2008 Woodie Awards
BG Mythbusters: "Emo" Students
By: Alissa O'Neill
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Pulse
Emo. Today's society holds the image of a teenager wearing tight jeans and a tight rock band T-shirt with dark, straight hair slightly covering one eye. They picture someone who is depressed and maybe even suicidal. But there's more to emo than meets the eye.
Bowling Green State University student Sarah Haberecht says that she considers herself emo to an extent.
"I think more people think I am emo than I think. I know my roommates always say I am emo," Haberecht said. "On the other hand, I'm just a real relaxed laid-back girl."
Haberecht says that she fits some of the stereotypical "emo girl" looks with her dark, straight hair and side swept bangs along with her black glasses and piercing and tattoos. However, emo is a case where you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
The media has suggested that emo is a popular subculture that includes being emotional, shy and full of angst, but this isn't the case with all those who associate themselves with the emo culture.
"I am a complete extrovert and really outgoing, but I'm also emotional and sensitive," Haberecht shared. "Like anything, I think that people can fit parts of stereotypes, but maybe not all of it."
Popular culture professor Dr. Jeremy Wallach says that there are a few misunderstandings surrounding the emo subculture, especially when it comes to "emo guys".
"Emo is a straight, white male subculture," Wallach clarified. "I think one reason why emo is a misunderstood label is because the heterosexuality of its devotees has been attacked."
Wallach said that this reason, in addition to others, makes people wary to claim the emo label.
Haberecht agreed when she said, "Emo people aren't like, 'I'm so emo.' It is more of an outside opinion than anything. When I look at myself I just see myself, I don't see myself as an emo girl."
The myths surrounding the emo stereotype have caused an influx of anti-emo sentiments. Groups such as "Emo Is Lame-o" and "Every Time You Laugh an Emo Kid Dies" have popped up on Facebook, in addition to many Facebook bumper stickers flaunting anti-emo phrases.
Bowling Green State University student Sarah Haberecht says that she considers herself emo to an extent.
"I think more people think I am emo than I think. I know my roommates always say I am emo," Haberecht said. "On the other hand, I'm just a real relaxed laid-back girl."
Haberecht says that she fits some of the stereotypical "emo girl" looks with her dark, straight hair and side swept bangs along with her black glasses and piercing and tattoos. However, emo is a case where you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
The media has suggested that emo is a popular subculture that includes being emotional, shy and full of angst, but this isn't the case with all those who associate themselves with the emo culture.
"I am a complete extrovert and really outgoing, but I'm also emotional and sensitive," Haberecht shared. "Like anything, I think that people can fit parts of stereotypes, but maybe not all of it."
Popular culture professor Dr. Jeremy Wallach says that there are a few misunderstandings surrounding the emo subculture, especially when it comes to "emo guys".
"Emo is a straight, white male subculture," Wallach clarified. "I think one reason why emo is a misunderstood label is because the heterosexuality of its devotees has been attacked."
Wallach said that this reason, in addition to others, makes people wary to claim the emo label.
Haberecht agreed when she said, "Emo people aren't like, 'I'm so emo.' It is more of an outside opinion than anything. When I look at myself I just see myself, I don't see myself as an emo girl."
The myths surrounding the emo stereotype have caused an influx of anti-emo sentiments. Groups such as "Emo Is Lame-o" and "Every Time You Laugh an Emo Kid Dies" have popped up on Facebook, in addition to many Facebook bumper stickers flaunting anti-emo phrases.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 16
Miguek
posted 4/11/08 @ 6:17 PM EST
not every emo person is the same...
dont veiw us like that....
discriminating.
Emilie
posted 4/11/08 @ 8:31 PM EST
Whether you call yourself emo, goth, punk, hippie or any other label, all you're really doing is searching for an identity without being mentally or emotionally strong enough to forge one for yourself. (Continued…)
jank
posted 4/11/08 @ 11:50 PM EST
hahahha like you actually said "dont veiw us like that.... " HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH... tuh....
I wish
posted 4/12/08 @ 3:33 PM EST
I wish my lawn was emo so it would cut itself.
Mel
posted 4/13/08 @ 11:13 PM EST
"Emo is a straight, white male subculture"
...Wow. Just....Wow.
I can't believe how ignorant some of the BG staff can be.
jake
posted 4/14/08 @ 3:06 PM EST
people are fucking stupid stop with the fucking stereo types who cares if someone is emo. everyone needs to grow up. a human is a human. i dont see any ones saying stuff about preps. (Continued…)
Human
posted 4/14/08 @ 6:10 PM EST
A human is a human is a human. When you label someone, you typically label them based off of an incorrect assumption that you derived from some derogatory stereotype which was created by someone who felt the need to classify a certain observed person. (Continued…)
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