Did German Punks Bring Down The Berlin Wall?

Presenter: Amanda Joy

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Fall

Faculty Mentor: Michaela Grobbel

Department: History

Funding Source/Sponsor: SYRCE Symposium

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oECUecaNGZRtWEdlhQ9mcZjeyq5VX6Gx

Abstract:
For my research I have chosen to explore the birth and development of punk rock culture in Germany, specifically Berlin. East Berlin punks were frequently targeted by the Stasi for their appearance and nonconforming attitudes. These punk rockers sang about uniquely Berlin issues such as frustration with not being able to choose their jobs and living under constant surveillance of the Stasi. They played an instrumental role in bringing down the Berlin Wall by establishing transnational relationships which repudiated claims by the SED that the punk lifestyle was a consequence of capitalist decadence. My presentation includes first-hand accounts, photos, music, and an original art piece.