To begin talking of Emos, I first must explain to you what an emo is. ’Emo’ is a slang term being short for ‘Emotional’. The common quote of most emos is that they either :

A) Hate their life or what they are becoming

B) Want to commit suicide

Emos are usually looked down upon in modern society, and in some cases, untouchable. Emos hang out usually with other emos and never ordinary people. There are two types of emos, common emos and sarcastic emos. The common emo will be explained later, however the sarcastic emo is not as elaborate and although share some traits of common emos, they are different in their attitude. Sarcastic Emos are those you see who wear very preppy clothing etc. but are miserable. Hello kitty is one idol of sarcastic emos and a great example of what they live for.

The common emo is far from common. Emos can usually be found in Satanic places such as Hot Topic or other clothing stores that express depression. They usually wear black, but often white if they are in an extremely good mood. Hair is usually long and black, however could be colored any neon color for highlights or an ordinary color in substitute of black. Only would you see an emo with an ordinary hair cut if they do not want someone to know that they are emo, I.E. parents. They listen to most metal musics, however sometimes gothic music and less frequently modern pop or dance. They can usually be scouted in groups, ignoring all who walk by, or one individual with a lonely look on his or her face. The most frowned upon thing that is very common among emos however is the classic cut of the wrist. Any emo who wants to show off will cut their wrist, but it is in how they cut it that shows their either dedication, or need for attention. If an emos slices their wrist in public with a knife, it is usually dramatic and for attention, however if it is done in privacy with a pen knife or something of the sort, they are usually a hardcore emo. Also, it matters how they do it that shows either need for popularity, or devotion to the style. They tell you to always go down stream and never across river if you are an emo. This refers to the flow of blood in your veins. If you slice down, it may or may not be, but is usually for attention. If they cut straight across, it is most certainly because they are unhappy with themself or others. It is all in how they do it that supports either their dedication or need for popularity.

To be emo is mostly frowned upon. Crowds usually do not want to be around emos, or vice versa. Emos are almost anti-social. They hang out in their own clans and do what they please. They are often rebelious or demanding. It is not as easy to assume and point out who is and is not emo. To understand who is and who is not emo, I have devised a simple flowchart with things to look for:

A) Black or extrememly preppy clothing (If yes, Go to B, if not, Go to C)

B) Absurd Hair Style, either long and colored black, or neon or highlighted and spiked colors (If Yes, Go to C, if not, probably not emo)

C) Shows effects of being anti-social or extememly independant, I.E. ; does not want to talk to people unless it is urgent. (If yes, Go to D, If not, Probably not emo)

D) Has unexplained cuts on wrist (If so, Probably emo, If not, possibly but not likely emo)

If you think that you know someone who is emo, it is recomemded to take them to a Psyciatric Unit, however not necessary if you feel that they are safe. Anyone in danger of killing themself, harming themself, of injuring others is in need to be hospitalized. I personally do not recomend becoming emo, however it is a choice that many make and many thrive with. The choice is up to you.

Two more common terms of emos are:

A) Misfits (Said circa 1980 to 2000, however term still used)

B) Cutters (Said circa 1970 to today, term not as frequent but seen, pertains only emos who ‘cut’ their wrist)

As a final word on emos, I would like to say that it is not good to harm yourself, and you should always try to regret not in life. Why worry?