And I don't know anyone
And I don't know God
And I don't know if anything at all will be all right."
Originally short for Emotive Hardcore, a Sub-Genre of Hardcore Punk originating in the mid '80s and developing into a Pop Punk/Alternative Rock movement generally referred to purely as "emo" in the '90s. Notable for distancing itself from the anti-authority, anarchic aggression of standard Punk Rock, "Emotive Hardcore" sought to express a more varied, emotionally-aware, contemplative and introspective range of ideas via the stripped down, DIY punk mentality. In the '90s and onwards, this philosophy turned itself to expressions of heart-on-sleeve feelings, often pertaining to unrequited love, heartbreak, and feelings of insecurity and alienation. The Turn of the Millennium saw the genre rise in popularity. It also saw the term take on a quite different meaning, with the emergence of 'Emo Pop' bands.
These genres' fanbases came to be known as "Emo Kids," or just "Emos." Due to the reflective and melancholic nature of the music, the idea of "being emo" came to suggest sensitivity, introspection, low self-esteem, a bent towards the artistic/literary, and a tendency to taking issues more seriously and personally than considered "normal". Due to media misrepresentation, pejorative stereotyping and general ignorance, emo has since undergone considerable Flanderization, and has become a victim of Cowboy BeBop at His Computer, particularly since the mid 2000's when the term gained traction in the mainstream media. As a result, "emo" is now a catch-all term for a rather ill-defined mish-mash of alternative music and subcultures, as well as entering the public lexicon as a noun or adjective suggesting excessive angst or emotionality.
Ultimately a person might mean any one of these when using the term "emo":
- Post-hardcore or emo music.
- A fan of the above. Stereotypically characterised as an introverted, overly-introspective misfit, although some may just be fans of the music and not exhibit these traits.
- Personality. A person may or may not be a fan of the music genre or scene, but may be called "emo" if they posses some of the personality traits listed above. A person may also describe their or others' moods as "emo". When a character in fiction is deemed "emo," it is usually based in this definition, which naturally is highly open to subjective interpretation. Terming someone as "emo" can run the gamut from in-the-moment behaviour to an assessment of their general personality.
- A trend-hopping teenager affecting angst or melancholy because it's fashionable. This definition doesn't actually possess any actual "emo" personality traits nor are they particularly interested in the music, yet ironically the idea of "emo" as the insincere, superficial affectations of attention-seeking teenagers is for many their default understanding of the term.
- A catch-all term for a number of subcultures with a slightly dark, moody bent. Emo isn't Goth and Goth isn't Emo!
Due to the moody, melancholic nature of the music and the feelings it inspires, as well as the general vibe of the modern "emo image", self-harm, depression and suicide are associated with emo. Nowhere in actual emo subculture are these things encouraged; indeed for many the music is a form of therapy and is often why such people seek out the music. Some young people in the Attention Whore category may affect these for image purposes, but they should not be indulged by handing them the term they covet.
With regards to tropes, "emo" is generally associated with sensitivity, angst, moodiness and an excessive preoccupation with ones own feelings and woes. Emo contrasts with The Stoic in that The Stoic maintains their calm and composure where the emo types wear their angst writ over their very being. Can be Not So Stoic as they attempt to be The Stoic and fail. Perpetual Frowner, Troubled, but Cute, Dark and Troubled Past, Byronic Hero (which makes the trope Older Than Steam) could all be considered "emo" characterisations, a Woobie often gets a healthy dose of emo, and there's Wangst when one feels the angst is excessive - although some will term it that regardless. The Emo Teen page details the reductive stereotype commonly associated with the term.
Not to be confused with comedian Emo Phillips, nor with Emo, County Laois, Ireland. And especially not to be confused with Goths.
Professional Wrestling
- Emo Kid Jimmy Jacobs was initially a happy go lucky, pogo sticking jumping fan boy of The Barbarian, The Berszerker and Kevin Sullivan, but became a lot more stereotypically "emo" in Ring of Honor as he turned to evil to try and win the love of the rich kid drug raver Lacey. He released several whiny Emo Rock videos proclaiming his love for her discarded most of his vibrant clothing and happy mannerisms at her demand. Between successfully wooing Lacey on to learn love does NOT redeem people and Lacey needing reconstructive surgery after being hit with a rail road spike he started Age Of The Fall for the purpose of highjacking ROH shows to talk about what was really important; the sorry state of US Healthcare.
