Finding Emo

Because it’s the Friday before Labor Day, it is very slow today at work. So, I have just spent the better part of my morning doing research on a phenomenon that has me extremely intrigued and perplexed. Emos.

Definition: As an adjective, emo can describe a style of fashion or music; or a general state of unhappiness or melancholy (as in "to feel emo"). As a noun, Emo is also used to identify a member of the "emo scene" or someone dressing in the "emo" stereotype.

I had never heard of this term until very recently, and I thought it was just a few indie-rock bands in New York or something. I was so wrong. Apparently, this is a mainstream fashion and lifestyle trend that I had no idea about. Monte and I watched the MTV Video Music Awards last night and I almost had a mental breakdown. It seemed as if everyone short of Beyonce was an EMO!! Their tapered black jeans, the heavy black eyeliner, the choppy haircuts and peircings. I was screaming at the television, “Oh my God, Monte, there’s another one!” “Monte! What the hell?! Look! Jared Leto is an Emo now too?? Jordan Catalano, are you kidding me?” I just don’t understand it. What does it mean? Is there a political statement behind it? I don’t know, but I am fascinated by the whole thing. But, at the same time, it makes me feel so old and out of touch because I didn't know, “how those darn kids are dressing these days?” Is this fashionable now? Where have I been? And, now I see them EVERYWHERE. This morning on my way to work I saw 4 of them walking to the high school. Go to any mall and you will see them. Once you really look around, you will notice that they are taking over. I really have no point to all of this, other than it’s just really freakin’ me out.