New Books Network S1.E3. How Punk Broke the Binary
Jul 3, 2025
Judith Peraino, a musicology professor at Cornell, and Kembrew McLeod, a communication studies professor at the University of Iowa, dive into the transformative punk scene of the 1970s. They explore how artists like Debbie Harry of Blondie challenged gender norms and redefined identity through music and style. The duo discusses punk's intertwining with queer identity, its cultural revolution impact, and its ongoing relevance in activism. Tune in for insights into the vibrant intersection of punk, gender, and community!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Politics of Refusal in Punk
- Punk's "politics of refusal" embodies negation that sparks empowerment and community action.
- Refusing categories and power structures creates new energies and reinventions in punk culture.
Trash Rock as Queer Multivalence
- "Trash rock" references a multi-dimensional queer culture and underground aesthetic in 1970s NYC.
- The term merges influences from queer film, Warhol's scene, and rock music, symbolizing layered cultural histories.
Punk Trashing Rock History
- Early punk artists trashed older rock and roll and 60s innocence culture through camp and layered references.
- This recycling defines a complex dialogue between mainstream rock icons and punk's theatrical gender play.
