"Finding Emo" was found by me in
a local newspaper.
It was written by Tom Hall,
a high school student.
This is his version of "emo"
For those who don't know what "emo" is, it is a style of dress that is most often associated with a rebellious and otherwise dissatisfied life. People who are emos are most often the people who describe themselves as being on the outside of society, or feel as though they do not fir in to other social groups. Please let it be known that I am not attempting to generalize all people who may be considered emo to act a certain way. I am merely pointing out trends that I see developing among youth, and questioning the motives and speculating the outcomes.
The main identifying characteristic of being emo is the clothing. The emo style closet is generally filled with a range of shades from black to dark black. The dark clothes are often supported by chains, large spikes, and, you guessed it, dark fingernail polish. Emo people usually have black or wilk-coloured hair and a few too many piercings. Some emo people choose to carry swords. Another trait that is associated with being emo is, I'm sorry to say, guys wearing make-up. This is one of the tell tale signs that someone has gone emo. Some young gentleman even choose to wear women's pants. In extreme cases, this style of dress is combined with self-destructive behavior. Cutting of the wrists and burning designs onto the skin have become fashion. This seems to promote an image of unhappiness that reflects poorly on the individual. I question a style that promotes irrational personal suffering and is fueled by negativity.
The style of dress, however, is but one aspect to the emo lifestyle. Along with the outrageous fashion statement come ideals and principles. The choice to agree with the opinions of major emo influences is left open, but people often follow blindly. Some of the various causes are of merit, such as rallying against war and persecution, but many messages are those of hatred, unhappiness and violence. In the attempt to be heard, sometimes the goal of making a statement against society is drowned out as emos are labeled outcasts, and people do not listen to their voice.
There are many degrees to which a person can be emo. Most people you see that dress this way draw the line at the style, but a prominent group still carries the lifestyle further. Emo people often seek the pity of those around them, saying that they are judged before they have a chance to speak. They know dressing as they do automatically associates them with the darker side of things, and it is their individual choice to continue being viewed in that light/darkness. I am not sure what attracts young people to being emo. It could be teenage rebellion, a statement to those around them, or that they just like "the look". Regardless of the motive, these people continually choose to be associated with dark and negative images.
I strongly agree with making your message heard, but there are more effective ways of doing it. It makes you stop and question what kind of society we have that fosters self-mutilation and glorifies depression. I believe in individuality, but this has gone too far. My message is clear; YOU are part of society. If YOU want to change, and YOU want to end hate, start with yourself.
I have already written a reply
to Tom Hall. What does he expect?
Todays world is based on contravercy.
