That is to say someone whose life may be considered authentic is always fully aware of both what they are doing and why they are doing it. The music videos of “Institutionalized” and “Possessed to Skate” uphold similar themes and values. Both are displaying an adult/youth binary that is reflective of mainstream/alternative understandings of American society. There was a distinct message being delivered, live the life you want, be self directive, challenge hegemonic norms...

Why were Suicidal Tendencies rebelling against Reagan’s white middle class society of Southern California? The impact of Reagonomics, the Neoliberal philosophies espoused by the 40th President of the US (1981-1989) generated much dissatisfaction from the minorities of the country, including those that were a part of subcultures such as skate punk.

“Skaters have a completely different culture from the norms of the world’s society. We dress differently, we have our own language, use our own slang, and live by our own rules. People feel threatened by foreign attitudes. Everyone has his own views on different types of society and their own stereotypes…Please stop viewing us as a totally negative race of people.”