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!