EXPLOIT THE SCENE With Kyle “Kore” Parsons Episode 6: Politics in the Scene I love how “scene kids” are grouped together in one giant clump of kids with a single devalued stereotype of having a broken family, razor blades handy for those tough times, and being so “emo” that they cry instead of handling life. When, and why, did it become a catch-all for unloved daddy-syndrome girls and confused boys? All of these elements that make up an “emo” kid have been developed from many different crowds, different genres of music, different scenes altogether, but no matter what – the negative connotation is still going to be there whether you share one, or many, of these characteristics. It is actually ironic that all of the scenes are grouped together by a common term, because generally speaking those types of groups are segregated in a show atmosphere, and don’t necessarily like each other. Though most people on the outside of this otherwise secluded world of rock wouldn’t know any better, because judging doesn’t require participation. The reason for this topic being brought to the surface is a cluster of individual comments and scenarios that have taken place since the start of this column – but I don’t need to humor unintelligible remarks. Again, I very much enjoy people-watching and my various social experiments – it’s kind of my job and all. I was at this particular event as press for the opening show. Taste of Chaos is my thing, and over the past five years of its existence it has evolved into a kind of prom for the scene, if you will. You have your meat-head “jocks” (the hardcore kids that somehow believe pull-string basketball shorts, sleeveless shirts, and squared-off military hats are in-style.) This group is usually a catch-all for the guys who can’t fit into girls’ pants no matter how much jumping up-and-down they do. Yah, I said it. Some are true fans, most are not. There are of course the “nerds” as I continue my prom comparisons, who have adopted the nerdy-indie style of sweater vests and thick frames for their nonprescription glasses. Sometimes it is accented with plaid, but that’s a tricky game as plaid is the new black. We have the filler room. These are the “hair” kids, the skinny pants, you know that kind. I refer to them as “fashion core.” I don’t understand what happened to that crowd though. As I was continually poked in the eye by a fuzzy hoodie and the nose of a Sponge Bob backpack I realized they are only good for feeding the music industry money. Also, we are apparently in a phase of novelty-crap accessories. Who decided a Sponge Bob backpack at a hardcore/metal show was cool? I had to shove him out of the way just because I was tired of being stared at by a high-pitched Nickelodeon character and swallowing fake-jacket-fur. Also, news flash, apparently acne is in? Then there are the kids in the mosh pit. I don’t mean the jocky hardcore kids that act like dogs protecting their little circle, I mean the kids that are dancing and crowd surfing and getting rowdy. They are inbreeds of the hardcore and fashion core kids, who look they like they belong in a band – but probably aren’t. They come equipped with the hair, the pants, band shirts, and maybe a bandana to cover the dirt in an outside setting. Hardcore with style, I guess. This is where I used to fall before I started pretending to be professional. Lastly there is the prom court bitches. Just like high school, everyone hates them because they are jealous, but are nice to them because they are liked. Usually they carry this “fuck you” attitude because they are obviously better than everyone else since they get first shot at the band’s STDs. They are the stiletto wearing, mini skirt girls that can usually execute better on the street than in a show. Most are groupies, and few matter. These girls are actually only annoying when they are in the crowd and get upset when their stilettos hurt their feet. They tend to be weak-links while the crowd sways and are the first to get smashed. Turns out heels aren’t meant to hold up 40 people, or support someone falling on your head? Weird. Everyone else is just random people, people that work in the industry, or kids who are afraid of being generalized in this huge pot of “scene kids.” Well that was fun, but stepping outside of the prom spectrum and into the actual pet peeve this has all been geared towards. The “scene” is a stupid generalization. If you have “emo” hair, you’re not necessarily scene. If you have Underoath on your page, you’re not necessarily scene. Scene kids, in my opinion, are the term I use to describe those that are only into the whole setup for the look. They want somewhere to fit in, or they want to get girls, or their friends are doing it. Whatever the reason may be – “scene,” is someone who doesn’t care about the music. It is someone who fronts a look in hopes of being associated with the same ideals and stereotypes the scene brings – those same stereotypes that true music enthusiasts avoid. “Scene” is derogatory, but necessary in music’s survival – and I am going to continue exploiting it. On a new note, this is to educate those who mental capacities aren’t above calling someone an “emo faggot” or a “scene kid.” I swear, If I had a quarter for every time…