Labels: Emo, Chav, Goth etc.

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I feel so depressed seeing all of these insecure teenagers running around hiding behind a label so they fit in and have a "bold" character.
I mean don't they want to be individuals and be seen as interesting?

It's impossible for somebody to like and have exactly the same opinions as another and I've noticed that these teenagers with these labels voluntarily slapped on their heads they have no difference of opinion.
Can somebody support me becuase I feel like everyones been infected with this or aren't brave enough to actually say what they think...

I know exactly what you mean. I support you 100%. It is great being an individual. People give me **** anyways, so I might as well enjoy who I am.

Thanks alot for the replies!
I was hoping there was somone out there who thought the same, and I like how you said 'neat box'
Besides it could be abit of jealousy becuase people like us are brave enough to be different and show our views etc.

I don't like stereotypes and labels, but I have found that it's easier to make connections in a room full of strangers when I can relate to one of those labels.

I don't consider myself to fit into any of those labels, except maybe a geek, but I consider myself pretty well able to relate to any of them.

Hey now...I used to be really into these kind of counter-cultures/labels. I'm not anymore but from a first hand perspective, these people are hugely individualistic most of the time. I admit, there are some "poseurs" but, for me it was an expression. When I was a kid I was very depressed and becoming "goth" gave me an outlet. It's hard to go around putting on a stupid smile and pretending you are happy for everyone, every single day. It feels so monotonous and tedious. Instead I wore black and expressed how I felt on the outside, I didn't have to fake anything. Everyone knew who I was and how I felt(which is very hard for me to express in words).

Beyond that, I made alot of my own clothes, jewelery, etc... as many of these people do. I channeled my depression and sadness into creativity and expression. It really helped me to get through my younger years. Having a group to identify with helped with support and not feeling so alone also. It's no different then what everyone is doing here at WP. When you're feeling out of place in society and not totally sure how to connect with people, you think you're th eonly one who feels so horrible about life because everyone else walks around with a smile, having those other people that feel how you do, makes you feel a little less alienated from the world.

It also provided a defense/coping mechanism for me. As you all probably well know, those younger years are a great time to get harassed by those awesomely cool kids. You know, the ones that have made it their life goal to alienate people as well as obliterate their self esteem. As a goth I just stop caring. I alienated myself and scared the crap out of people. People stopped talking to me and just left me alone. I didn't have to deal with it anymore. I might get a few occasional comments like "are you gonna blow up the school" or "are you gay?" but those questions always gave me a chance to really bother people..."yes I am and you're going to be the first to die" or "why honey? you interested you big muscley man's man?". Basically, in a world so cruel, your "goth label" and fashion might provide you with that sort of protective armor you need. I actually started feeling much happier being goth. Trying to just be normal was so draining, emotionally and physically.

The point here is; don't judge people because of their labels and lifestyle choices. You may think you know all about why they do it but, things aren't so cut and dry. Everyone has a different reason and for some, the choice of one of these labels may actually be greatly beneficial to them during their teen years.

This thread actually makes me kind of sad...I would figure you guys would be the last to judge, especially someone in their teen years. I know a good portion of you know how rough this time was. A little understanding and support can go a long ways for todays youth....

Just think about it a little before you just call them sheep, posers, insecure, etc...it's the last thing that's going to help them or anyone else right now.

That's one of the main things about teenagers, that I was never able to understand. They think that they're all unique, but they're cookie cutters of each other. I'm sure that they can't all be horrible monsters. I just don't understand how they can call themselves individuals, if they're sheeple.

I remember when I was seventeen and I was firm in my beliefs that I was a hippie. I've thought that it was groovy that I was this wild individual. An old neighbour of ours stated that a lot of young people were trying to be like hippies. I wasn't the individual that I've made myself out to be. I did like the 60s, so I've stuck to the hippie lifestyle for another year and a half.

I hope you were taking my side there Cockney Rebel

I'm on your side.

I agree with your points jmfoster. Despite what I done myself to avoid specific curcumstances. On the other hand, I really don't like the label "emo" used by children. It takes self abusers and puts them on a level and type that is the last thing they want to be thought of. That is, someone who does it for attention or because it's "cool" to them, or that they do to spite others.

A sterio type "emo" that I think is stupid. It means someone who likes goth wear, and has long bangs over their face. Listens to heavy metal. Someone who self abuses because they want attention, or they like doing it. (which is BS!) .....Basicaly, I see it as an insult to self abusers, preferably cutting. It's annoying to be online and some kid is like "Heheh, look at the emo." as if it was stupid or dorky.

I once tried to use labels to my advantage. I tried to fit into numerous groups by copying stereotypes. While this obviously failed, I learned an important lesson.
Even if you can copy what you see to some sort of exact form, you can never copy who they genuinely are. That's why I'm telling you to simply be yoursef, don't care what others think of you. The friends you make will like you for who you are on the inside, and that's all that counts.

From what I hear.. it's called a 'scene' and I've never understood it. My highschool didn't really have these types of cliques or stereotypes.. but know that I would not have been part of one even if they did exist. I don't see the point in trying to be like everyone else and I've never understood the problem with peer pressure or wanting to be popular. *shrug* Seems like most people do want to 'fit in' and be accepted so it makes sense that they would conform.

Good thing there's people like us out there.

BTW what the Eff is a chav???

Thanks for all your input
peeps, it's appreciated!

Plus theirs people who do self-harm because they are actually depressed which isn't fair becuase it's like there diluting the situation of self-harm so it's seen as common these days if you understand what I'm saying.
I'm gonna keep this post open becuase I feel it is needed here especially with wanktards making blogs like "EMO'S TALK HERE"