Why One Direction Is Not A Punk Rock Band

Response to Matthew Gosik’s “One Direction Not Punk Rock” After reading Matthew Gosik’s paper on One Direction, I strongly agree that One Direction is not a punk rock band. Even just the definition Matthew gives to punk rock is exactly how I feel punk rock should be described as. He describes that One Direction fails to “stand out against societies norms” which is very valid and a strong point.
Throughout his paper he explains how One Direction fails to illustrate the characteristics of a real punk rock band. For example Matthew states, “One Direction does not create controversy with songs they publish because they want to be sold world-wide so they can make as much money as possible.” I strongly agree with this statement because none of their songs depict any problems in society, and none of their songs are very different than from what other mainstream bands are doing. One Direction works to make as much money as they can around the world, rather than performing from their heart and working to change social norms. This is evident if you listen to their lyrics and watch them live in concert. Another valid point Matthew brings up is that One Direction is not punk rock because “they do not stand out against political and social norms like punk bands of the past did.” Standing out and being different than others during their time is a major part of being considered punk rock. Matthew writes a very strong paper and does a very good job of pointing out valid flaws in One Direction that pushes them away from being considered punk rock. My views are in complete alignment with the views pointed out in Matthew’s paper. One Direction worries too much on how others will view them and if they will make enough money, rather than working from their hearts and singing what they really are passionate about, regardless of social norms. Though One Directions popularity is evident, being depicted as a punk rock band has much more meaning than just fame. Matthew’s paper