By: Max Kendall
The title is a quote from the greatest punk rock genre RIOT GRRRL. It can be described as punk rock feminism for those who care so much that they scream too loud and hate the patriarchy so much that they don’t just break it, they smash it to the ground. And this movement continues through people around the world to this day.
Punk rock feminism was originally started in the 70s by the one and only Joan Jett. But the RIOT GRRRL movement took off in the 90s with the creation of bands like Bratmobile, BIKINI KILL, Heavens to Betsy, and Lunachicks. The movement got its name from the creation of “angry grrrl zines” created by members of BIKINI KILL.
The unrivaled Kathleen Hanna, the singer of BIKINI KILL, is the main face of the RIOT GRRRL movement. She has been in three punk rock bands since the early 90s, BIKINI KILL, Le Tigre, and The Julie Ruin. She wrote well-known songs such as “Rebel Girl”, “Deceptacon”, and “Ha Ha Ha Armageddon”. She even inspired the creation of the song “Smells like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. To say the least Kathleen Hanna is my idol.
RIOT GRRRL songs focus on topics of sexuality, smashing the patriarchy, domestic violence, capitalism, sexual assault and harassment, sexism, and much more. The whole point of the movement is to show women, and anyone who is oppressed by society, that they can do anything men can do and more. That you’re allowed to do things that are classed as masculine even when you’re feminine. That no matter who you are or what you believe you shouldn’t have to deal with oppression. That you can dress however you want without being hit on or assaulted. That even if you’re trans or queer you belong in this beautiful world. That the people who are hateful to those who are different than them don’t matter. That the standard of beauty is nothing more than a lie that capitalism wants us to believe.
The RIOT GRRRL movement continues its reign to this day. Some bands of today are Mommy Long Legs, Cheap Perfume, Destroy Boys, Dazey and the Scouts, and The Linda Lindas. And it continues through all of the girls, boys, gays, theys, and anyone who believes that the people of this world should be equal.
The RIOT GRRRL scene is built on music, love, and manifestos so to end this here is a manifesto for you, reader:
No matter what the world thinks, you deserve to feel powerful. You are strong, confident, and beautiful, so let the world know!
Everyone is a person, so treat them like it. Treat everyone with the same respect you deserve!
You’re allowed to depend on yourself. Don’t let others opinions change yours. You are your own person!
