TOPICS
Photo by Vonecia Carswell
Note: This course's materials contain racial & transphobic slurs, as well as other offensive language. They are most frequently used in the context of reclamation, but could still be potentially distressing. Also contains allusions to & direct discussion of sexism, racism, & sexual assault.
Week 1
Early AfroPunk
The purpose of this week is to introduce students to the genre AfroPunk, & the essential influence of Africana culture in the larger punk movement.
Song: Rock-N-Roll Victim by Death
"You're a rock 'n roll victim and I know this is true
Cause I'm a rock 'n roll victim too
The only world that ain't dull is your own
And that's a room inside your parent's home!
The wall is covered with the stars you know
You just can't live without your stereo!
Sometimes we say things that we really feel
Sometimes we say things that aren't really real!
Establishment don't want no part of us
Except to make themselves a real quick buck!"
Reading: (Part 1 only) AfroPunk History by Taylor Burton
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What are some different genres that have influenced the sound of AfroPunk?
Video: The Very Black History of Punk Music
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What are some differences between the early punk scene in the UK and the US?
Video: Pure Hell
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What were some of Pure Hell’s influences? How did they change throughout their existence?
Discussion: What traditions and genres did punk music grow out of? What cultural traits does it hold?
Week 2
The Documentary
This week students will view & discuss the documentary film AfroPunk. The goal is to help them understand the unique experience of Black young adults in the early punk movement, & to further their understanding of punk ideology.
Film: AfroPunk: The Movie
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Pick a quote from the documentary AfroPunk and explain its significance, or why it stuck out to you.
Podcast: "AfroPunk" -A Black Punk Documentary
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What were James Spooner's goals in making the AfroPunk documentary? How did he achieve this?
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How are the experiences of Black Punks felt universally in other disciplines?
Discussion: What is Punk? Describe what the term punk means to you after watching this documentary. Then give some examples of Africana influence in the punk scene.
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Week 3
The Festival
The goal of this week is to introduce students to the AfroPunk festival, & to analyze the community that has been created through the festival.
Reading: Origins of AfroPunk
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How did the AfroPunk festival change throughout its existence?
Video: AfroPunk: The New Counter Culture
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Do you think the AfroPunk movement would be possible without the media landscape of today? Why or why not?
Discussion: Where do you feel able to fully express yourself? What about that environment makes it possible for you to do so?
Week 4
A Different DIY
This week will take a deep dive into the DIY philosophy behind punk. Students will consider what barriers Black punks may face in embracing this DIY ethic, and if parts of the modern AfroPunk movement have strayed from the original philosophy.
Song: Art-I-Ficial by X-Ray Spex (Poly Styrene)
"I know I'm artificial, but don't put the blame on me
I was reared with appliances in a consumer society
When I put on my make-up, the pretty little masks not me
'Cause that's the way a girl should be in a consumer society"
Video: Poly Styrene: DIY Punk Pioneer
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How does Poly Styrene demonstrate an authentic DIY style?
Reading: Consuming Authenticity: Deconstructing “Do-It- Yourself ” Punk Rock Ethics in Philadelphia (Pg. 38-41)
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Do you think white people participating in DIY is appropriation? Why or why not?
Reading: How the DIY Scene is Different When You're Black
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What barriers to DIY do Black punks face?
Discussion: What are some characteristics of punk DIY philosophy? Does the AfroPunk festival follow that spirit? Why or why not?
Week 5
AfroPunk Fashion
Fashion has become a huge part of AfroPunk, but it was always important to the scene. Students will explore the influences behind different styles & hear AfroPunk festival attendees talk about their experiences.
Discussion: What does your style communicate to others about yourself and your identity? Is this intentional?
Video: Black Self-Expression Was Limitless at AfroPunk
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How does the self-expression at AfroPunk festival differ from society's expectations & stereotypes of Black people?
Video: The Most Innovating Style & Soul Energy on the Planet
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How can fashion bring people together?
Discussion: What styles did you see in the videos that were reminiscent of Africana styles? Punk styles? Both?
Week 6
Activism Through AfroPunk
If activism is important to punk, then it's essential to AfroPunk. Student will learn about how AfroPunk has been used to support civil rights movements & more throughout its time.
