Freshcut Skin

Freshcut Skin

 

Freshcut Skin

I’ve listened to punk, ska, and Oi for a long time now. This whole skinhead thing started for me about four weeks ago when I said to my friends that I was thinking about going skin. They were all kind of surprised at first, but as I kept talking about it, everyone got used to it, and even they wanted to do it.
So, just over a week ago, I cropped my head finally and threw on some braces and boots and stood tall as a skinhead. Most of my friends and people I know were surprised that I became a skinhead.

Some people that I know really well had to look twice just to recognize me. There were a few things that set me off. One was that I was just pissed off about how kids are these days. They have all their fads and trends that they just have to follow otherwise they’re not accepted. I didn’t want to be a part of their bull shit lives.
The other things that set me off were the music, the Byrds, the big shiny boots, the braces, and the simple but yet complex lifestyle that so many people misunderstand. Overall, everything is setting in well and everyone is used to it by now. Going skin really took some balls, and now that I’m a skinhead, I’ve never felt so proud in my entire life.

Now, in my school (I’m a senior, by the way), there are ONLY four skinheads, three of which are seniors. Of course we get looks from people all the time. But, that’s only because they don’t understand what skinheads stand for. One thing people don’t realize is that we’re not ALL racist.

There are a few different kinds of skinheads. I’m not going to get into all of that, but me, I consider myself a traditional skinhead. I’ve got my own opinions and I’m proud of what I am and who I’ve become. I’d judge no one by the color of their skin or where they’re from. I judge people by what they’re capable of and by what they can do. To me, skinheads are about pride, camaraderie, patriotism and respect.

When my crew and I walk into any establishment, I think that people can tell we’re not racist just by the way we act. In my short time as a skin, I’ve never had anyone give me shit when I go someplace. Though, I’m sure it’s bound to happen somewhere along the line. When it does, I think I’ll be able to handle it. For the most part, people probably won’t even say or do anything and they’ll mind their own business.

So far, skinhead life is a lot of fun, but it’s also hard work. The hard part is dealing with ass holes that automatically assume that we’re bigots, but that’s to be expected. The thing I like most about being a skinhead is drinking high quality beer with my crew and just hanging out.

To me, Oi is the best music out there. I refuse to listen to anything else. Especially all that rap bull shit. Oi is what skinheads are all about. I usually listen to Dropkick Murphy’s (of course), Pinkerton Thugs, The Righteous, Flogging Molly, and a few other ska bands. This is the type of music, which drives us to be proud of who we are. All of my friends listen to Oi and we go to concerts all the time. I think that Oi is one of the basic elements that maintains the unity between all skinheads.

 

  

Ps. I joined the Marines.