Goths and Emos frighten authorities
Published 12 September, 2008, 06:00
Edited 14 September, 2009, 01:45
Rebellious teenagers groups, known as Goths and Emos, are a popular part of the city's youth sub culture. But their trademark make-up and piercing are causing concern for the authorities. A bill has been put to Russia's State Duma aimed at curbing what is described as dangerous adolescent trends.
Emo and Goth music is a western import into Russia, a genre that emerged in the U.S. in the mid-eighties, offering an “emotional” take on hardcore punk.
“For me, EMO began with the music but grew into a new identity. I just wanted to stand out from the crowd. We love to express our emotions, laughing and crying with equal passion,” Emo-girl Alena said.
But, in June, a piece of legislation proposed in the State Duma warned against “dangerous teenage trends”. It calls for stringent website regulation and dress codes in schools and public buildings.
“Our proposals are only concerned with their extreme manifestations … depression, social withdrawal, sometimes even suicide,” Aleksandr Grishunin, Chairman's Adviser of the Public Council of the Central Federal District, said.
But some specialists say it’s not that dangerous and for the vast majority it’s just teenage angst expressed through the age-old formula of fashion and music.
“There are no statistics or evidence to show that such teenagers are more likely to commit suicides than others,” sociologist Ivan Fedorenko said.
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