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SheIsLegend · 12-02-2007, 07:43 AM

Erg. So long!

Backlash
As the chorus of detractors increased, emo came more and more a focus of derision. Like the Goth scene, people who focus on emo music tend to share a dark and emotional psyche that often makes them feel outside the mainstream. They tend to thrive on the emotional ups and downs that are brought out in the music. Detractors often joke for emo fans to "lighten up", and point out what they see as an inherent irony in bonding between self-proclaimed outcasts.

At the same time, fans of other rock genres accuse emo of being too "soft" and sappy. Many genres of rock rely on aggression and anger, which, by comparison, makes some forms of emo seem lightweight.

In the early years of the "third wave", the derision was relatively light-hearted and self-effacing. In September of 2002, web developer Jason Oda put forth Emogame. In the game, the characters of the TV show Friends were attempting to spread mass homogeneity throughout the world, and players could assume the identities of several popular emo singers (including Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes) to fight the Friends off. The game referenced numerous emo stereotypes, but also included pop culture references such as R2-D2 from Star Wars. The game was well-received by both fans and critics of emo alike, eventually spawning multiple sequels.

In recent years, the derision has increased dramatically. Male fans of emo are often hit with homosexual slurs, largely a reflection of the "nerd" style of dress popular within the emo scene and the fact that in many cultures, males are expected to be stalwart and strong, not overly emotional; emotions are "weak" and "feminine". That mentality, however, hasn't stopped people from enjoying the style and music of the emo scene.

"Emo"
continues to develop and expand in unpredictable ways. As with punk rock, the term "emo" may persist for years to come and evolve into even more styles and sounds. As the old proverb says, "History is written by the victors, " and it remains to be seen which version of the genre will be accepted as the popular consciousness of "emo".

12-02-2007, 07:43 AM	#89 (permalink)
SheIsLegend Groupie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Burke, VA Posts: 4	My Imput pt 3. Erg. So long! Backlash As the chorus of detractors increased, emo came more and more a focus of derision. Like the Goth scene, people who focus on emo music tend to share a dark and emotional psyche that often makes them feel outside the mainstream. They tend to thrive on the emotional ups and downs that are brought out in the music. Detractors often joke for emo fans to "lighten up", and point out what they see as an inherent irony in bonding between self-proclaimed outcasts. At the same time, fans of other rock genres accuse emo of being too "soft" and sappy. Many genres of rock rely on aggression and anger, which, by comparison, makes some forms of emo seem lightweight. In the early years of the "third wave", the derision was relatively light-hearted and self-effacing. In September of 2002, web developer Jason Oda put forth Emogame. In the game, the characters of the TV show Friends were attempting to spread mass homogeneity throughout the world, and players could assume the identities of several popular emo singers (including Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes) to fight the Friends off. The game referenced numerous emo stereotypes, but also included pop culture references such as R2-D2 from Star Wars. The game was well-received by both fans and critics of emo alike, eventually spawning multiple sequels. In recent years, the derision has increased dramatically. Male fans of emo are often hit with homosexual slurs, largely a reflection of the "nerd" style of dress popular within the emo scene and the fact that in many cultures, males are expected to be stalwart and strong, not overly emotional; emotions are "weak" and "feminine". That mentality, however, hasn't stopped people from enjoying the style and music of the emo scene. "Emo" continues to develop and expand in unpredictable ways. As with punk rock, the term "emo" may persist for years to come and evolve into even more styles and sounds. As the old proverb says, "History is written by the victors, " and it remains to be seen which version of the genre will be accepted as the popular consciousness of "emo".