Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A S.H.A.R.P. Story II

Another member of Toronto S.H.A.R.P. shares their story:


I first got into the Skinhead scene around 2 years ago for all the wrong reasons. I was young, angry, impressionable and an easy target for Nazi bonehead propaganda. I liked the feeling of being superior to others and most of all being feared by others. It was a rush to walk down the street with my boots, bomber jacket and Nazi patches. But the longer I was in there and the more I witnessed hateful acts being committed on innocent people the more I realized that these political and racial views were wrong and not for me. I left the bonehead movement about seven months ago, and it’s a change that I do not regret.

When I left I became a Traditional Skinhead and I felt so much better about myself, and the way I treated people. There was a lot of stress and pain taken off my mind. I could finally be me, a loving and caring person. I fell in love with Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady, Northern Soul, and REAL Oi! A lot of music that I once loved before my thickheaded days.

When I left the boneheads I was sent many threatening messages by those I once considered comrades and friends. I was then truly able to see who these people were. Not long after becoming a Traditional Skin I realized that not only did I disagree with bonehead politics I hated it. It might have been partially because I felt bad for my previous alignment and because I wanted to make up for my actions, so I joined Toronto S.H.A.R.P. I got heat from both sides, people telling me I should hang up my boots but I’m not ready to do that, and I don’t think I ever will be ready to leave.

So here we are today, still being harassed by boneheads and your average Jane and Joe on the streets. I accept that people have been mislead by the media through out the 80’s, 90’s, and even now. Even though it angers me I still show respect and do my best to educate those willing to listen about the true Skinhead culture.

Cheers!








Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Oppressed - Joe Hawkins



While we are waiting for the new blog post to be ready (Almost, we promise) we figured we'd bring you a bit of skinhead history.

The Oppressed was a Welsh anti-fascist Oi! band that was formed in 1981 in Cardiff and split up in 2006. Most of the musicians in the band's various lineups were skinheads. Throughout the band's career, the members (especially vocalist Roddy Moreno) openly expressed opposition to racism and fascism, in their lyrics, interviews, on-stage comments and other actions. In 1989, Moreno visited New York City and met many members of Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP). On his return to the United Kingdom, he started promoting SHARP ideals to British skinheads.

Here they are doing Joe Hawkins. Enjoy!