Bootgirl Power, By Jenny Woo
February 15, 2012 | 
Author 
Bootgirl Power
By Jenny Woo
When I was thirteen years old, I was miserable. I had acne, I had only hand-me-down clothing from my older sister (who was 3 sizes smaller than me), I had no friends, and worst of all, I felt like I didn’t belong in any crowd. I was exposed to pictures, music videos, and songs from major mainstream pop stars, and I just could not relate. I had no idea what they were singing about. The supposed universal topics of broken hearts, dancing, and the expression of teenage sexuality all seemed like distant and irrelevant subjects to me. I knew that I would never look like them, I would never live their lifestyle, and more importantly, I knew I never wanted to be like them. I felt lost, different, and profoundly alone. Then, one day, my life changed forever.
I was in junior high, eating alone in front of my locker as was my usual routine, when I came across an old fanzine lying on the floor of my school’s hallway. One of the other students in the school had probably been reading it and accidently left it behind. Having nothing better to do, I started flipping pages. My eyes caught an image that I had never seen before in my life – a woman with spiked up blue hair, studs all over her black leather jacket, and wailing on a guitar. It was a picture of Bekki Bondage, and that was my first exposure to women in punk rock. I decided then and there that instead of unsuccessfully trying to fit in all the time, I would do my best to stand out. I was inspired by Bekki’s outrageousness, her energy, her unfaltering self-confidence, and I made it my own mission to find that sense of passion and assurance in myself. I ripped the picture out of the magazine and pasted it into my locker as a reminder, and I’ve still got the photo after all these years.
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Posted in bands, Feathercut, oi / street punk, Uncategorized, USA | 
Tags: feathercut, oi, skingirls, skinhead girl, skinheads, usa
6 Responses to “Bootgirl Power, By Jenny Woo”
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It is refreshing to read your words. I have been in the skinhead culture for more than 25 years and I have seen (and been a culprit of) much of the experiences you relate here. You're absolutely right about the sexism but I would have to say that this a rampant everywhere.
There is a lack of respect based on a society that seems to be slipping into barbarism. In any barbaric (vs. civilized) culture you find that women are always treated with a serious lack of respect. In the skinhead culture, where you rightfully suggested, we embrace strength, pride, honor, and integrity; you also see base desires being met with violent anti-social behavior and overtly sexual antics (most times fueled by alcohol consumption). This is all part of being young, pissed off, and trying to find our way in this jacked-up world. Some people can handle it and maintain a respectful lifestyle but most cannot and delve deeper into destructive behaviors…
It took me years (and a very unsuccessful marriage) to finally grasp certain "civilized" ideas, especially concerning women. From a Judeo-Christian view of creationism (it doesn't matter if you believe in God or not – and I don't really care as that is not the point) Woman was the last of God's creations. She is the pinnacle of mankind. Yes, MANkind. Although she is differing in biology, emotions, physicality, etc.; she is an equal and independent person that should be treated as a queen… That is why she was created last.
I still joke around with others about race, sex, religion, and politics (because everyone takes this stuff too seriously) but I also know that the byrds I'm around know that I respect them as equals… more so that the majority of the little boys. I now have a 15-year old son who is in the scene and it makes me proud to see 19 to 27 year old skins treat him with a mature respect because I have taught him how to treat others.
Again, thanks for your insight from your experiences. It is a good reminder to all that sexism hurts as much – if not more – than racism. And, you have given me more to think about. Cheers!
Thanks for mentioning "Real American Oi!"
Jenny loved your article and your sense of Pride,well written and your welcome down here anytime!!
Amazing site Thanks for the post. Looking forward to visitingt more.
Hey jenny!
First of all i want to say thanx to add me and i wanted to say that i realy like your stuff! you're doing some nice songs… i realy enjoy your tunes and that i realy agree on what you say there! it kinda remind me me! so lets keep in touch……. cheers to you! KEUPON NEUSKI!
Thank you for this excellent post. I'm a rapper who loves your blog