by Matthew P. Nicholson

Created on: September 27, 2007

It would be easy to climb aboard the band wagon and watch as the hype of the media gathers pace, proclaiming Emo's as a serious threat to society. I feel it is better to look at this non-issue from an open mindset. These are predominantly young adults associated with a specific musical style and the supposed lifestyle that comes with it.

The reason they are now branded with the tag of Emo is that the phrase was coined by the media to label them, subsequently alienating them from other members of society, announcing that they were different. This led to more people becoming a follower after witnessing a strength that could be gained from joining others with similar beliefs. How threatening are a group of people who have made the decision to find comfort with like minded individuals?

I understand that there exists a section who self-harm and suffer the effects of depression. Are you seriously naive enough to believe that a musical movement is the sole reason for this behaviour? The number of people suffering from depression is rising every year and self harming is not something new; but it is something that has slid into the mainstream, as more people try to find a release by using that means. Depression and self-harm exists in every walk of life, regardless of age, colour, class distinction or musical preference. Much of the negativity towards Emo's is due to their clothing style. This is merely a an addition to the musical movement in the same way that has been witnessed with every movement before it from Rock and Roll to Punk and beyond. There are factions who feel threatened as they do not understand anything about Emo's, but why do they need to?

I think it would be a lot more sensible to look at the lack of opportunity that exists for so many when they leave school, in a country failing its people. Is it any wonder that so many are seeking answers that cannot be found in the mainstream culture? Is it any wonder that they suffer depression when they see no positive outlook across the media and feel helpless as a result? Is it really such a surprise that they remain loyal to those who possess a similar viewpoint and show an understanding rather than alienation?

I would not persecute these people for their beliefs, but would be more open to conversing with them to try to learn something about what it is like to be categorized in the way they are. I would hope that more could be done to give these young adults a chance to aim for something and the chance to succeed when leaving school, rather than failing them and then complaining when they feel the way they do.

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