# My daughter is into something called Otep. Should I be concerned. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 31, 2010, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361 "2010-05-31T07:00:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2013, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/21 "2013-10-20T22:12:21Z")
> [@oxide9er](#): > > I have been a huge fan of Otep for many years now. Most of their music is about standing up for what you believe in, even if you are forced to fight for those beliefs. Otep Shamaya (lead vocalist, and whom the band is named for) herself is coincidentally a lesbian, a vegetarian and animal rights activist, so she has likely taken a lot of heat from the music industry because of her life choices and beliefs, but that has never stopped her from writing poetry, and making music. Many of their songs have powerful and/or uplifting messages behind them. So you’re saying being a lesbian, vegetarian, animal rights activist are lifestyle choices an artist will get opprobrium and “heat” for in the alternative music industry? Really? ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2013, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/22 "2013-10-20T22:19:01Z")
No kidding! I mean, what’s an artist got to do to be “edgy” nowadays? Kill kittens on stage?! ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2013, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/23 "2013-10-20T22:24:21Z")
Well, he let his daughter listen to Otep and now he’s banned from this message board. I think the lesson is clear. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2013, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/24 "2013-10-20T22:35:13Z")
I just wonder what I originally wrote in post 16 that I quickly reconsidered. Probably some lame pun about Imhotep. ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2013, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/25 "2013-10-20T23:28:28Z")
First rule of teenage music, if your dad likes it there is something wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/26 "2013-10-21T01:31:55Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > I just wonder what I originally wrote in post 16 that I quickly reconsidered. Probably some lame pun about Imhotep. If you really want to know, ask a Mod. They can see through the Great Edit Shroud, if I remember correctly. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/27 "2013-10-21T01:41:18Z")
Well, it might have been something about Dio’s daughter. I recall that I used to enjoy making comments about his daughters in threads where he mentioned them and/or what a strict shotgun-toting father he was going to be when they were old enough to start dating, not out of any particular disregard for them personally, but because it bugged him or at least that was the goal. ---
**Author:** ![Esco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9de053/32.png) [@Esco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esco)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/28 "2013-10-21T02:32:52Z")
Probably just a phase she’s going through. No worries, unless she starts growing fangs and wants to drink your blood . ---
**Author:** ![dba\_Fred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c37758/32.png) [@dba\_Fred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dba_Fred)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/29 "2013-10-21T10:29:31Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > I just wonder what I originally wrote in post 16 that I quickly reconsidered. Probably some lame pun about Imhotep. It’s not a lame pun but my thought: \ “If you chant ‘Otep’ three times to a mirror by candlelight at midnight, it turns you into a lesbian, vegetarian animal rights activist. Really, it happened to my friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s cousin.” > [@sisu](#): > > First rule of teenage music, if your dad likes it there is something wrong. I thought it went “First rule of teenage music, if your dad likes it, there’s something not wrong **enough** with it.” ---
**Author:** ![aNewLeaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/30 "2013-10-21T10:48:24Z")
I like Ani diFranco, but was completely ignorant of the existence of Otep. I like angsty college lesbian music but don’t actually know any angsty college lesbians. I should take a class or something. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/31 "2013-10-21T12:21:59Z")
> [@astro](#): > > So you’re saying being a lesbian, vegetarian, animal rights activist are lifestyle choices an artist will get opprobrium and “heat” for in the alternative music industry? > > Really? Of course not. It’s just something the teenybopper fans of some of these bands like to say to each to make them feel even more “hardcore.” [This perfectly normal thing] my favorite band supports is really challenging the establishment and people don’t like it! Yeah!" Bull and shit. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/32 "2013-10-21T16:32:46Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > I just wonder what I originally wrote in post 16 that I quickly reconsidered. Probably some lame pun about Imhotep. “If she switches to country, will she be called Bubba Otep?” You should be deeply ashamed. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/33 "2013-10-21T22:53:46Z")
_Somebody_ oughtta be. ---
**Author:** ![Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e47c2d/32.png) [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2013, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/34 "2013-10-22T04:44:14Z")
I don’t even know why I bothered with this thread, since any time the question is “my child is interested in X, should I be worried?” my answer is going to be “no”, it doesn’t even matter that it’s a zombie. ---
**Author:** ![Cayuga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@Cayuga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cayuga)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/35 "2013-10-23T13:52:24Z")
My daughter is interested in a zombie. Should I be worried? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/36 "2013-10-23T13:57:05Z")
> [@Cayuga](#): > > My daughter is interested in a zombie. Should I be worried? Only if she has a big delicious braaaaaaain. ---
**Author:** ![ServAsat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8c91f0/32.png) [@ServAsat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ServAsat)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/37 "2014-01-15T02:23:46Z")
Otep is of an ancient origin. It mean Creative Offerings. And it is not only the band name, but it is the lead singers real name, Otep Shamaya. I know its been awhile since this post. And I hope wholeheartedly you’ve let your daughter be a Tribe member since this… That’s what we call ourselves… The Tribe of Otep. Otep’s like minded souls, who appreciate her poetic, rebellious, honest and creative offerings. We aren’t just “Otep Fans.” We’re Artists and Activists, like herself. We “stand up, speak out and strike back” for the innocent, for the rights of all creatures on this Earth, for the quiet kids in school, for the outcasts, for the ones creating themselves in original and unique ways that others don’t or won’t understand. We Create and express ourselves through the Arts. Through Drawing or Painting, Music, Literature, Dance or Poetry. Through being Active! And letting our passions be our voice. I know our, when I say “our” I refer to the younger generations music scene, may put parents into a worry. And I can understand, with bands and artists like A Perfect Circle or Eminem… I am twenty three and have no children of my own, but I already fear for my future children’s musical tastes. But I have to tell you, understanding, hardworking, respectable parents, Otep Shamaya is a woman you want your daughters to look up to as a role model. Forget Beyonce, Rihanna, Avril Lavigne and countless other worthless talents. Otep Shamaya uses her talent! She’s an activist in her community and state. She donates of herself, her time and her earnings to charity and to support human and animal rights. She is not only a musician, but an author. She’s into politics and the government and how that effects us all. She appreciates her fans, she has meet and greets after every show they preform after always pouring her heart out on stage, where she not only signs merch and takes photos, but takes the time to talk to and hug and get to know her fans. She even prices her merchandise so its affordable to us, and sells her personal artwork… She is a loyal spiritual person. And all of her music centers around empowerment, enlightenment and the power of The People. I have been a Tribe member since her first album way back when I was twelve. I went to my Mom with Otep, who doesn’t care for Metal at all, but we have an open relationship and I always went to her with the things I had found and loved, which I still do. My Mom has always trusted me to govern myself respectfully and responsibly, which I have and always will do. My Mom still buys me Otep merch and CDs to this day… I have been to three shows and after all of them she talks with my spouse and I, remembers us! And gives us countless thanks and says her goodbyes to us with, Namaste, because she remembers we share the same spiritual views. Otep Shamaya is a beautiful woman, who’s passion is to help bring confidence and empowerment to others. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/38 "2014-01-15T19:52:09Z")
After this they may need to change the name to Twice-Baked Zombie. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/39 "2014-01-15T21:23:46Z")
This thread seems to have attracted a shill. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2014, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361/40 "2014-01-16T02:59:12Z")
At this late date, do you think **Dio** ’s daughter is embarrassed that she was ever a fan of Otep? She must be all of 14 by now. :rolleyes: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-is-into-something-called-otep-should-i-be-concerned/541361.md?page=3)