Not that it matters, who cares what the stereotypes about metalheads are? I listen to metal, I'm a metalhead because of the music... lame sociological aspects such as "stereotypes" of the fans neither concern nor interest me.
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My sig is not trolling. And it's not opinion, it's fact.
And I'm not changing it. I'm not gonna be browbeated by a moderator, simply because you don't like the fact that I'm bringing to light that the staff suspends half-decent posters, while allowing trolls to run rampant.
Well, you've still got about fourteen hours before you're infracted for noncompliance. Talk to whomever you want.
I listen to metal, I'm a metalhead because of the music...
Actually, listening to metal and being a metalhead are two worlds apart. Hell, my mother listens to metal. One is music preference, the other is a lifestyle.
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Metal IS part of my lifestyle though, as I'm really really into the music. It's a big big part of my life, and I consider it part of my identity.
But that's really all I care about, is the music itself. The compositions, the melodies, that's what grips me about the genre. Not smashing beer cans off my forehead with longhairs at concerts.
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My sig is not trolling. And it's not opinion, it's fact.
And I'm not changing it. I'm not gonna be browbeated by a moderator, simply because you don't like the fact that I'm bringing to light that the staff suspends half-decent posters, while allowing trolls to run rampant.
Well, you've still got about fourteen hours before you're infracted for noncompliance. Talk to whomever you want.
Or just liking the musical genre because it makes you seem different. Liking it for the music, not image, is what being a metalhead is ^^
Ok, offtopicking, but please reply your oppinion.
There's this guy I know that listens almost exclusively to metal. Yet when he goes out, he never wears any metal-oriented stuff like band shirts, boots, anything of the sort. He doesn't go to concerts because he thinks they're a waste of money. He doesn't buy CD's because he can get mp3's for free. When he rides in a car with guys from work, he listens to pop or folk music because he thinks metal music bothers them and he doens't like that. He doesn't hang around with other metalheads (not anymore anyway, because guys from work may think the worst of him if he does - he's a doctor).
Still, at home he listens to a ton of metal. Is this guy a metalhead? I mean, we're ok, we say hi to each other and perhaps even grab a beer once every two years or so, but to me he's no metalhead and never was.
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The majority of my music collection is MP3s too tbh. I have around sixty or seventy CDs but about 20 gigs of other albums. I just don't have the money to blow on CDs all the time.
Not only that, but I, also, do not listen to metal when the non-metal friends are around. I know my girlfriend probably doesn't appreciate me getting her to listen to Burzum all the time, nor my parents with The Chasm, etc. Me and them actually like to listen to some pop (Lady GaGa, maybe some pop-punk, or some Journey, etc), since that's an area we share common ground in, music-wise.
Judging by your assessment of your friend, it seems I'm not a metalhead either?
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Quote from Blinking Spirit »
Quote from TheButt »
My sig is not trolling. And it's not opinion, it's fact.
And I'm not changing it. I'm not gonna be browbeated by a moderator, simply because you don't like the fact that I'm bringing to light that the staff suspends half-decent posters, while allowing trolls to run rampant.
Well, you've still got about fourteen hours before you're infracted for noncompliance. Talk to whomever you want.
I no longer look the part of a metalhead. I did for at least a decade, and still have some items kicking around the closet that I brake out from time to time.
What I still have is the mindset. I still think in metal. I don't look the part anymore, but I never verbally deny it. I am a teacher and if my students or colleagues want to know what I like I tell them.
Married life has softened me, I must admit. I no longer go on benders, smash things, or otherwise be disrespectful. But I'm still a metalhead. I always will be (not that a metalhead means having to do those things. These are just typical of most people that like to be wild and party). I think Zombiemachine's buddy would be a metalhead if he wasn't ashamed of being one. That's the dealbreaker right there. Well, that and he doesn't support/foster the community.
Right now, I'm stuck in heavy metal limbo as I'm in China for another 2 years. Yes, I download a lot...but official metal CDs can't be sold here. What I do buy are "DaKou" (punched hole) CDs. They are snuck into the country as "recycling" with a hole punched near the middle (can still be played) and sold for 10rmb ($1.25) each. There are also pirates. So at least I am supporting the budding community here, if not the artists. As soon as I get back to Canada I will resume my habit of hoarding physical collectables asap (comics, cards, toys, vinyl, cds, etc). I may even grow my hair back, but that all depends on whether this recent trend of balding continues (i would rather go satriani then vai, if you get my drift).
