I’m thinking about athletics & punk.

Two very unique and different worlds. I’m not anti-athlete. Whether or not you’re an athlete has absolutely no bearing on whether or not I like you. It’s irrelevant.

What I hate, and what probably (no, definitely) turned punks against athletes in the 1st place is the athlete worship that takes place. If you can dribble and pass a ball better than most, then you get put on a pedestal and are rewarded for your efforts not just first-hand by teammates & coaches (that’s to be expected), but by teachers and fellow students. All of a sudden, you’re popular and you can do no wrong. And all the while, in that awkward stage, the untrained or uncoordinated, or unmotivated are shunned and put aside. Meanwhile

-TRAIN OF THOUGHT STOPPED-

Meanwhile, this “star” is at first humbly accepting praise, but soon becomes egotistical & self-centered and feels that they can do no wrong because that trait has been shoved down their throat and they easily swallow it. So, they become holier-than-thou and feel that they run the school, or home, or whatever they’re a part of.

Now, this IS a generalization. Not all are as easily corruptible as others. Some start early, some later, and some refuse to accept that role at all. But it is the majority that do act this way, and that is where the deep-rooted resentment for them comes from. It’s more in subtle ways, but they always let you know that they are better than you.

Which brings me to another point. Rock stars. The worship they receive (be they punk, hardcore, ska, pop, teenier bopper, death metal, or whatever) is a striking parallel to athletes.

Again, they are worshipped. By different people and in other ways, but why is someone that can play a guitar well worshipped by people, yet someone who plays sports well shunned by the very same person? Because the guitarist is one of “us”. They, like us, are against the athlete.

The solution?

Don’t stereotype people by what they happen to be talented in. Also, don’t worship anyone regardless of their talents. Respect their talent, but know that they are human beings. They do bleed red.

Instead, get to know someone instead of placing them in a 1-dimensional image and throwing them away. If it turns out your assumptions were right, don’t resent them & run back to your little “scene”. Just move on and enjoy who you are.