"Pop punk" is not only pathetic, but it's also an oxymoron. All the bands dream of fame, riches, and an appearance on MTV. 'Punk' was never supposed to be mainstream. It was mainly underground, and had an original sound. Now all these angsty teens are making bands for other angsty teens to listen to. Like Blink-182 for example. They ruined the 'punk scene'. They used to make good music, up until they hit MTV. Now every kiddy out there thinks they're some anarchist non-conformist skater punk. Pretty sad if you ask me.
People who (I think) ruined the punk scene:
...and all the people who listen to them!
But that's ok, being 'punk' is only a fad. It'll die out soon and the kids will find other MTV stars to idolize. I can only imagine country music becoming a fad. A bunch of middle-schoolers dressing in plaid and wearing cowboy boots. Mini Garth Brooks' all over the place! Scary, isn't it? (Sorry if you're sick of all these damn punk rock writeups.)
Punk is not dead. (But it's been watered down like softcore pornography!)
Edit 10/16/04: Wow, I just stumbled upon this old node I wrote and don't even remember writing it. It's a littler rash--Sorry if I offended anyone. Either way, I suggest listening to "Chickenshit Conformist" by The Dead Kennedys. That song sums up everything you need to know about the "punk" scene. Well, at least in my opinion.