Anyways, enough of this "yourenotametalheadimametalhead" business. Our community is already divisive enough as it is.
To reply to the OP of this thread...we all know the stereotypes, you knew them too. You could have listed them in the first post. The real point of discussion is should we care? I don't think so. Most of the stereotypes are negative and don't really mean anything to any of us. We know better. We are all old enough to know that a true judge of someone's character comes from knowing them.
Tl;dr: I'm all growns up now, but i still cried when Peter Steele and Dio died. I am still a metalhead.
Judging by your assessment of your friend, it seems I'm not a metalhead either?
You seem to be in a belligerant mood a lot. Ok, let's have it your way.
If you do not go to shows, do not buy the products, do not support the scene, do not listen to it unless alone and generally conceal the fact that you are one, then sure as **** you're no metalhead in my book.
Judging by your approach to this forum and your defensive stance when someone attacks some aspect of black metal, I'd say you're more of a metalhead than most that posted in these threads. But then again, I don't know you.
You see, my friends put up with my music just as I do with theirs. If I can listen to their car music, then they ought to be able to listen to mine as well or get a bloody cab. Being a friend is a two way relation and if my friend has a problem with me drinking beer in a restaurant or listening to loud music while driving or wearing combat boots, then perhaps he doesn't have what it takes to be my friend. Superficial people who get bothered by stuff like these are of no concern to me. I live my life the way I want it.
I have Christian friends who put up with my church-hate, I have friends who listen to pop and put up with death metal, I have a girlfriend who likes Croatan ethno music and can still swallow Braindrill or Here comes the Kraken and I have parents who like Queen but can still stomach Blind guardian or Therion.
That's the whole point of a subculture. Listening to music does not make you a part of the subculture, living it does. Sure, I annoyed a lot of people in my teens and my twenties, but now most respect me for it. And I admit that I'm a bit unflexible when it comes to music, because to me it's much more than just music.
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Ok, offtopicking, but please reply your oppinion.
There's this guy I know that listens almost exclusively to metal. Yet when he goes out, he never wears any metal-oriented stuff like band shirts, boots, anything of the sort. He doesn't go to concerts because he thinks they're a waste of money. He doesn't buy CD's because he can get mp3's for free. When he rides in a car with guys from work, he listens to pop or folk music because he thinks metal music bothers them and he doens't like that. He doesn't hang around with other metalheads (not anymore anyway, because guys from work may think the worst of him if he does - he's a doctor).
Still, at home he listens to a ton of metal. Is this guy a metalhead? I mean, we're ok, we say hi to each other and perhaps even grab a beer once every two years or so, but to me he's no metalhead and never was.
I mean, he is, and he isn't. To me, it's about the music. I mean, yeah, I wear the band shirts, buy my music, and get to shows if I can. However, I try to tolerate other people's music as well instead of forcing mine on someone else, and I think the fact that he doesn't subject others to his music because he knows they won't like it is actually mature. I respect your opinion, but to me, if he listens to the music and likes it, he's a metalhead.
Exception: Scene kids
If you do not go to shows, do not buy the products, do not support the scene, do not listen to it unless alone and generally conceal the fact that you are one, then sure as **** you're no metalhead in my book.
Judging by your approach to this forum and your defensive stance when someone attacks some aspect of black metal, I'd say you're more of a metalhead than most that posted in these threads. But then again, I don't know you.
Metal is part of who I am. I am obviously going to get passionate over my favorite genre of music.
You see, my friends put up with my music just as I do with theirs. If I can listen to their car music, then they ought to be able to listen to mine as well or get a bloody cab.
Why must it be mutually exclusive? Why can't you guys just settle on something you both enjoy? This shouldn't be a problem, assuming you like music other than metal.
Being a friend is a two way relation and if my friend has a problem with me drinking beer in a restaurant or listening to loud music while driving or wearing combat boots, then perhaps he doesn't have what it takes to be my friend.
My friends criticize the way I dress all the time. It's part of life. Its not like you have to listen?
Superficial people who get bothered by stuff like these are of no concern to me. I live my life the way I want it.
I have Christian friends who put up with my church-hate, I have friends who listen to pop and put up with death metal, I have a girlfriend who likes Croatan ethno music and can still swallow Braindrill or Here comes the Kraken and I have parents who like Queen but can still stomach Blind guardian or Therion.