Song: Buckshot by The 1865
"My faith has been dragged down through the mud
Prayers I've forgotten
Fuck picking cotton"
Song: Politicians in my Eyes by Death
"Always tryin' to be slick when they tell us the lies
They're responsible for sending young men to die
We have waited so long for someone to come along
And correct our country's law, but the wait's been too long"
Reading: (Part 2) Racial Activism & Resistance
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Much of punk activism is focused on issues outside of the punk movement itself. How do Black punks address issues within the punk movement?
Reading: Relationship Between AfroPunk And The Trans Justice Movement Is Imperfect, But Necessary
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Why do you think activists face barriers like the ones described in this article at the AfroPunk festival?
Discussion: Do you think the AfroPunk festival's actions have become performative? Why or why not?
Week 7
Feminism and AfroPunk
Black women play an important role in the punk scene, & its development. How did they use punk to further the cause of feminism?
Song: Boot by Tamar-Kali
"Her hair is short
Her legs are brown
Her lips are full
Her head hangs down
Her eyes ain't blue
Her ass is round
Her breasts are sweet
And she wears a frown"
Song: Hit Like a Girl by Meet me @ the Altar
"Said, I'm too loud
I should sit down
No, I've got a lot to say
So what?
I'm rowdy, yeah, I hit like a girl"
Video: Breaking Barriers in the Punk Scene
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How does this video highlight intersectionality?
Reading: (Part 3) Feminist Activism & Resistance
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How does AfroPunk lend itself to furthering the cause of feminism?
Reading: (Chapter 6) The Aesthetics of Black Women’s Afropunk Citizenship
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What does "Black Girl Magic" look like in AfroPunk?
Discussion: What extra barriers do Black women face in the punk scene because of their intersectional identities? How do self-identified punk people contradict themselves with gatekeeping the community?
Week 8
Queercore
Queer individuals were instrumental to the development of the punk movement, but were discriminated against at the same time. Students will explore the contributions & experiences of queer Black punk artists.
Song: Anna-Ee by Pedro, Muriel, & Esther (PME) feat. Vaginal Davis
"P, stands fro pre-op
T, she's a tranny
S, get your sex changed
[unintelligible]
Anna-you
Anna-me
Anna-Ee
He's a him
You're a you
I'm a she"
Reading: Queer As Punk: A Guide To LGBTQIA+ Punk
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Do you think the terms "punk" & "queer" are inherently related? Why or why not?
Reading: Queer Punk History 1575-Present
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How have the connotations of the work punk changed over time? How have they stayed the same?
Discussion: Describe a time you felt stuck in between two identities, when different parts of you were at odds with one another. (Ex. being the only X at a Y event.)
Week 9
AfroPunk Art
Not just music, but every style of art is influenced by AfroPunk. This week, students will use what they have learned to analyze different types of AfroPunk art.
Video: The Art of AfroPunk
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What different types of art did you see (and hear) present at AfroPunk?
Reading: The Art Scene at Brooklyns AfroPunk Festival Was Hiding in Plain Sight
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How does AfroPunk art fit the DIY philosophy of punk?
Reading: The Launch of Afro-Punks NFT Collection
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What do you think about the concept of AfroPunk NFTs? Is it inherently contradictory? Why or why not?
Discussion: How does the concept of AfroPunk translate from a musical genre and lifestyle to an art form/ art style?
Week 10
AfroPunk Controversy
Like many great movements, AfroPunk is not without its critics. Students will explore some more critical perspectives on AfroPunk, especially the festival.
Reading: Gentrifying AfroPunk
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What tensions exist between trying to create a space for everyone & staying true to AfroPunk's roots?
Reading: AfroPunk Editor Resigns, Cites "performative activism," employee mistreatment
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How are the AfroPunk festival's actions as alleged in this article hypocritical?
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How can capitalism disrupt the movement for racial equality?
Video: Crystal Valentine- What I Learned at AfroPunk
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The title of this poem is “What I learned at AfroPunk.” What did the poet learn at AfroPunk?
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Consider how systemic issues can infiltrate so-called “safe spaces.”
Discussion: What do you think about more white people attending the AfroPunk festival? How about corporate sponsors? List pros and cons.
Week 11
Final Project
Students will choose a Black punk artist or band, either one discussed in the class or of their own choosing (must be approved). They will do research into the artist/band and present their findings to the class in a format of their choice, with an accompanying essay.
Project Steps:
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Proposal
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Research: articles, essays, books, etc.
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Materials Collection: videos, photos, songs, etc.
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Outline
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Rough Draft
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Essay
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Final Presentation
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Reflection
Students should consider background, style, influences, historical context, & current projects (if applicable).