Blink 182: Irreverent, immature and…unwilling to grow up

Mueller, W. (Summer 2000). Blink 182: Irreverent, immature and…unwilling to grow up. Youthculture@2000, p. 2.

OVERVIEW

"Blink 182’s simple and straightforward music focuses on the struggles of coming of age during adolescence, with a flavor that’s irreverent, crusty, profane, sexually perverted and bizarre." Their fans have labeled them "hilarious," fun, and crazy. Their rising popularity comes from their "catchy, simple, energetic" songs. Their approach is direct and "oozes humor and fun."

To understand Blink, you must know where they came from and what drives their music. The punk scene started in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It took the "three cord rock formula" and played it "as loud, as fast, and as obnoxious as possible." It remained the alternative to rock music for the disconnected, angry youth until the early nineties. Kids began to embrace this style as their own "expression of their growing collective and individual anger, nihilism, and disconnectedness." The band was formed by three kids in San Diego who loved punk rock and skateboarding. Tom Delonge (guitar), Travis Barker (drums), and Mark Hoppus (bass) comprise the powerful trio. "Delonge, a self proclaimed outcast" is the "extroverted frontman" of the band. Hoppus "whose parents divorced at fourteen…constantly moved as a kid." Barker was the latest addition and is the quietest of the group. This stage became the perfect place for this San Diego trio to hit it big.

Blink enjoys the simplicity of punk as it finds roots in reality. They find it easiest to write about "experiences." Which is why most songs "are about getting dumped on by girls." Delonge says, " ‘Our songs are about experiences every guy has had.’ " Hoppus and Delonge "harmonize about the woes and insecurities of growing up, hard to get girls, the pain of relational failure, no holes barred individualism, delayed adolescence, sex, and hopelessness." Their music maintains a "postmodern undercurrent" that is "morally relativistic." As one listens to their albums a cry of relational brokeness is heard beneath the mask of humor.

This band is fun and real. They have America’s youth hooked and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. As long as they stay true to their formula they will always have an audience.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What have you learned about this band’s message?
2. Can you see why they connect so well with youth? If so, why do you think they connect?
3. What can we learn from this band?
4. What are the dangers of their message?
5. How can you take Blink 182 and similar bands, and use them to your advantage?
6. Do you think that we should discuss this with our kids? Why or why not?
7. Do you think it is important to keep current with the latest trends in pop culture? Why or why not?

IMPLICATIONS

• Bands like this have grasped the attention of America’s youth. As responsible leaders, it is important to be familiar with their style, appeal, and message. As your kids listen to it, be aware, and engage them in discussion about this or any other group. Take time to know who and what is influencing the young people that you work with.
• Be a good listener, both to understand the band, and to also understand why young people admire them. Instead of judging our kids, we need to hear why they identify with their idols. Then we can serve their underlying needs.

Joel Schuster cCYS