You're always going to encounter these kinds of people. Why not just accept it and ignore it? You're gonna get criticized at some point by somebody so I don't see the problem.
That's the whole point of a subculture. Listening to music does not make you a part of the subculture, living it does. Sure, I annoyed a lot of people in my teens and my twenties, but now most respect me for it. And I admit that I'm a bit unflexible when it comes to music, because to me it's much more than just music.
Inflexible? In what way?
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Quote from Blinking Spirit »
Quote from TheButt »
My sig is not trolling. And it's not opinion, it's fact.
And I'm not changing it. I'm not gonna be browbeated by a moderator, simply because you don't like the fact that I'm bringing to light that the staff suspends half-decent posters, while allowing trolls to run rampant.
Well, you've still got about fourteen hours before you're infracted for noncompliance. Talk to whomever you want.
Ok, offtopicking, but please reply your oppinion.
There's this guy I know that listens almost exclusively to metal. Yet when he goes out, he never wears any metal-oriented stuff like band shirts, boots, anything of the sort. He doesn't go to concerts because he thinks they're a waste of money. He doesn't buy CD's because he can get mp3's for free. When he rides in a car with guys from work, he listens to pop or folk music because he thinks metal music bothers them and he doens't like that. He doesn't hang around with other metalheads (not anymore anyway, because guys from work may think the worst of him if he does - he's a doctor).
Still, at home he listens to a ton of metal. Is this guy a metalhead? I mean, we're ok, we say hi to each other and perhaps even grab a beer once every two years or so, but to me he's no metalhead and never was.
I call B.S. on that. Rejecting the fashion sensibility associated with a genre doesn't get you kicked out the "the club". Some would argue (myself included) that adopting the fashion sensibility of a particular sub-culture is simply a fashion choice, or even just typical vanity (more or less synonymous with fashion sensibility). It reminds me of those self proclaimed "hippies" thinking that listening to jam bands and reggae ad-infinitum, smoking the weed, and dressing like a vagabonds makes them one. Represent yourself any way you want to but you'll never convince me you possess the insight to declare who is a "metalhead". That definition was cast in stone (likely before your time) as someone who loves the metal.
Stereotypes are asinine. Stereotypes are racist. Stereotypes are _____
just plain wrong. And if you have any commen sense and logical rationale, chances are you agree too.
Stereotypes are asinine. Stereotypes are racist. Stereotypes are _____
just plain wrong. And if you have any commen sense and logical rationale, chances are you agree too.
So to review, Stereotypes are bad, M'kay?
I know they're bad and everything, I just wanted to see how much there were out there
I have something to add, but I am not a Metal Head. I used to have long hair and have a clean shaven face, but am a true Hip Hop head from the Bay Area that grew up on Mac Mall and Ice Cube. A lot of people used to think I was a Metal Head and that used to bother me..
I don't always "dress Hip Hop" and I don't always have a side-ways cap, a big Plain shirt, and baggie ass jeans. I used too, when I was younger (I'm white/hispanic by the way...) but the style wasn't so spread out as it is today. Hip Hop wasn't as mainstream in the early 90's and wasn't associated with "thuggery" like nowadays... Or at least this is what I feel. I guess growing up causes for one to want to appear a little more approriate.. Whatever appropriate means, is subject for debate.
When I do where my "Hip Hop attire" (again whatever that means) I can definitely tell the difference I get in public. Cops tend to always "pop up" and I get generally a lot less respect from common folk. I have been accused of stealing many times (Three times in magic shops in particular when I was a teen I'm 30 now..) and in the magic community I have been looked at as lame. Probably because most of the kids are white rockers and what not. Magic isn't considered "hip" but that's another topic. Also the magic community here is mainly obnoxious teens who have no respect and are complete bigots.
I still wear the same clothes but not so flamboyantly like I used to. I don't wear du-rags anymore and usually where my hat straight, but does that me me less Hip Hop? I don't think so, I can still be true to myself and wear what I want (its not like in hip hop there is any specific fashion anways, but I tend to have a little more class now). I also want to get what I want in society, and I also am now feeling less comfortable wearing crooked hats. I think its played out, and seeing a lot of wannabees is such a turn off. Some of these people look straight up dumb.
