Toughguy hardcore
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As the name suggests, toughguy hardcore is a brand of hardcore music that is especially known for its extreme, tough, and hypermasculine image and code of conduct. Spearheaded by bands such as Madball in the 1980s, the attitudes of toughguy hardcore stood in heavy contradiction the generally positive one that most hardcore bands represent, even today. That is, toughguy hardcore exists as a haven for those who appreciate the sound of hardcore, but harbor ideas that simply aren't welcome in the rest of the scene.
Though many listeners of the genre hold extreme political opinions, the music itself really has no affiliation with a particular political faction. However, it should be noted that it is fairly popular among anti-racist skinheads, especially in major cities.
Toughguy hardcore is especially notorious for its extremely violent live shows. Hardcore dancing is often taken to the extreme, as show-goers will often intentionally kick or punch others. For this reason, among others, shows are almost exclusively attended to by men.
The genre is often criticized for its violent and negative associations, drug/alcohol use, sexism, homophobia. Because these are all things that aren't characteristic of almost all other hardcore, the toughguy "scene" remains fairly isolated from all others.
