Toxic Fame

I guess the answer is:

Are social misfits drawn towards metal? Yes.

Does that make metal fans social misfits? Obviously, no.

I was merely curious as to what percentage of social misfits take to metal compared to other genres of music. I've no doubt emo, goth, punk, etc are populated with the same kind of people, I just wonder in what numbers.

All of us here certainly have anecdotal evidence of metal fans who for want of a better word, are socially retarded, but looking at the bigger picture, this is true of people in all walks of life.

I know there has been much in-fighting in recent years among metal fans regarding "Bro-d00des", where metal fans lampoon other metal fans who go on about Pantera, BLS, etc, in a jock-rock fashion *crush empty beer can against temple* while yelling "Woah-Yeah!" But I suppose, if you look at the behaviour, regular jocks probably listen to all kind of music.

I guess there is no significant correlation between metal and social misfits, as much as people may think there is based on some generalisations.

Ha, remember years ago, when metal bands used to get the blame for people doing bad things? “Devil-worshipping music!”

I know, he's not everyone's cup of tea but Marilyn Manson had to go to court several times just to get permission to play in certain US states, because parents and christian groups thought he was the anti-christ.

Cheers for all the replies.

jackhammer

They only appear social misfits because it just happens to be a form of music that maybe only one in ten people like so it's all too easy to say they are misfits because they are in a minority.

I wouldn't class myself as a social misfit just because I grew up with and still listen to metal after 24 years. Most scenes attract certain character types but maybe because the lyrical themes of Metal also cross reference other forms of media (arguably more than most other scenes) including literature, fantasy, horror, mythology, politics, sci- fi etc then it attracts fans who don't just listen to the music to have a good time but fans with other relative non mainstream interests. This just means they are even more in a minority.

Despite some of the ridiculous imagery, clothes and subject matter of some bands, I still find Metal to be one of the most rich and diverse forms of music out there regarding it's non music interests and it is a huge door opener for fans to explore other genres of music.

I personally think the rest of them are misfits!

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PinkCigarette

I agree with this fully.

Metal is my favourite music genre but I am by no means some kind of 'misfit'. Most people look at me and would never even guess that I liked metal (unless they cheat and look at my shirts). I don't think I fit any kind of metal stereotype at all. I just listen to it because I like it, nothing more to it than that.

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Insane Guest

I am a social misfit, and I am in some way proud to be one. I could easily give in and join the in crowd, but for some reason, it just doesn't attract me. Much like PC^, If you saw me, you probably would not guess that I listened to metal, unless I was wearing a band tee. For me, music is something that I really like talking about, and it's something that I like talking about. However, I usually have no one to talk to it about. I am usually the quiet one in the group, that has his headphones in playing metal at full volume (when appropriate of course). I have a small group of friends, rather than being one of the "popular" kids if you will. I am also naturally a quiet, shy person around people I do not know, but once I know someone for a while, than I kind of feel more comfortable. But the music I listen to kind of adds to it. But I don't mind being a Social Misfit, you grow used to it.

Sophiesmom

It still kill me that Marilyn Manson had to go to court to fight for the right to play in certain states. Though I think his music is crap (not for me i guess) I dont think he should have been singaled out a the sole reason kids are ****ed up these days.

Rainard Jalen

Which group of insiders might that be? The group of insiders who just happen to be outsiders? Yeah, a very different group of insiders indeed.

Toxic Fame

That's what happens when conservative christians want to 1) dictate what should be “appropriate” entertainment for young people, while not knowing a damn thing about youth culture and freedom of expression and 2) need a scapegoat for their own failings as parents in understanding their children better.

I can't post urls yet but check out the charade that was when Manson appeared on the Phil Donahue Show. It's on youtube. Watch the expression on the audience member's face (part 1/3 at 1:15) as Manson explains the meaning behind his name; you'd swear the guy had never heard such big words before in his life.

almauro

That is such utter crap. It was liberal poster-boy Al Gore and his ex-wife Tipper who was one of the founders of Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) that attempted this form of mind control. She got upset about a Prince song, and music videos in general and decided to try to censor the entire music industry. Quote from her feeble mind.."The images frightened my children, they frightened me! I am frightened! Way frightened! The graphic sex and the violence were too much for us to handle."

Parents Music Resource Center - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Goblin Tears

Soical misfits and freaks listen to Lady GaGa. *giggles*

Toxic Fame

Tipper Gore is no friend of fun, I'll agree. Is she an Atheist, though? Not likely. And I'll bet that all (or the majority) of the opposition to Manson, be they parents or whoever, that attended the rallies protesting his appearance in their state, were either conservative christians or christian sympathisers.

Did these court cases in which Manson had to fight to play take place in any states that aren't part of the Bible Belt?