think you're a toughguy" rant: good job. For better or worse, and in activity and inactivity, the Skinhead "lifestyle" has been a part of who I see myself to be for over half my life. It was, however, never the Oi, beer, or even the politics that inevitably creeps in that has influenced me as strongly as the occasional words of wisdom that someone from among the ranks is able to share. The idea that honor should play a part in the skinhead's world has always come up, be it through lyrics, a particularly driven individual's shared opinion, and even occasionally in defense of what the general population percieves when skins become news.

I have always been, and am, proud of the conviction that "we are the best." Best what, I've wondered? Well, the answer that I've come back to time and again is: the best at whatever it is we're trying to do. For those of us that work, being a responsible and dedicated employee is a start. We can hate our jobs, bosses, or economic barriers, but there is still an obligation to produce. Take it or leave it, but work is an obligation like any other, and integrity has to factor in there somewhere. For those of us that will never be Bill Gates, integrity (honor), is among the greatest attributes that anyone can strive after. Some of us find it in our religious convictions. Some in the home, and many in the fidelity to friends and roadmates.

Here is where I split from the overly "hooliganified" among us. Being the ass-kickin'est, aggro-skin that you can be may be a worthwhile endeavor, but at the end of the day, will it promote the scene longevity that seems so difficult to hold on to in most places? I'm not suggesting that a "kinder-gentler" image be promoted; not in the least. Violence, and a willingness to fight figuratively and physically, is very much a part of all culture, not just ours. Likewise, there will always be legitimate battles; for instance, who among us has not taken part in removing less-than-desirable persons from our shows or hangouts? What I'm saying is that for me, at least, Skinhead has always been something of a "higher calling." We remind ourselves and each other constantly that we're not any different than anyone else, basically; eat, drink, and be merry, and then die. The only non-material thing that may separate us from anyone else is awareness of who and why we are at all. Most of us travelled pretty fucked-up roads to get where we are today. And most of us wouldn't have it any other way.

The core of old-timers that I looked up to as a teen here on the prairie are all but gone. Most have fallen to drugs, mental illness, or "real life." Suffice it to say, it can get lonely enough to question the validity of the whole punk/skin mindset. But why not continue anyway? To give up would fly in the face of honor, integrity, and being "the best." I have two kids by myself, and the skins that they have met, I'm proud to say, are recognized by them to be nothing short of family. It is a small world for the kids, and they know who I know. Some of us, at thirty-plus years of age, are nothing short of desperate "hangers-on" at times: can't make shows, can't beat the daily work schedules to get together for a beer, and can't always promote or assist the scene the way we would like. Oh well. Anyhow, the greater glory goes to those of us that see a little more in what we do and who we believe ourselves to be than simply the sum of beer bashes and boot parties that we've been involved in. Much appreciation goes to The Upstart crew, and anyone else workin to bring this Oi thing a little connectedness. Some of us may live a little too vicariously through you guys, but it's great to see the effort, and not a little inspirational.

Preachin to the chOIr here on the Plains.

OkieDoug

I was actually expecting letters from disgruntled soccer "hooligans" on behalf of the soccer rant only to be let down. As a matter a fact most messages were in support of tearing down the myth of American soccer hooligans. Heres one guy letting us know about another worthy sport.:

Hello there,
I just finsihed reading your rant on hockey vs soccer and I agree with you. Way too many people are absorbed into soccer just because they think it is cool to be a skinhead ad to be a soccer hooligan. I also agree that hockey is a great sport and I played for a couple of years in my youth. It contains everything a skin wants and needs however it does not compare to rugby. I am a rugby player and a skinhead and playing both sports (hockey and rugby) I have discovered that rugby is much more suitable for any fun loving skin. Often times rugby is overlooked because nobody understands how the fucking game is played, shit I had no idea what was going on for the first couple of months I played. but here is why rugby is better then hockey: 1. There are no pads, even jock straps and cups are frowned upon in the rugby world. 2. It has the same violence level as hockey but the violence is elevated because there are no pads, making the rugby player a more seasoned veteran when it comes to taking a hit. 3. It is expected by other players for the oposing team to hit you as hard as possible and no one gets pissed off about it. 4. A basic rule is that you "rake" somebody when you are in a ruk. (raking is when you drag your boot or cleats down someones body so they will drop the ball) 4. Your cleats are called BOOTS something every skin wears. 5. BEER it is a general and unspoken rule that after each game the home team buys you as much beer as you can drink and as much feed as you can eat. Well that is all I can think of right now got to go to bed, I have to save my energy got a rugby game in the morning. I have gotten in many arguments with the guys in my band because they are hockey fans as to which is better, hockey is great but not as great as rugby.
Jonathan

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