CONCLUSIONS
The political and economic Status in 1980s America provided the ideal environment for Anarcho-punk bands to thrive.
Between the majority right-wing politics of the older generation and the high disparity in class wealth, the 1980s was an era with a younger generation that desired to be heard. Anarcho-punk bands used their music as a method of making statements. Not wanting to be classified with the older generation, falling into the pitfall of "the system," the emergence of Anarcho-punk bands both in Britain and the U.S. allowed for an unbridled release of frustrations and rage towards the political system.
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Having come from blue-collar origins, Anarcho-punk bands relate to the frustrations of the lower class when it came to economic problems. The Reagan administration provided an upswing in the economy, but arguably at the expense of the lower class. Many bands used this as fuel for their politically charged lyrics in various ways. Bands like Napalm Death used short, repetitive lyrics to get the point across in their song “Multinational Corporations” that accused the large, wealthy corporations of being responsible for the suffering of the poor classes. Other bands such as D.O.A. tackled larger, more specific issues with songs such as “Full Metal Jackoff,” which is an in depth criticism of the Reagan-Bush administration in response to the Iran-Contra scandal. Anarcho-punk bands had no shortage of frustrations to voice in the 1980s era of conservatism.
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Despite often extreme viewpoints and even more extreme ways of delivering them, Anarcho-punk bands had something valuable to contribute to the social and political dialogue in the 1980s.
While rather extremist and not always taken seriously due to humorous or exaggerated takes on dark subjects, Anarcho-punk bands often times had something valuable to say. Whether it be in regards to oppression of the poor, keeping government officials in check, or taking proper care of the environment, these bands were aware of the events going on around them and cared about more than voicing opinion, they desired to create lasting change. Many songs share a theme of standing up for what one believes in, and not falling prey to being told what to do or how to live, pushing away from a life of apathy towards a life of action. D.O.A.’s mantra embodies this: “Talk Minus Action Equals Zero.” Nothing will be accomplished unless someone does something about it, and these bands were willing to take action.