Hello

by Annie
(Chicago, IL)

First of all, I would like to thank you for not talking smack about emo and scene kids. I've seen a lot of that. As one who is getting ready to go out into the world and make something of myself, I'm a little afraid of those people who would not allow me to dress in a certain manner or do what I want (within reason). All of those haters who call emo and scene kids posers and faggots probably don't even know those kids personally. To my knowledge, the definition of a poser is one who changes practically overnight or changes their style nearly everyday (prep -> goth -> skater). And I know that "faggot" is a derogatory term for someone who is attracted to their same gender. And yet you can not determine these things simply by looking at a photograph. I am almost positive that all of those haters and trolls have never met an emo or scene kid in person. I know that there are bad apples in every barrel, and the emo and scene trend has not been spared. And yes, I know that there are probably a lot of whiny scene girls, posers, and gay emo boys. Yet they just make up their minds that all of the people who subscribe to that particular fashion trend, are all posers and fags. It is these people who cannot think logically or see reason that scare me.
I'm a 21-year old college student and just coming into myself (if that makes sense). I've liked the fashion and the music for a long time, but I never had the courage to attract attention the way that this fashion inevitably will. I dressed as a "hobo" (coined by my mother) and had very few friends through a lack of social graces and the simple fact that I was very shy and introverted. But I now have a friend who is so strong and "doesn't-give-a-flying-fuck", that I find myself absorbing her courage. I'm not really outgoing by any stretch of the imagination, and definitely not as self-confident as I want to be, but the process has been started. I'm more confident in myself, where I want to go, and who I want to be.