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Cutting and Emo are Not Related by Nicole Lero

Over the years, many people have mistakenly associated the terms emo and cutting, when in reality, the two are not related in any tangible way. While it is true that some people involved in the scene and culture do cut themselves, they're not doing it because they like emo music. In reality, they are doing it because they have some manner of mental illness, such as Bipolar or Borderline Personality Disorder.
The reason many people assume emo=cutting is largely due to a media frenzy that has decided to focus on what they believe to be the most negative aspects of the scene. Unfortunately, they've also chosen to focus on something that isn't really an aspect of the culture at all, and is certainly not embraced or encouraged by the vast majority of people involved.

Cutting involves someone using an object to cut their own skin. It is often a way of expressing inner pain, or dealing with feelings that are overwhelming to the person. People of all ages, races, beliefs, and sub-cultures can, and do, practice this -- again, because of their mental issues. Many get help for this, and are able to keep it under control. But as you can see, it has nothing to do with "emo" in any way.

Emo culture is one based on music, friendship, and self-expression. Many of the people involved in it are somewhat alienated from their peers and find a place where like-minded people accept them. As such, many people who are suffering from depression often improve, due to the influence of emo culture, if only because of the acceptance of the people around them.

Further, emo music is boldly honest, and will often express emotions in a way that the people feeling them can relate to, and wish they could express them. It helps provide them with a new outlet for their feelings and issues, which again, improves their lives. Because the scene evolved from punk rock, there is also a do-it-yourself aesthetic that encourages people to start their own bands and find ways to express themselves much like the bands they listen to.

It is unfortunate that the media has chosen a scene with so many positive aspects and chosen to demonize it in the way they have with the whole "emo=cutting" thing that has been reported countless times on television and in magazines. While it is true that cutting is not an activity that should be encouraged, or a healthy expression of emotions, it is not encouraged by this, or any, music-based scene.

If you know someone who is cutting themselves, please encourage them to get help, and try to be understanding. They need people to care for them and maybe an outlet for their emotions that are most likely overwhelming them.

About the Author

Nicole Lero is a writer who has appeared in various publications and has worked for many Web sites. She is currently a staff writer for the Shoutmouth.com ringtones and pop culture site, amongst others.