Mike Park Interview

Mike Park, founder of the Plea for Peace Foundation and one of the driving members behind Punk Voter, took some time out of his busy schedule to do an interview with The Backyard League. We hope that this interview with Mike illustrates how intertwined politics has become with musical culture, at both the mainstream and independent levels.

Racism is an issue you’ve confronted throughout your musical projects. Do you believe that racial equality is something that will be realized in the near future, not just legally, but socially as well? Also, being of Korean descent, do you feel that traditions being brought over also harbor a great sense of ethnocentrism that is contributing to racial and religious tension in the US? How do you feel kids who are first generation Americans should go about addressing issues such as race and sexual equality, especially given the conservative nature of many foreign countries?

Racial equality is something that I strive for, but being realistic, we can’t change the fact that prejudice is part of human nature. We all have racist tendencies, including myself. It’s a constant reminder to pursue peace within that has me working as an activist. In terms of my Korean descent along with anybody of ethnic traditions, it will always contribute to the racial problem we have in the US. The accepting of what is different than the norm is always the case. Going back to the 80’s and punk rock before it became a viable commercial endeavor. The music, the fashion, the ideas were always seen as a blockade of sorts. That’s just an extension of what’s different is scary or taboo.

How did you get involved in PunkVoter.com and to your knowledge has it been effective in attracting kids in the punk scene to getting registered and getting ready to participate in voting in the upcoming presidential elections?

I was asked by the people at Fat to be part of the movement to bring liberal democracy back to the White House. I have to support this movement since it’s done by a person(fat Mike) whom has laid everything down on the line for something he believes in. He’s at a vulnerable state and I can’t compliment him enough for standing firm in his beliefs. I have no doubt his movement has been felt and will make a difference.

In lieu of the pre-emptive strike, the war in Iraq, and, thus far, the failure to find WMDs, both President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are among the finalist for the Nobel Peace Prize, do you feel that their stature as powerful figures is the overwhelming factor in their being nominated?

It’s hard to say if that’s the reason. I’m not here to bash either individuals. I truly feel in their heart they feel as if they are doing the right thing. I guess only time will tell if we did the right thing.

How would you address an individual who didn’t participate in the voting process because they felt that candidates were being untruthful in their campaign platforms, or that there was no point in casting an ideological vote for a third party candidate, when due to the tyranny of the two party system, who had no chance to win?

"The right to vote would be something others would die for. And we take that right for granted."

Then you’re part of the problem. As we Americans should know by now, we have everything here. The freedom to do what other countries only dream of. The right to vote would be something others would die for. And we take that right for granted. Perhaps they might miss part of Survivor if they take an hour at the most to vote? It doesn’t make any sense.

To a great extent, the policies and actions of the Bush Administration have galvanized the left, but there isn’t any real solidarity around a single candidate. John Kerry, the current leader, voted for many of the same policies as Bush. Are there any candidates that you believe particularly stand out from the rest of the pack as someone who can lead the country out of the economic spiral and back to good terms with the rest of the world?

Due to my tardiness, this question is outdated. But obviously with Kerry we have someone who the young people will relate to more. Like Clinton he is more outgoing and is even a snow boarder and though that doesn’t say much for his political focus, young people will be influenced by exterior as much as interior. Just like Clinton playing the saxophone. The main thing with Kerry is his desire to build up foreign relations. The idea of your either with us or against us has got to stop.

Who are some musicians you feel are very articulate about their political beliefs and set an example to be followed? Also, when you tour with a band such as Against Me! who are very leftist in their views, do you ever find yourself in a position where you feel you aren’t liberal enough?

Billy Bragg, Michelle Shocked, Ani DiFranco to name a few. I’m never intimidated by my political action. Those who do more or less than me, it doesn’t effect my work. Perhaps I can be motivated by others to make me do more, but it’s not something that’s measured by intimidation.

The 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade was just a few weeks ago, and during his State of the Union address President Bush proposed a ban on abortion, how do you feel the issues of abortion, women’s rights, and contraception are being perceived in the U.S. today, what are your own views on the topics?

Safe and practical abortion methods are absolutely necessary. To go 1 step forward and 2 steps back is not even on the radar.

Shifting gears a bit, how does it feel do being doing a live show and expressing your views and conveying messages to the crowd? Does this in turn leave you with a sense of responsibility in terms of what do and don’t do?

No, I do what I do for myself and those who listen can take what they want from the show.

How effective a medium do you believe music, punk in particular, is in conveying often times deeply personal and political themes? Some artists want fans to interpret songs for themselves, while others don’t believing that lyrics will be misconstrued, where do you feel you fit in on this spectrum?

Well, I wouldn’t single out punk as music of all genres move people equally. Personally, I take my music as whatever one wants to see it as. If someone interprets the song one way, that’s fine. It’s their personal relationship with the song that makes things special.

Who were some the artists who inspired your musical tastes growing up? Have your tastes changed as you’ve gotten more involved in the scene?

As a young teen I grew up listening to the Specials, Oingo Boing, Devo, 7 Seconds, Minor Threat. I was pretty closed minded. I wouldn’t ever consider listening to Earth Wind and Fire or Parliament. But as the later teen years passed by I found myself listening to a lot of soul, Reggae and Dub, folk, and anything and everything in between.

Any parting comments or words of advice?

Thanks for taking the time to ask these questions.