I think being a "head" of any kind is a mentality and not so much how you dress. I think it would be really lame to wear combat boots and your hair down with spiked bracelts and weird jewelry at your wedding... But, I also find it even more lame to cater to society completely just to fit in. I'm still wearing my timbs and rocking a fade (when I can) and representing hip hop but I don't have to always take it to the extreme.
I call B.S. on that. Rejecting the fashion sensibility associated with a genre doesn't get you kicked out the "the club". Some would argue (myself included) that adopting the fashion sensibility of a particular sub-culture is simply a fashion choice, or even just typical vanity (more or less synonymous with fashion sensibility). It reminds me of those self proclaimed "hippies" thinking that listening to jam bands and reggae ad-infinitum, smoking the weed, and dressing like a vagabonds makes them one. Represent yourself any way you want to but you'll never convince me you possess the insight to declare who is a "metalhead". That definition was cast in stone (likely before your time) as someone who loves the metal.
Ok, so you managed to narrow it down to fashion. Nice.
I get surprised by the amount of obviously intelligent people on this site that just go out of the way to point out one thing taken out of context and then drive it in.
Let me use a metaphor.
Let's say I'm a Manchester united fan. I go to see the matches, I sing the songs and wear my red jersey with pride. I travel abroad to support my team. I meet others, we become friends, we share the experience. Sure, sometimes there are Manchester city hooligans around and we get in a hairy situation, but we think it's worth it because we share something that we're deeply passionate about.
Meanwhile this other guy doesn't go to matches, doesn't associate with the fans, doesn't travel with the team, doesn't wear the colours or sings the songs. Actually, the only thing he does is watch football on TV and even then, he steals his neighbour's cable.
Maybe you think we're basically the same, but I beg to differ.
I can hardly wait for the absurd response(s) to this one.
P.S.
I'm a Liverpool fan.
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[Possibly?] ABSURD RESPONSE AHOY!
First, that wasn't really a metaphor, but I get what you meant.
The example you use really doesn't have an effect on your scenario. See, just because someone doesn't share in the experiences of some other fans doesn't make them a fan.
Some fans go further in their fan-dom, but that doesn't make them any less of a fan. Plus, some people don't like going to concerts, or in this case, large sporting events (which can be pricey). I think judging a person based on what they do, in terms of going to places/buying things/wearing clothes to support a certain team is maybe part of the lifestyle for some people, but is not a necessary piece of it.
I consider myself a metalhead, but I don't really encounter the stereotypes. I wear black band shirts at least 50% of the time. I go to gigs, but not nearly as many as I'd like to. I don't have the long hair though, because my hair doesn't cooperate. Still, I haven't noticed any negative reception to my choice of music, possibly because I understand that people don't necessarily appreciate extreme vocals or other common aspects of metal, and so I don't force it on them (usually). I'm also very much interested in progressive rock and classic blues-based stuff, so if I'm playing something over speakers in the company of non-metal friends I can typically find a middle ground.
Maybe it's because I don't fit the stereotypical "metalhead" profile that I don't encounter the stereotypes? What exactly is the stereotypical metalhead, anyway? Seems to me from reading the thread that there is a bit of disagreement about that.
Maybe you think we're basically the same, but I beg to differ.
No, you're not the same. You each choose to express/not express your enthusiasm for the team/sport in whatever way each feels is appropriate. The definition of "fan" will differ from person to person due to personality differences, etc. There need not be degrees of fandom as people have different ways of celebrating what they enjoy. Some happen to internalize their enjoyment when it comes to music with little regard for the trappings associated with it's sub-culture.
I suppose it's a moot point as I'd hope most metal fans could give a rat's arse what someone else thinks.
Quotes in blog.
Actually, listening to metal and being a metalhead are two worlds apart. Hell, my mother listens to metal. One is music preference, the other is a lifestyle.
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But that's really all I care about, is the music itself. The compositions, the melodies, that's what grips me about the genre. Not smashing beer cans off my forehead with longhairs at concerts.
Quotes in blog.
Ok, offtopicking, but please reply your oppinion.
There's this guy I know that listens almost exclusively to metal. Yet when he goes out, he never wears any metal-oriented stuff like band shirts, boots, anything of the sort. He doesn't go to concerts because he thinks they're a waste of money. He doesn't buy CD's because he can get mp3's for free. When he rides in a car with guys from work, he listens to pop or folk music because he thinks metal music bothers them and he doens't like that. He doesn't hang around with other metalheads (not anymore anyway, because guys from work may think the worst of him if he does - he's a doctor).
