Amoung Youth Subcultures: The Emo Culture

All over the world, there are a bountiful amount of youth subcultures. Youth subcultures of the past include the Greasers, Hippies, and Glam Rockers. There are also many youth subcultures of today which include Thug, Goth, and Preppy. One of the most prominent youth subcultures of today is Emo. This subculture has many things that appeal to the youth of today's society. Whether it be the clothes that are appealing or the entire culture that is appealing, youth are definitely finding their spot in this very popular subculture.

The emo subculture got its roots in the 1980s in Washington. The name came from hardcore and punk rock tendencies known as emotional hardcore. The emo subculture represents sadness, guilt, despair, and self-hatred. This subculture is one of the most popular and obsessive youth cultures of today. Fashion for the emo subculture is very interesting. They wear extreme and heavy make-up and sporty clothing. The hair is the most important element for the emo subculture. Usually colored in black, the haircuts are usually short and unisex and covers half of the face. Very popular clothing and accessories include bracelets, stockings, badges, and tight pants and shirts. The emo subculture also has a variety of piercings to match their very unique image. As for music, emos listen to music that is a mix of punk and indie rock.

There is, unfortunately, a very dangerous and sometimes fatal side to this culture. There are communities called Emo Communities and because this subculture represents negative feelings, it is common for youths in these communities to cut themselves and to even commit suicide. There is a belief in this community that after death they will be regenerated and go to a new and better world. Although the emo subculture has negative aspects to it, it is a culture that many youth of today go to when trying to escape emotional pain or hardships.

Unfortunately, emos are also being targeted by mobs and being horrifically beaten in Mexico. These attackers are categorized as "anti-emo". They have extreme hatred towards the emos because in their eyes, they are overly sensitive posers who steal from other musical genres. They also target emos because of the way they dress. In Mexico, this is seen as homosexual and a reason for the "emo-bashing". To some in Mexico, emos are also seen as self-centered, sad, feeling as if the world is against them, and depressing. Not only are emos being harassed in public, but they are also being harassed online. There are numerous anti-emo websites that promote death to emos. There are many blogs raving about killing emos and there are many cartoons depicting this.

Most of the emos in Mexico are between the ages of 15 and 18, therefore making them very easy targets for adult attackers. I can recall an incident that happened in Queretaro, Mexico in 2008 when almost 800 attackers came to Queretaro with the sole purpose of harassing emo kids. A week after this incident, there was a face-off between punks and emos. On March 15, 2008, the emo population held a silent march asking for peace and tolerance. This march was organized by Mexico City gay rights organizations because they felt that the violence towards emos were fueled by homophobia. They had to march under police protection to be able to successfully have this march. After the rally, the emos marched to the metro and returned to their unofficial base, the Glorieta de Insurgentes, chanting "Emos! Emos! Emos!" This signified power and unity among the emo culture.

As you can see, the emo subculture is a very prominent youth subculture, not only in America but all around the world. Many people who are emo are people who are sensitive, shy, and sometimes depressed. Although these may seem like negative qualities, emos find strength and unity among other people who are emos and able to relate to how they feel. Even though they are attacked almost on a daily basis, it is good to see them stand up for what they believe in and promote unity and peace among all subcultures.

Sources:
Ioan Grillo, "Mexico's Emo Bashing Problem", TIME Magazine
Kristina Paytasheva, "The Emo Subculture-The Dangerous Saving Life Emotion", Fashion Lifestyle Magazine