Stockton- Ever since the Punk counterculture emerged in New York and the United Kingdom during the mid 1970’s, it’s always been misinterpreted. It’s characterized by its non-conformity, activism, DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos, distinctive fashion, and of course, energetic and aggressive music. It was a response to the mainstream, wanting to challenge societal norms and advocate for the freedom of self expression while also being confrontational about social and political issues.
People disliked Punks mainly because it’s usual for people to hate things outside the norm. The way Punks went about made people uncomfortable and quickly gave people preconceived notions that Punks were rude, drug addicted criminals. That led to José Luis Escobar Hoyos as a teenage Punk wanting to show his concerned mother that the Punk lifestyle isn’t all about being angry or having spiked hair and that it’s really about mutual support and solidarity. 35 years ago, José created a project called Kings Punks, where he collected and donated toys to children living on the streets every January 6th which is Three Kings day, also known as Epiphany, when children in Mexico typically receive gifts from the three wise men.
Volunteers joined the effort over the years. Wearing shirts from their favorite bands, black boots, piercings, and spikey hair while handing out scooters, toys, clothing, and other gifts to the children. This volunteer work isn’t just only to people living on the streets but has expanded to Mexico City’s migrant encampments.
A Punk named Marcos Grande is a shoemaker and this year he brought 7 pairs of shoes to give away.
“The satisfaction of the children, bringing them a gift, a joy because many children do not have it, that is what is satisfying, taking it to where sometimes it does not reach, where they do not have the three kings but now here are friends, the group, the punks,” he said.
