http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl? ... 5&from=rss

Hmmm, I would have never guessed

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"Competition is natural to the ignorant; and cooperation is natural to the wise." - Manly Hall

I'm gonna get bum-rushed for this but here we go. I remember when Metal and all the other flavors of metal got started. It wasn't for comfort it was social expression, same as Rap and all the various venues of that music form.

The interesting thing about metal was the "head-banging" it inspired. You know, shaking your head back and fro, hair flying everywhere. I don't see no "comfort" in that... I think the gifted kids listen to it the same reason a lot of good ethnic kids listened to gangsta rap... to emulate being a bad-boy instead of a preppy nerdy-goody-goody-too-shoes! Or, they just like it 'cause their parents hate it and the loud noise, the clothes and culture in general... its the same reason for loud obnoxious rap music... rebellion against the older generation.

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"Down with democracy... we need more dictatorships"! Galamoth
"Derms, celebrate your independance"! Babz

It's not uncommon for people to use music as a means of rebellion, but metal's close relative punk is more what you described. I know a few metalheads who consider themselves "educated failures", and this describes them perfectly. Extremely gifted social outcasts. One has been playing the guitar for 13 years, who is 18 years old. If you take a look at just about any great metal group, it's easy to attach rebellion to their lyrics. Groups like Slayer, Lamb of God... some of the most self-motivating, self-empowering music to date. Describing musical interests as simply rebellion is a cop-out, a way to label an entire group that you don't understand and don't care to understand. I've done it myself, too. Rap, for example. I'll never understand that particular genre or the people who compose it. That goes for country, too.

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"Competition is natural to the ignorant; and cooperation is natural to the wise." - Manly Hall

I didn't really get into Heavy Metal until I lived in Arvada, CO for about 7 mos. If it has a beat, some rthythm and I can follow the changes... I can appreciate it. It helps if the lyrics don't offend me. Rebellion will always be a part of youth, but that's not why I made the claim above. Social groups, whether they be political, educational, theological... whatever the demographic, there will always be a push for all in those groups to mentally meld and link. Those that fall in line with the majority are "rewarded", parental, and peer group praise, confidence among peer group, etc.

Then there are those that do not; they will question the status quo, they refuse to accept or concur without hard facts and will still question authority figures or established norms. They are rewarded also but their path is usually a bumpy one. They are considered social misfits, only because they do not play the social game.

Both groups have produced productive members of society, to consider a group positive or negative, enlightened or cerebally challenged is up to the individual. Personally I believe that evolution of the human psyche, spirit, and physical dna can only be accomplished by those that continue to push the envelope, to never be satisfied, to feed their insatiable appetite for knowledge, physical prowness everyday.

Rebellion does a mind, body and soul some good too!

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"Down with democracy... we need more dictatorships"! Galamoth
"Derms, celebrate your independance"! Babz

I get my rebel on when I listen to Billy Joel

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No Beggin, my sig is fine.

I never got my "REBEL" on by listening to music. Music has always been and will always be "entertainment" for me. I'm an odd duck though being a fan of most genre's of "music" in general. I "love" none of it, but I "listen" to all of it. I am equally content listening to classic metal or listening to classic rap. I take country music in stride, though it's not my first choice . . . but who doesn't love some good Kenny Rogers, "Know how to hold 'em"? I love to listen to Bach, Bethoven, Mozart, and I think these classical works rock in Midi format. Nothing wrong with Madona, Michael Jackson, Prince, Britney Spears, Shakira (she's Hot!). I do try to stay away from Opera - the fat lady just can't sing fast enough if you ask me.

I think it's an overgeneralization to say that people indulge themseves in music in an effort to express their rebellious natures. I think people indulge themselves in music, or video games, or sports, or whatver else they might have an interest in for the purpose of "entertainment" and "escape" - a break from the monotiny or repetitveness of daily life. I think you can only call it an "expression" when you are the one doing the creating. So, maybe the dance itself, the head banging, the break dancing, the slam dancing could be an "expression" but not the listening to the music.

Here's a less known fact about Pharoah . . . Pharoah was an excellent break dancer 20 years ago. When it was at its peak in the 80's Pharoah was quite good. Pharoah even tied for 1st place (not sure how you tie - the other guy was waay better then me) in a break dance contest on the lovely island of Maui. Today, I don't have the strength, coordination, or desire for that matter to break dance . . . so, I play Tribes. Most of the time I listen to classic metal (Ozzy, Pink Floyd, Def Leopard, Scorpion, all of it).

I guess I had to try a little bit of everything. I'm not done yet.

Man, did we ever stray from the topic though . . . yes Cynagen - some smart kids listen to Heavy Metal! You're one of em, right?

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and pharoah also likes to refer to himself in the 3rd person

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AHH, but really I am referring to the younger Pharoah in 3rd person. I am a different person today.

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I think if you can really relate to the music you've chosen, it can be considered an expression. I know there are people who listen to music that's the complete opposite of their personality, life, experiences, etc just because they like the way it sounds. In that case, no it's not really a means of expression. Music is one of the last existing entertainment mediums that every one enjoys openly, I've yet to meet some one who had an honest distaste for music in it's entirety and that's why I think labeling entire genres and their listeners is ridiculous, just like any thing else in the world(except for maybe Nascar fans, no offense if there are any reading, but up to this day I haven't met one that wasn't from a Southern state). I'm sure every genre is capable of providing comfort for it's listeners, I just think it's nice to finally see people recognize that Metal is not what those who don't understand it say it is. The general consensus has been that if you listen to metal you're either a slacker or a hateful, immoral person. Stereotypes being disproven is never a bad thing.

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"Competition is natural to the ignorant; and cooperation is natural to the wise." - Manly Hall

ROFL... Go Pharoah... I did the breakin, popping, locking and stepping bit back in the late 70's and 80's! When I think about the moves I used to do all I can think about is how much everything hurts when I try one spin on my back! Just trying to get into position, to work up the momentumand the body mechanics to start a spin scares the crap out of me!

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"Down with democracy... we need more dictatorships"! Galamoth
"Derms, celebrate your independance"! Babz

Woot Def Leppard! Actually I don't really like new music all that much. Only genre I enjoy thoroughly is Alternative. Other than that, all classic music floats my boat. I can tolerate rap and all that jazz (pun!) but I just love the feel of music from the 70's and 80's.

Born in the wrong era I suppose

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No Beggin, my sig is fine.

I'm hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet yeah!

*dances around to def leppard*

See . . . you guys are the real fans - I couldn't even spell the bands name correctly. :0

Yeah Dunna - It was certainly once upon a time for us 70s and 80s era folk. Now, like you, it just pains me to even try. Now I have to live vicariously through my 6 year old son. He "really" likes hip hop music - anything with a good beat. I've tried to teach him some break dancing, but he would be better off just watching TV . . . LOL. It's a riot watching him try to dance though. He has no fear - he gets up in front of crowds at restaurants, football games, wherever it is he hears a beat, and jams out.

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That's awesome Pharoah, sadly my sons can't dance at all. Any attempt to move to a beat is just harmful to my eyes and my gut... from laughing so hard!

Also, I was a huge Def Leppard fan, their drummer was unbelievable even after his accident!

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"Down with democracy... we need more dictatorships"! Galamoth
"Derms, celebrate your independance"! Babz