Metal
music stereotypes incorrect unfounded
Andrew Pauling
There is a mystery that surrounds hard rock.
People seem to think it is only for the frightening, deranged, devil-worshiping
people among us. However, metal is more than just making some loud noise. This
music has some of the most entertaining, talented and “un-evil” people
playing and listening to it. People assume the music and concerts are just about
violence and hatred. In actuality, they are about having fun and enjoying good
music.
That’s right, I said it, “good music.” People have preconceived
notions of going to shows and the people associated with them. But this perspective
on metal music is wrong. This outlet of self-expression should not be looked
down upon merely because it is different.
Metal music, or hardcore, as the kids call it today, is the offspring of the
punk rock revolution that started in the ’70s. Punk was an anti-social
and anti-government music movement that pulled kids away from bell-bottoms and
afro picks to the seediest dives in the inner cities to watch a show and get
the crap kicked out of themselves. Today the genre is a mix of punk traditions
and new metal style to produce a fast-paced, hard-hitting sound.
Unfortunately, people often believe anything different from their own beliefs
is wrong. Today, believing metal is a “lesser form” of music is common.
Most people think metal is just noise, full of angry young men screaming into
microphones with no meaning behind it. But people don’t seem to realize
the facts. They immediately disregard it because they cannot understand the profound
messages behind the yelling.
People also falsely believe rock shows are all about violence. It’s true
that once in a while one jackass will cause a ruckus, but apart from that jackass,
most concert-goers will either be dancing, moshing, crowd surfing or singing
along with the band.
I love going to these concerts or local shows. I love the atmosphere, the sounds,
the people and just the whole experience. There is truly nothing like going to
a good rock show. It doesn’t matter who the band is, just as long as the
music is good, I can have a good time, get into the mosh pit and get my ass beat.
Despite the stereotypes, the people at these shows are not “monsters,” though
some may seem pretty intimidating at first. I’ll admit I once thought these
people were crazy, but then I began to spend time with them and learned better.
One person comes to mind — Steven. He has one-inch gauged ears, snakebite
lip piercings, a piercing through the septum of his nose, a tongue ring and dresses
in nothing but band T-shirts and Dickies. It took me a couple of days to get
over his strange appearance, but after getting to know Steven, he became one
of my best friends.
I know he’s a good person and wouldn’t hurt a fly, but he gets dirty
looks from passers-by and even from my own mother. Everyone seems to think he’s
some sort of freak. But he is not. People should just accept him as he is and
not judge him simply because he looks different.
These types, the ones at the concert and ones playing the show, are just trying
to express themselves. Self-expression is vitally important to anyone’s
sanity, and music is an extension of emotions and feelings, no matter what kind
of music it is.
I’m not saying everyone has to love this music or even like it. All I ask
is you try to appreciate it. Appreciation means to notice something has value
even if one doesn’t particularly find it likeable.
My suggestion to you nay-sayers is to befriend someone like Steven, or if you
already have a friend like him, tag along and go to a show. See how much fun
these shows can be. I will put money on it you will not even care that you have
a pounding headache afterwards.
Andrew Pauling is a freshman film major.
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