Discuss. I'm not talking about the music (though music is a part of it), but about the characteristics of a person.
What does it mean to -be- metal?
- Thread starter Cheiron
- Start date
Jim LotFP
The Keeper of Metal
BenMech
student of the d'eh
((Note:: Part of this is due to Dave's comment about a guy being so metal that if you stabbed him with a knife there would be sparks or something... I couldn't find the statement when just looking.))
((Note 2:: These are some initial thoughts. I'm free to change my opinion at any time.))
To be metal, does not involve any fashion. It does not involve long hair, denim jackets, leather, band t-shirts, nor does it involve how you decorate your wall, nor how much you can drink. You don't even have to listen to metal exclusively.
To be metal, is all about the attitude. Metal is as much about emphasizing individuality as it is about bringing people together in an very non-conformist way. Thus, in the same way, a person can be metal in a very individual and non-conformist way. To be metal, then is to have the attitude of individuality, and non-conformity. It is to be a person who questions the tired ways of society, never accepting them just because one is supposed to, or just because its the way its always been done. A person who is metal often has a longing and deep hatred for the current condition.
Just as metal musicians often try to push themselves into musical excellence, so would somebody who is metal push himself into excellence in whatever he chooses. Because it is in excellence, in the action of pushing the envelope, that one enjoys freedom.
The reason a large number of males in the metal scene have long hair is because of the same reason that hippies did. Hippies enjoyed long hair because it wasn't accepted. It was a rebellious act. Metal, the same. Even today males with long hair are looked down upon. It gives that 'wild child', 'unprofessional' look to some. Personally, I really can't grow long hair. My hair gets to look really crappy when it gets longer (as far as I can tell, based on when my hair grows out a bit), and my hair just doesn't seem to want to get long. Anyhow, the clothing is just another part of identity, and showing ones love for metal. Its also again, by wearing a metal shirt you are saying 'this is who I love' and since metal is a rejected part of culture by the masses, its announcing that one doesn't give a fuck if you don't like what they listen to, and that one is a member of the rejected culture. But as I said, you don't have to have long hair and wear metal shirts, nor denim jackets to be metal.
((Note 2:: These are some initial thoughts. I'm free to change my opinion at any time.))
To be metal, does not involve any fashion. It does not involve long hair, denim jackets, leather, band t-shirts, nor does it involve how you decorate your wall, nor how much you can drink. You don't even have to listen to metal exclusively.
To be metal, is all about the attitude. Metal is as much about emphasizing individuality as it is about bringing people together in an very non-conformist way. Thus, in the same way, a person can be metal in a very individual and non-conformist way. To be metal, then is to have the attitude of individuality, and non-conformity. It is to be a person who questions the tired ways of society, never accepting them just because one is supposed to, or just because its the way its always been done. A person who is metal often has a longing and deep hatred for the current condition.
Just as metal musicians often try to push themselves into musical excellence, so would somebody who is metal push himself into excellence in whatever he chooses. Because it is in excellence, in the action of pushing the envelope, that one enjoys freedom.
The reason a large number of males in the metal scene have long hair is because of the same reason that hippies did. Hippies enjoyed long hair because it wasn't accepted. It was a rebellious act. Metal, the same. Even today males with long hair are looked down upon. It gives that 'wild child', 'unprofessional' look to some. Personally, I really can't grow long hair. My hair gets to look really crappy when it gets longer (as far as I can tell, based on when my hair grows out a bit), and my hair just doesn't seem to want to get long. Anyhow, the clothing is just another part of identity, and showing ones love for metal. Its also again, by wearing a metal shirt you are saying 'this is who I love' and since metal is a rejected part of culture by the masses, its announcing that one doesn't give a fuck if you don't like what they listen to, and that one is a member of the rejected culture. But as I said, you don't have to have long hair and wear metal shirts, nor denim jackets to be metal.
The guy was Katon from Hirax...indeed throwing sparks.
I would say to be metal can mean anything for anybody. It is just how you like to see yourself, like yourself to be seen by others, how you want your music to be and how you devise the world around you. Typically metal is probably the "us and them"-attitude, often resulting in elitist behavior. To be metal means to be uncompromising and not very cooperative with outsiders to metal.
All in all, metal can be very immature in that way - I try to avoid that as much as I can, which in return might not be metal for others, but to me, so we are back where we started: it is an individual thing...
...and it really does not matter: I relate "being metal" with the music, as I love it so much; other than that. You could also say "I'm alternative" or "I'm a Christian", just because you feel attached to these terms and the associations they include.
So in the end, I think it is probably more significant to listen to, produce and/or support good metal as music, not to abstractly be as metal as possible
I would say to be metal can mean anything for anybody. It is just how you like to see yourself, like yourself to be seen by others, how you want your music to be and how you devise the world around you. Typically metal is probably the "us and them"-attitude, often resulting in elitist behavior. To be metal means to be uncompromising and not very cooperative with outsiders to metal.
All in all, metal can be very immature in that way - I try to avoid that as much as I can, which in return might not be metal for others, but to me, so we are back where we started: it is an individual thing...
...and it really does not matter: I relate "being metal" with the music, as I love it so much; other than that. You could also say "I'm alternative" or "I'm a Christian", just because you feel attached to these terms and the associations they include.
So in the end, I think it is probably more significant to listen to, produce and/or support good metal as music, not to abstractly be as metal as possible
Jim LotFP
The Keeper of Metal
This is good stuff!
This sounds good except for the images of drunken "I don't give a fuck"ers that can be seen at any metal show.
If you ever think "My hair looks like crap when it's long", just look at Shane Embury and feel better!
My hair is really curly, and when it was growing out, it literally grew OUT, like a big afro, until it eventually collapsed under its own weight. I wore a lot of hats for awhile. When it's muggy outside it still levitates.
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