I hate the pop/punk fight. And I almost hate Avril Lavigne for bringing it back into society full-force. But this is what I hate more:

I'm all for punk culture - the mohawks, the piercings, the striped socks and studded leather jackets. And I'm all for people dyeing their hair blonde and wearing American Eagle if they want. What I'm not into is being assumed into either category, or being assumed an unworthy member of either.

For example, if I thought Sum 41 was punk, and I fancy myself a punk fan because of that, and some jerk online tells me Sum 41 isn't real punk, what all of a sudden makes him right? What makes me a poser? All this is, is conflicting opinions. You classify music however you like, but don't classify the people based on how they classify their taste in music.

As another example: the music category "rock." How widely this word has been used and abused. Some magazines have given the name "rock star" to such performers as Britney Spears, Sheryl Crow, Shakira, and Nick Carter. Now, I don't agree with this at all. But obviously, someone thinks these artists' music falls into the definition of "rock," because you see? There isn't one definition for "rock." Just like there isn't one for "punk."

And for the record, I didn't just give away my opinion on Sum 41 in the hypothetical situation two paragraphs up. That is irrelevant to my stance on this subject, and so I will not share with you what I think of the band. Because I don't want comments from jerks like the one I mentioned above, or jerks on the other side yelling, "SUM 41 IS SOOOO PUNK! I AM NOT A POSER SO FUCK OFF!!!" Because that's not what I'm trying to say.

What I want to say is on the tip of my tongue, but I don't feel that I've said it yet, or ever will be able to say it. But basically, anyone who calls themselves anything is a loser. You may as well not bother. Be yourself; fuck putting on a label. Because no matter how many times you tell me you're "punk," or "goth," people are going to label you however they want. Telling me over and over that you're punk isn't going to make me believe it if I don't believe it. Just like telling me over and over that god exists, and that he loves me or something, isn't going to change my mind on that matter.

I guess my bottom line could be the same as the one I gave in Colour Battle, and that was this: People should just leave each other alone. Don't agree with what one person thinks is "punk"? I'm sorry to be the one to inform you of this fact, but that person isn't going to change their opinion because you call them a poser and their taste in music shitty. Do what I do. Make fun of them behind their back for five minutes and then, let it go.