Still, at home he listens to a ton of metal. Is this guy a metalhead? I mean, we're ok, we say hi to each other and perhaps even grab a beer once every two years or so, but to me he's no metalhead and never was.
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Not only that, but I, also, do not listen to metal when the non-metal friends are around. I know my girlfriend probably doesn't appreciate me getting her to listen to Burzum all the time, nor my parents with The Chasm, etc. Me and them actually like to listen to some pop (Lady GaGa, maybe some pop-punk, or some Journey, etc), since that's an area we share common ground in, music-wise.
Judging by your assessment of your friend, it seems I'm not a metalhead either?
What I still have is the mindset. I still think in metal. I don't look the part anymore, but I never verbally deny it. I am a teacher and if my students or colleagues want to know what I like I tell them.
Married life has softened me, I must admit. I no longer go on benders, smash things, or otherwise be disrespectful. But I'm still a metalhead. I always will be (not that a metalhead means having to do those things. These are just typical of most people that like to be wild and party). I think Zombiemachine's buddy would be a metalhead if he wasn't ashamed of being one. That's the dealbreaker right there. Well, that and he doesn't support/foster the community.
Right now, I'm stuck in heavy metal limbo as I'm in China for another 2 years. Yes, I download a lot...but official metal CDs can't be sold here. What I do buy are "DaKou" (punched hole) CDs. They are snuck into the country as "recycling" with a hole punched near the middle (can still be played) and sold for 10rmb ($1.25) each. There are also pirates. So at least I am supporting the budding community here, if not the artists. As soon as I get back to Canada I will resume my habit of hoarding physical collectables asap (comics, cards, toys, vinyl, cds, etc). I may even grow my hair back, but that all depends on whether this recent trend of balding continues (i would rather go satriani then vai, if you get my drift).
Anyways, enough of this "yourenotametalheadimametalhead" business. Our community is already divisive enough as it is.
To reply to the OP of this thread...we all know the stereotypes, you knew them too. You could have listed them in the first post. The real point of discussion is should we care? I don't think so. Most of the stereotypes are negative and don't really mean anything to any of us. We know better. We are all old enough to know that a true judge of someone's character comes from knowing them.
Tl;dr: I'm all growns up now, but i still cried when Peter Steele and Dio died. I am still a metalhead.
You seem to be in a belligerant mood a lot. Ok, let's have it your way.
If you do not go to shows, do not buy the products, do not support the scene, do not listen to it unless alone and generally conceal the fact that you are one, then sure as **** you're no metalhead in my book.
Judging by your approach to this forum and your defensive stance when someone attacks some aspect of black metal, I'd say you're more of a metalhead than most that posted in these threads. But then again, I don't know you.
You see, my friends put up with my music just as I do with theirs. If I can listen to their car music, then they ought to be able to listen to mine as well or get a bloody cab. Being a friend is a two way relation and if my friend has a problem with me drinking beer in a restaurant or listening to loud music while driving or wearing combat boots, then perhaps he doesn't have what it takes to be my friend. Superficial people who get bothered by stuff like these are of no concern to me. I live my life the way I want it.
I have Christian friends who put up with my church-hate, I have friends who listen to pop and put up with death metal, I have a girlfriend who likes Croatan ethno music and can still swallow Braindrill or Here comes the Kraken and I have parents who like Queen but can still stomach Blind guardian or Therion.
That's the whole point of a subculture. Listening to music does not make you a part of the subculture, living it does. Sure, I annoyed a lot of people in my teens and my twenties, but now most respect me for it. And I admit that I'm a bit unflexible when it comes to music, because to me it's much more than just music.
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Offical High Priest of Reign of Blood
I mean, he is, and he isn't. To me, it's about the music. I mean, yeah, I wear the band shirts, buy my music, and get to shows if I can. However, I try to tolerate other people's music as well instead of forcing mine on someone else, and I think the fact that he doesn't subject others to his music because he knows they won't like it is actually mature. I respect your opinion, but to me, if he listens to the music and likes it, he's a metalhead.
Exception: Scene kids
Quotes in blog.
What? What are you even talking about bro?
I think we've stumbled across the key words here.
Metal is part of who I am. I am obviously going to get passionate over my favorite genre of music.
Why must it be mutually exclusive? Why can't you guys just settle on something you both enjoy? This shouldn't be a problem, assuming you like music other than metal.
