Today's Feature: Are you an "Emo"?

Yes, we know that "emo-es" are another type of people

When you are sad and you complain about how wrong things are around you, people around you may call you an "emo".

To those who does not know the real term, it is not the abbreviation of "emotional".

E = mo squared. An overworked Einstein resorts to be an "emo"

There are reasons why "emo" does not mean like how it sounds and why people who behave as as described above are branded "emo".

"Emo" is a style of rock music which describes several independent variations of music with certain similar styles. The below is the timeline of how the term "emo" came about:

1. 1980s - the term emo described a sub genre of hardcore punk
2. 1990s - the term emo began to refer to the indie scene
   

An Indian Summer live gig

In the early 90s, a hardcore genre that came to be know as "Emotive Hardcore" which was pioneered by Rites of Spring.

"Emo" was a term for the crowd who loved Rites of Spring, Indian Summer and the new wave of "Emotive" Hardcore bands.

The word "emo" probably came into modern terms as what we know, perhaps due to journalists, producers or magazines who do not really know what "emo" is, hence labelling most things they hear as "emo".

It is probably because it sounds nicer (the X-factor) rather than labelling bands as "bubblegum pop punk".

Emo: Punk music on estrogen and a reason for boys to act like girls

Hence, it is rather untrue that "emo" meant "emotional". Most of the current bands (especially boy bands) make music to certain mushy and sugar-coated emotion which create a feeling of "emotion". (E.g. Backstreet Boys, 98 degrees are sometimes known for their "emo" music.

I would not really explain the historical and politically correct usage of "emo", but what rather interests me is the fashion and stereotypes of people branded as "emo-es".

The word "emo" is associated with males and females who:

• Wears tight jeans (preferably dark)

• Have long fringes brushed to one side of the face or over one or both eyes

Emo hairstyles for guys. Never fails to attract "emo" chicks

• Dyed black and straight hair

Emo hairstyles for girls. Into it?

• T-shirts which often bear the names of rock bands

A couple of "emo" styled T-shirts. Comes with all sizes

• Studded belts and big belt buckles
  
  
  
  

Studded belts and assorted belt buckles are a must to be a qualified "emo"

Canvas sneakers or skate shoes (often old and worn out)

• Thick, black horn-rimmed glasses

Yes sir! Black = Emo

In the recent year, "emo" according to the eyes of the media, has been associated with a stereotype that includes being emotional, sensitive, shy and introverted.

They are even sometimes compared with mental anxieties and disorders such as depression, self-injury and suicide.

Emos hate themselves

Goths hate everyone

Emos want to kill themselves

Goths want to kill everyone

Quoted by Chelsea Lewis

"Emo-es" are know for being sad all the time

*Dude, I'm sad, I feel like cutting myself*

I hope that I have at least cleared up the meaning of "emo". It is a popular trend nowadays, which may be detrimental to the society (due to the mental disorders and anxieties).

However, if you just want to dress as one I really do hope that the above pictures and examples could be useful. Signing off!

Note: This post is dedicated to my friend Kevin Kim, as I always mistaken him as an "emo". Sorry dude, as you were always being "emotional" and "sensitive". Lols. I kid.