# Do you think all emo people are depressed? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 7, 2025, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750 "2025-04-07T17:17:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![melaniethewitch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melaniethewitch/32/18930_2.png) [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/21 "2025-04-07T18:06:39Z")
“Emo” refers to a music genre and associated subculture characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics, and introspective themes, originating from the mid-1980s Washington, D.C. hardcore scene as “emotional hardcore”. Here’s a more detailed explanation: - **Music Genre:** Emo music, also known as “emotional hardcore” or “emocore,” emerged from the [hardcore punk](https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&sca_esv=4f7b8728d565568a&rlz=1CAFQYM_enUS1154&q=hardcore+punk&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1z6uuwcaMAxVSMDQIHUhiHWoQxccNegQIKBAB&mstk=AUtExfBRQyePhVXGcOmxazDRrfIJXqfZaOLH7eJAtSdZDRnP8SyOTmxZcJM080IewDCMnODSbxm-Zcn5dKvg68j1uDf7uhSoPfWbVvlXTwNBXt1dv8TB3qnH-KMz6fSgiNcY_YI&csui=3) and [post-hardcore](https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&sca_esv=4f7b8728d565568a&rlz=1CAFQYM_enUS1154&q=post-hardcore&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1z6uuwcaMAxVSMDQIHUhiHWoQxccNegQIKBAC&mstk=AUtExfBRQyePhVXGcOmxazDRrfIJXqfZaOLH7eJAtSdZDRnP8SyOTmxZcJM080IewDCMnODSbxm-Zcn5dKvg68j1uDf7uhSoPfWbVvlXTwNBXt1dv8TB3qnH-KMz6fSgiNcY_YI&csui=3) scenes of the mid-1980 ---
**Author:** ![melaniethewitch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melaniethewitch/32/18930_2.png) [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/22 "2025-04-07T18:07:47Z")
no its a different style from punk rocker ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/23 "2025-04-07T18:09:17Z")
Doesn’t “emo” embrace more than just a music style but also a way of dressing and a distinct worldview? Ya know…a clique. That may sound bad but we all belong to cliques. ---
**Author:** ![melaniethewitch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melaniethewitch/32/18930_2.png) [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/24 "2025-04-07T18:10:54Z")
“Emo” originally referred to a music genre, “emotional hardcore” or “emocore,” characterized by introspective and emotional lyrics, but has evolved to encompass a subculture and, sometimes, a personality type associated with certain traits and aesthetics. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: - **Origin:** “Emo” emerged from the mid-1980s Washington, D.C. hardcore scene, evolving from “emotional hardcore” or “emocore”. - **Music:** The music genre is characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics, and can include elements of punk rock, pop punk, and indie rock. - **Subculture:** The emo subculture involves a style of emotional expression through music, fashion (like tight jeans, black hair, eyeliner), and attitude, often associated with feelings of melancholy, introspection, and emotional depth. - **Personality (Stereotype):** The term “emo” is sometimes used to describe individuals who are perceived as overly sensitive, emotional, or angsty, though this is a stereotype and not everyone who identifies with the subculture fits this description. - **Modern Usage:** While the music genre is still relevant, the term “emo” is often used more broadly to describe someone who is perceived as emotional, sensitive, or introspective. - **Variations:** Emo style is not fixed and can vary depending on individual preferences, influences, and subgenres within emo music. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/25 "2025-04-07T18:14:31Z")
I think it would be great if you went to the “Cafe Society” section and started a thread on the best Emo music. I have no opinion on it cuz I do not listen to that (usually) but that would be interesting I think. Although, this board leans older so not sure how many might respond. Still would be interesting. Just my $0.02. ---
**Author:** ![melaniethewitch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melaniethewitch/32/18930_2.png) [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/26 "2025-04-07T18:14:58Z")
lol maybe I will ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/27 "2025-04-07T19:47:27Z")
> [@melaniethewitch](#): > > “Emo” originally referred to a music genre, “emotional hardcore” or “emocore,” characterized by introspective and emotional lyrics, but has evolved to encompass a subculture and, sometimes, a personality type associated with certain traits and aesthetics. Side topic. I have not seen the highlighting in a post used before from my memory. So you just add the mord mark in \<\> to what you want highlighted? I guess so. Now back to our regular thread. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/28 "2025-04-07T19:58:04Z")
Can I ask your age @melaniethewitch? ---
**Author:** ![melaniethewitch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melaniethewitch/32/18930_2.png) [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/29 "2025-04-07T20:16:02Z")
13 ;-; so I’m old enough to post ---
**Author:** ![melaniethewitch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melaniethewitch/32/18930_2.png) [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/30 "2025-04-07T20:16:18Z")
(yes u do) ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/31 "2025-04-07T20:27:28Z")
Don’t mix up emo with goth however. Those goth kids are a happy bunch. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/cYQAFtkqH34/maxresdefault.jpg "Goth Kid on Vacation - SNL") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYQAFtkqH34) ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/32 "2025-04-07T21:17:12Z")
> [@Mallard](#): > > Good thing there’s google as I had no idea what “emo” even is. “Emo” has been showing up in crossword puzzles for a long time now (and not just in reference to Emo Phillips). ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/33 "2025-04-07T21:55:28Z")
Understood. You’re still very young. So many life changes coming your way. What you do as a teen rarely follows you through out your life. You’ll always like the music you liked in your formative years. It will be nostalgic to you. I promise you will change your fashion and looks many times. Are people asking you if you’re depressed? ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2025, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/34 "2025-04-07T23:09:24Z")
Would Allison Reynolds in the film The Breakfast Club be considered emo? At any rate, a couple of our children briefly dabbled in “emo” while in high school. I thought of it as a trend. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/35 "2025-04-08T00:06:36Z")
There’s a strong association between emo culture and suicide, and between depression and suicide. They aren’t exactly the same thing but it’s not exactly a stretch to think emos are depressed because of this association. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750/36 "2025-04-08T02:07:42Z")
Yes. I think she was an early form. I almost see this as coming from the beat stage. You know coffee shops and poetry readings and bongo music. My middle daughter begged and begged to dye her hair blue black in 8th grade. And went to dressing only in black. I didn’t question too much their music choices. Not sure what exactly she listened to. I didn’t let her do the dye job til halloween and using semi permanent dye. She hated it. She now says if I had had it done professionally for her it might’ve been more successful. Dang, I paid for her college education. She don’t appreciate nothing! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-all-emo-people-are-depressed/1016750.md?page=1)