This is some random mental vomit post I made a few months back that has been spread around a little and its been pretty cool seein peoples responses- ON MOSHING- There is a place and a purpose at SOME shows for people to react physically. I was talking to a friend about it and she said the same thing I think. That the Function of “moshing” (LOL) is in MY EXPERIENCE a productive way to experience anger and make art (as painful as that sounds to say). There are usually obvious spaces where you shouldn’t try and catch a stage dive on to some folks when absolutely noone is feelin’ it. I also believe there is a way to be respectful of people in a sense at shows if you choose to dance. This feels so silly to talk about, but I cant get it out of my head so I’m writing about it. It is Functional. There are people who have a complete disregard to others well being and that I am NOT a fan of. This felt really stupid to type out, but I am pro mosh and want everyone to have a good time and express themselves as they please. It’s not just ONE persons space. We need to make sure we are all aware of the space we take so we can share it, realistically. Also, Moshing has cultural history in some places like CHICAGO and LOS ANGELES and in my hometown SAN JOSE it is deep rooted in the local punk culture. It would be freaky to know a scene without it. ----- someone responded and at the end said I think we need to be able to foster show spaces where we can be able to express our anger, grief and frustration in ways that don’t harm others, calling out harmful behaviours and appropriately addressing them, cause I’m all for self-destruction, but don’t take the scene down with you I am really happy this is being spread around so much. I wasnt expecting that! Its important we all share experiences because they are all REAL and we can see how different people experience shows. I am very interested in the safety of people at shows and people feeling safe. moshing is a very UNSAFE thing though, that is its purpose I feel, that is the reason I use the line finding safety in danger in a song, its how I FEEL about hardcore punk. It is emoting anger in a physical sense, with it comes a responsibility to others though, you must still be aware if your surroundings! I am angry, Im always angry, but Its cool that you can be so angry and aware at the same time. It means there is intention there. Im not so thick headed that I cant see the difference between a blatant disregard for other peoples well being and accidentally punching someone in the nose which is probably going to happen. The post was a total brain leak and wasnt meant as an END ALL , but a conversation starter and Im glad people are talking !
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 02:18:09 +0000