Too Metal to Respect?

Metal heads are few and far between, they are judged where ever they are seen. We are not accepted but how is it fair that our music is not recognized like every other genre? My mom calls it offensive, others, the devil music. Television refuses to show it, radios to play it. Everyone in this industry fights harder to push the stereotypes out of the media and peoples minds, but we still have a long way to go.

I am not here to bash any other music, I'm trying to get the point across that metal deserves the same respect as every other genre. Back when AC DC and Pink Floyd was around, metal was a phenomenon. But now that new genres within the metal world have been introduced, the majority likes to keep this music on the hush hush.

I've heard so many opinions on how metal 'isn't music'. 'It's too loud, they're not actually talented, they swear and talk about death, everyone who is in a metal band are angry and depressed'. I try to let these comments roll off my shoulder, but sometimes i like to point out the obvious. Before anyone points fingers at this music, they should look at theirs. Does rap not talk about drive buys and dieing? Does it not swear and make racial slurs? Do you know any rapers that took the time to learn to play an instrument and play it well? Then you look at R&B and Pop. They are selling sex to little girls, setting high standards for every ones looks and life style. Now I admit i like some of this music too, but doesn't anyone realize metal is no worse then any other genre?

If one would care to go to one of the metal shows, they might get a better understand of the 'underground' world. We are not all angry and depressed, some may be, but the majority of us are all happy, joking and just appreciating the talent and music. The energy in a metal show is amazing, everyone is pumped up and just there to support the band. The metal scene is like a support group, it's amazing how everyone loves each other, and even if they don't like some of the music, we'll still respect the artists for their interpretation.

People I'm sure will deny that they don't bash metal. But even if you don't out right say something mean, the things you do, show all of us that we are not of equal value. Take for example, Orchard Parks Christmas show in 2007. When one of our schools bands Chopper Dave decided to preform, the teachers took the liberty to supply ear plugs. Although it was intended as a joke, it still shows that there is a different standard for our music.

As the years pass on, bands and artists like Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, Underoath and Cancer Bats, have indeed pushed their way onto Much Music and occasionally the radio. On 102.1 you can hear the occasional death metal band on later in the night. And much will play maybe 1/200 videos or metal music. This simply isn't enough. If you think this music is insane, will turn your child into the devil, your wrong. People need to look around and see the people who listen or play this music. They are NOT bad people. I know with this blog i will not change a lot of minds about our music, I'm just taking a stand and saying HEY LOOK these people are dedicated fans and musicians, give us some respect. If people don't give us the respect we need, then at least we'll still have each other. Everyone could through their opinions at us, but we'll "stay gold forever". Bring Me the Horizon.

Aside: http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?t=1837325&page=2 there are tons of these chat rooms voicing their opinion on whether metal is really music.