An episode that breaks the mold!
Here’s what’s to come in this episode:
* We kick off this episode by discussing Courtney Love and her candid acknowledgment of her autism in a 1994 Rolling Stone interview. While she’s open about her experiences, some of her language is problematic—for instance, referring to non-speaking autism as "introverted."
* However, we delve into how many of the judgments and perceptions surrounding Courtney Love may be rooted in ableism, influenced by her autism diagnosis.
* We explore the inherent connection between musical subcultures and autism, highlighting how these spaces can become a refuge for those who feel ostracized elsewhere.
* Next, we dive into the powerful intersection between punk ethos and neurodivergence, unpacking how these two worlds resonate deeply with shared values and traits. Punk celebrates nonconformity, rejecting the rigid societal expectations and hierarchies that often marginalize neurodivergent individuals. It embraces the idea that standing up for what you believe in—no matter how unconventional—is a strength, not a flaw.
* This ethos aligns with the autistic experience of navigating a world that frequently misunderstands or undervalues difference. Punk fosters a sense of belonging by creating a community for misfits—a safe haven for those who’ve been excluded or overlooked in more traditional spaces. In this way, punk and neurodivergence together challenge norms, celebrate authenticity, and amplify the voices of those too often silenced.
* Realizing you are neurodivergent doesn’t erase your punk identity—it deepens it. Subculture isn’t just about aligning with a particular music scene or fashion; it’s a gateway to discovering and embracing your most authentic self.
* We also discuss how loud music, often a hallmark of punk, can be soothing and sensory-stimulating for many of us on the autism spectrum.
* Punk and punk-era band names are often defined by connotations of violence, aggression, sex, fetishism, turmoil, and eruption, with many even referencing disability. This rebellious language reflects the feelings of being "othered"—a sensation that resonates deeply with the autistic experience. Just as punk challenges societal norms and embraces marginalization, the association with disability within punk culture highlights how both the neurodivergent community and the subculture at large confront rejection, discrimination, and the struggle to be understood.
* Punk intertwines with the refusal to be seen through the neurotypical lens, rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It’s about resisting the influence of outside forces and voices that seek to define who you are, instead embracing self-expression and authenticity on your own terms.
* We also discuss how body modifications, like tattoos and piercings, play into this idea of reclaiming autonomy and defying societal norms. For many in the punk and neurodivergent communities, these mods serve as a powerful way to express individuality, resist outside judgment, and celebrate personal identity on their own terms.
* We discuss how autism is often framed through neurotypical-centric lenses, such as infantilization, pity, and the "superhero" trope, which limit our agency and self-expression. Punk, however, challenges these narratives by reclaiming our power and refusing to let society define or diminish us.
* Punk embraces an anti-aesthetic that celebrates imperfections, rejecting the need for polished or conventional beauty standards. This ties directly to autism, as both challenge societal expectations of "perfection" and instead embrace authenticity, quirks, and individuality.
* The culture of punk is, at its core, authenticity without apology—and that’s exactly what autistic people desire: spaces and cultures where they can be their true selves without the need to mask or conform.
“When I talk about being introverted, I was diagnosed autistic. At an early age, I would not speak. Then I simply bloomed. My first visit to a psychiatrist was when I was like three. Observational therapy, TM for Tots, you name it, I’ve been there.” - Courtney Love (the one and only!!)
“You [an autistic person] can’t just go into a space and say, ‘yes, I am perfectly at home here.’” No, you have to change it to fit your needs. And that’s fairly punk, because punk doesn’t show up and say, ‘yes, this is acceptable.’ No, we are going to rage against the machine.” - Matt
“Yes, we want you, you misfit toys, to fit in perfectly here. You are a part of our merry band of autistics and you are perfect just the way you are.” - Angela
“Yes, punk is saying we are different and that’s enough, like we are enough and this f*****g sucks at the same time. It’s not saying, like, ‘fix me’, necessarily. It’s saying, ‘this is my identity.’” - Angela
Did you notice the connection between punk, subculture, and the autistic experience? In today’s episode, we explore how punk’s defiance and authenticity reflect the autistic spirit. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts on the conversation in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. Which parts of the punk ethos resonated most with you?
Resources:
Rolling Stone article where Courtney comes out - https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/courtney-love-life-without-kurt-81520/
Interview with Courtney where she talks about her diagnosis
Autisticasfxxk - Raise your middle finger to neuronormativity! 🖕🖕🏿🖕🏾🖕🏽🖕🏼🖕🏻
For Autistic punks, rebels and misfits forging their own path in a neurotypical world.
https://www.autisticasfxxk.com/blog/autistic-punk/
McKay, George, 'Punk Rock and Disability: Cripping Subculture', in Blake Howe, and others (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Music and Disability Studies (2015; online edn, Oxford Academic, 2 June 2016), https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199331444.013.23, accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
https://www.additudemag.com/autism-and-music-audhd/
Queer Autistic Punk Playlist:
https://boren.blog/2021/01/25/chronic-neurodivergent-depressed-queer-punk-punk-rock-the-social-model-of-disability-and-the-dream-of-the-accepting-community/
Punk Country - Dash Rip Rock, Treaty Oak Revival (Bar Fight Blues)
Related Episodes:
Chess Is Autistic
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