Punk-rock talk on Earth Week lineup at Bellevue college

The Bellevue Community College instructor translates the message of the music — its political and social issues, including gender, race, animal rights, protest and capitalism.

Torrence, 34, teaches a first-of-its-kind class at BCC called "Children of the Revolution: Punk Rock and American Underground Music." It's a survey of punk since the 1960s and explores its common themes.

One of those themes, environmentalism, will be the topic of a talk the instructor will give at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday as part of BCC's Earth Week celebration.

"Some of the ideals of punk rock are consistent with the environmentalist perspective," Torrence said. "The genre of music is progressive and part of a tradition of protest music in the United States.

"The social commentary is a critique of late capitalism and industrialism."

Common ground found between punk rockers and environmentalists might include vegetarianism, do-it-yourself attitudes, anti-war beliefs, concerns about nuclear waste and radiation and opposition to animal testing, Torrence said.

"The postmodern sense of alienation that is frequently expressed in punk music can also extend to the human relationship with the environment or ecosystem," he said.

Torrence said he will play songs that demonstrate the similarities, in hopes of provoking thought and generating discussion.

"Insiders are familiar with the subject," Torrence said. "But most people are outsiders."

Other scheduled lectures include former King County Councilman Brian Derdowski on "Sensible Growth Management," Leonard Forsman of the Suquamish Tribe on "Effects of the December 2003 Oil Spill in Puget Sound," and Michael Mayer, an attorney with Earthjustice, on "Undermining the Foundations of Environmental Law."

On Tuesday, participants can go on a field trip to help restore Valley Creek wetlands with the Bellevue Stream Team. All events are free and open to the public.

This is BCC's fifth Earth Week. It is organized by the BCC Science Club All week, there will be information booths, voter registration, ride-share opportunities and environmental films. Festivities begin Monday at the college, 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E.

Leslie Fulbright: 206-515-5637