Emo and Scene are two words that many have heard of and have been used to describe people, particularly young people. It might seem as though these two descriptions simply mean the same thing, but in actuality have different backstories, attitudes, and styles that set these two identities apart. This article seeks to explore the differences between the two for those who are unsure of where they stand.
What is Emo?
The term emo is actually derived from the term ’emotional punk’ and was used to describe the sound of certain bands, particularly in the early days of the genre in the mid-’80s. It shifted over the following years to embody an emotional and often somber lifestyle. This lifestyle pushed forward emotion and expression as a way to cope with pain and hurt, specifically within the confines of the oppressions and judgements of society, while still being authentically true to oneself. The fashion became known to be darker – think a lot of skinny jeans and eyeliner – with a focus on aesthetics and personal style.
Emo is often considered to be a more serious disposition compared to the Scene, more concerned with the emotions of the individual and taking their own route rather than conforming to societal standards.
What is Scene?
Scene was coined later on in the mid-2000s, and was used to describe a more “vibrant” lifestyle and style. The overall attitude was more cheerful, with music being in the punk rock, ska and electro-pop genres, accompanied with a larger focus on fashion. Influences of the style and culture took from Japanese fashion, the 80s and trends at the time. The color palette often included neon pastels, black, and purple. Scene kids took fashion and made it their own, perceiving it as an extension and expression of their personalities, often focusing on the brighter things in life.
Scene is something that often evokes more fun, an electric zest for life and an almost contagious exuberance for life.
Music Difference Between Emo and Scene
The differences in emo and scene music is often the biggest distinction between the two. Emo is spearheaded by emotions and feelings, often focusing on the power of raw emotion and feelings. The music can often come with a somber and introspective message, while being passionate and deeply emotional. Some key bands are Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessional, and My Chemical Romance.
On the other hand, what is known as “Scene” music is quite often energetic and upbeat. Think more along the lines of punk rock and ska genres, as well as electro-pop as it took off. The main theme for scene music is often focusing more on having fun and being positive, letting go of any negative thoughts or worries. Paramore, Panic! At the Disco, and The All-American Rejects are some common scene music bands.
Fashion Difference Between Emo and Scene
With the fashion, there are some definitive differences between the two. Emo fashion focused on individuality and was seen as a way of reflecting the individual, using it to express themselves in nice and dark clothing. Think skinny jeans, band t-shirts, cardigans, and heavy eyeliners being popular among this fashion. There were also hair trends that included long bangs and black hair being popular.
Scene fashion also focuses on expressing oneself and having a lot of fun. The fashion became known to be brighter with more vivid colors and clashing fabrics, often drawing inspiration from Japanese fashion, punk rock style, and texture play. Popular style items during the scene days included dyed hair, neon or pastel colors, and a lot of accessorizing.
Mentalities Difference Between Emo and Scene
The mentalities of the two can be classified as similar but different. Emo focuses intently on pain, hurt and one’s inner conflict. It encourages wearing emotions on your sleeve and not masking them. Emo is there for those of us who need to express our pain in order to find a way out of it.
Scene, on the other hand, is often focused on being positive and having a good time. It encourages let go of stress and to not let things bog you down in a way where they can’t be handled. Scene allows individuals to have fun and be with those around them without overthinking life’s worries.
Interests Difference Between Emo and Scene
Interests for Emo often include things such as music and clothes, but more reserved in aesthetic. These individuals may also be immersed in literature, poetry and art as a form of therapy for better mental health. Also common amongst Emo is staying home and maintaining a social distance from other to protect from judgement from society.
Scene individuals are usually more open to new events, activities and spending time with friends, going to concerts and doing various activities together. This can include everything from playing video games to going out to the movies and engaging with one another.
Perceptions of Emo and Scene
Emo has long been seen as an outsider subset. Years ago, it was ridiculed and seen as a culture populated by ’emo kids’, who were often viewed as moody, depressed teenagers. That being said, the emo culture has grown leaps and bounds into a fully realized lifestyle and has become more accept by wider society.
Scene, on the other hand, is often viewed more positively and with more enthusiasm by wider society. Individuals who identify with it are seen as extroverted, happy and care-free. It is a culture with a generally easier time being accepted by society and those who don’t identify with it.
Celebrities Associated with Emo and Scene
Emo is often associated with musicians such as Gerard Way from My Chemical Romance, Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy and Hayley Williams from Paramore. Other celebrities include actors like Evan Rachel Wood, Emily Osment and Joe Jonas.
For Scene, popular celebs include Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco and Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens, as well as actors and models like Ashley Tisdale, Amber Heard and Emma Roberts.
Controversy Around Emo and Scene
The two styles have had a long history of controversy. Scene was heavily criticized in its early days, being labeled as a “fad” and being heavily attacked by pundits and the press alike. In more recent days, it has been looked at more neutrally and seen for what it is – an empowering statement of identity and expression.
Emo, on the other hand, often still carries a level of stigma from its early days when it was seen as capturing teenagers in a cycle of depression and apathy. While it has since shed much of this with time, there have been campaigns from some groups to dispense of the term and replace it with something else.
Summary
In summary, Emo and Scene have often been confused for one another, but upon further exploration, one can see that the two identities have their distinct differences. Emo is focused on inward emotions, a somber and dark fashion style, and a more introspective approach to life. Scene is focused on being positive, brightly colored fashion and having a lot of fun. The accusations and judgements of the two styles have diminished significantly over the years, allowing individuals to be free to express themselves as they please.
