It's not okay - Using stereotypes
Many people, when asked, would agree that Australia is a multicultural society and that's all fair and well, but what about being subculturally accepting?
Those who go against popular culture are ridiculed, persecuted and often deeply offended by hurtful comments.
Media coverage of so called "emo" culture has stereotyped entire groups of people.
Almost half of my generation.
The supposed acceptance of "emo" culture put us into a situation where it is okay to tell complete strangers to slit their wrists because of their dress sense, their hairstyle, piercings or tattoos.
This is not okay.
The media stereotypes people in bands and who wear skinny leg jeans as "emo" and says that they must be suicidal.
Suicide and depression are serious issues and should not be joked about or forced onto particular groups.
I endeavor to be who I want to be and not what others want me to be.
By following my own way of life, I am devalued because of how I present myself.
It has gotten to the point where my friends and I can't walk down the main street without abuse being yelled at us.
We find refuge in the Retro Youth Café, but even then passers-by still feel the need to yell heinous comments.
Anyone who actually calls themselves "emo" is not helping our cause, because we are not depressed, we are not suicidal, we do not self-mutilate any more than the rest of the population.
We express individuality and people try to put us into a box because that scares them.
It is not okay to call anyone "emo".
We are all just people and deserve respect no matter how we look or behave if it isn't hurting anyone else.
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