therightfix

In this month’s issue of AP, All Time Low covered in the “100 Bands You Should Know” issue. Inside there was an article that really got me thinking. The question was, “Do you think it’s harder for new kids to join the scene?” Obviously, the only reason it would be harder would be because people would judge you and label you a poser or a fake. There are two endlessly arguable sides as to what is right.

Opinion 1: Judging people is wrong. Shouldn’t it be about the music? Why would you dislike someone because of what kind of music they like? Just because someone shares the same interests as you doesn’t mean they’re trying to be like you. There really isn’t a reason not to accept someone trying to get in with the scene.

Opinion 2: It’s human nature to judge someone. It’s what we do. And sometimes it’s a good thing. There are a lot of preppy kids out there in Green Day shirts thinking that makes them hardcore. And besides, who wants to get caught in a mosh with someone who is afraid to break a nail and only showed up because they think the drummer has cute hair? The truth is, there are posers and fakes out there giving a bad name to real fans everywhere.

But that doesn’t mean some new kids aren’t true fans. All the scene veterans were once the new kids, being judged themselves. The trick is finding a balance between the two opinions. Talk to the new kids and get to know them first before you slap a poser stamp on their forehead. Eventually, it becomes pretty obvious who’s real and who’s fake.

In my opinion, “poser” and “sellout” are two of the most over used terms ever. Don’t label people posers unless you’ve given them a chance to prove themselves otherwise. Don’t label a band sellout because they have a successful album that attracted more listeners and media attention. Just because they’re pulling in a few extra bucks doesn’t mean they’re not in it for the music.

Isn’t it a generally accepted idea that every one is a unique and one-of-a-kind? If that’s true, then if you change yourself to fit in with the scene or be punk or something like that to be different, then what are you really doing?

Shame is stupid.