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fans. In addition some of the sensitive lyrics of some of today's emo bands may be a pose designed to appeal to the female fan base rather than a true revelation of one's feelings and anger.

As for the style of many emo kids, I don't really care one way or the other. However, it does seem ironic that kids that are supposed to be a rebellious subculture can pretty much buy much (if not all) of their identity at a couple of mall stores. Previously youth subcultures such as the metal and punk scenes in the 1980s were largely outside of the mall culture with kids in the latter searching thrift stores and young people in both circles sometimes turning to mail order or specialized stores to get the clothes they sought. The fact that emo (as well as their slightly older cousin the mall punk) kids can purchase their whole lives at one place tends to leave many outside of their scene to view it as a corporate creation of sorts; one to be consumed with and then quickly disposed of in a brief period of time or when the next trend happens. Some people in emo will stick with their scene just like some older punks and metal heads are still around but those who jumped on the bandwagon recently will likely jump ship with the next trend.

The popularity of emo music and culture in the last few years has been a polarizing force for many people. While there are legitimate criticisms to be made of this subgenre and the movement surrounding it, a look at their scene in context shows it to be relatively harmless. Yes, some emo kids may come across as whiny, annoying, or even posing, but it does speak to some of today's disaffected young people and may help some of them out. Many will likely leave emo culture when another fad hits but the people truly in it for the right reasons will likely stick around, possibly even explore the subgenre's roots, and put their own spin on the subculture they consider to be their home.

Learn more about this author, Bo Paul.
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