How To Be Emo

How to Be Emo


The emo subculture is associated with emo music but also extends into appearance, behavior, and perspectives on life. If you want to get in touch with your inner emo, here's how.



STEPS

Understand what emo is. Like any style, fashion or culture, the exact definition is up for debate and often varies according to personal expression. The term emo is loosely associated with emotional rock; most emos like underground or indie music.
Appreciate emo music. Emo is a rock music genre, usually consisting of emotional lyrics and optional "screamo." Over the years, this music genre was usually seen as underground until recent times, making emo music more popular than ever. This music sometimes consists of lyrics seen by many as "whiny," and "sensitive." Listen to a lot of emo bands, and maybe even consider picking up an instrument, such as a bass or guitar. Also try the violin, if you invest enough time into it emo songs on the violin are incredibly emo-sounding. The drums can also be a very good instrument. You may even want to write your own songs by writing poetry and turning it into songs.
Test yourself. Try listening to emo music. If you end up liking this type of music, and come out sobbing after you’re done with the album, you’re probably a "true" emo. Getting inner emo is all a matter of finding out of you have it or not.
Dress emo. After you have discovered your inner emo, try shopping for a new wardrobe. Emo fashion has roots in both punk and goth. Wear tight jeans, tight shirts with emo band logos on them, studded belts, and an old, black and worn down pair of sneakers. Thick, black-rimmed glasses are not uncommon for emo guys. Also, stripes and checkers are big in the emo culture.

Emo hair.Get an emo hairstyle. Dye it black or brown with perhaps some blond or unnatural color streaks, especially in the bangs. If you are a girl, you may possibly want to cut your hair to a very short bob-like hairstyle but keep your bangs long, swept drastically to one side and covering your eye. Or, for those who like long hair, get many choppy layers and highlights. For a guy, you may want to spike up the back side, and pat down on the front side. You could also get your bangs/fringe dyed a lighter color than the rest of your hair.
Get the attitude. A lot of times, emo is associated with being bitter, depressed, insecure and resentful. But at its core, you can be emo because you're sensitive, introspective, thoughtful, and quiet. Don't ever be loud or in anyone's face; focus on your own emotional life.
Don't Cut Yourself. Don't ever cut yourself, this is emo taken to far, and cutting does not make you emo. If you do already cut yourself, get some help from friends, family, or a counselor


TIPS
Wearing eyeliner is not unheard of, whether you're male or female. Oftentimes, liquid eyeliner is used on the top and bottom.
Band pins and badges are always a good idea.
Emos are usually very emotional and opinionated. Make sure you have your own opinions and don't "copy" others. If you do not do this, some may accuse you of posing.
If your school dress code says that bangs cannot cover the eyes, cut the bangs until they are diagonal and pointing diagonally downward, and they are just reaching the eyebrows.


WARNINGS

Do not tell people that you're emo or that you are trying to be emo or else they will call you a poser.
You may be subjected to negative criticisms by your non-emo friends and possibly the majority of society. Just ignore them or, try to explain to them that just because you dress different, it doesn't make you less of a human being.
Do not slit your wrists. People who do do this are most likely suffering from depression, and the habit should not be taken lightly. Whoever came up with the idea that all emos slit their wrists is a very close-minded person. Emos are emotional and are not afraid to share their pain and experiences. A lot of emos also may be uncomfortable with talking and thus resort to cutting to show their pain--this is not a trend, and depression is not an accessory.
Avoid scenes that promote pain or self-injury in general.





Davis