My friends criticize the way I dress all the time. It's part of life. Its not like you have to listen?
You're always going to encounter these kinds of people. Why not just accept it and ignore it? You're gonna get criticized at some point by somebody so I don't see the problem.
Inflexible? In what way?
I call B.S. on that. Rejecting the fashion sensibility associated with a genre doesn't get you kicked out the "the club". Some would argue (myself included) that adopting the fashion sensibility of a particular sub-culture is simply a fashion choice, or even just typical vanity (more or less synonymous with fashion sensibility). It reminds me of those self proclaimed "hippies" thinking that listening to jam bands and reggae ad-infinitum, smoking the weed, and dressing like a vagabonds makes them one. Represent yourself any way you want to but you'll never convince me you possess the insight to declare who is a "metalhead". That definition was cast in stone (likely before your time) as someone who loves the metal.
just plain wrong. And if you have any commen sense and logical rationale, chances are you agree too.
So to review, Stereotypes are bad, M'kay?
I know they're bad and everything, I just wanted to see how much there were out there
I don't always "dress Hip Hop" and I don't always have a side-ways cap, a big Plain shirt, and baggie ass jeans. I used too, when I was younger (I'm white/hispanic by the way...) but the style wasn't so spread out as it is today. Hip Hop wasn't as mainstream in the early 90's and wasn't associated with "thuggery" like nowadays... Or at least this is what I feel. I guess growing up causes for one to want to appear a little more approriate.. Whatever appropriate means, is subject for debate.
When I do where my "Hip Hop attire" (again whatever that means) I can definitely tell the difference I get in public. Cops tend to always "pop up" and I get generally a lot less respect from common folk. I have been accused of stealing many times (Three times in magic shops in particular when I was a teen I'm 30 now..) and in the magic community I have been looked at as lame. Probably because most of the kids are white rockers and what not. Magic isn't considered "hip" but that's another topic. Also the magic community here is mainly obnoxious teens who have no respect and are complete bigots.
I still wear the same clothes but not so flamboyantly like I used to. I don't wear du-rags anymore and usually where my hat straight, but does that me me less Hip Hop? I don't think so, I can still be true to myself and wear what I want (its not like in hip hop there is any specific fashion anways, but I tend to have a little more class now). I also want to get what I want in society, and I also am now feeling less comfortable wearing crooked hats. I think its played out, and seeing a lot of wannabees is such a turn off. Some of these people look straight up dumb.
I think being a "head" of any kind is a mentality and not so much how you dress. I think it would be really lame to wear combat boots and your hair down with spiked bracelts and weird jewelry at your wedding... But, I also find it even more lame to cater to society completely just to fit in. I'm still wearing my timbs and rocking a fade (when I can) and representing hip hop but I don't have to always take it to the extreme.
Ok, so you managed to narrow it down to fashion. Nice.
I get surprised by the amount of obviously intelligent people on this site that just go out of the way to point out one thing taken out of context and then drive it in.
Let me use a metaphor.
Let's say I'm a Manchester united fan. I go to see the matches, I sing the songs and wear my red jersey with pride. I travel abroad to support my team. I meet others, we become friends, we share the experience. Sure, sometimes there are Manchester city hooligans around and we get in a hairy situation, but we think it's worth it because we share something that we're deeply passionate about.
Meanwhile this other guy doesn't go to matches, doesn't associate with the fans, doesn't travel with the team, doesn't wear the colours or sings the songs. Actually, the only thing he does is watch football on TV and even then, he steals his neighbour's cable.
Maybe you think we're basically the same, but I beg to differ.
I can hardly wait for the absurd response(s) to this one.
P.S.
I'm a Liverpool fan.
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Offical High Priest of Reign of Blood
First, that wasn't really a metaphor, but I get what you meant.
The example you use really doesn't have an effect on your scenario. See, just because someone doesn't share in the experiences of some other fans doesn't make them a fan.
Some fans go further in their fan-dom, but that doesn't make them any less of a fan. Plus, some people don't like going to concerts, or in this case, large sporting events (which can be pricey). I think judging a person based on what they do, in terms of going to places/buying things/wearing clothes to support a certain team is maybe part of the lifestyle for some people, but is not a necessary piece of it.
Quotes in blog.
Maybe it's because I don't fit the stereotypical "metalhead" profile that I don't encounter the stereotypes? What exactly is the stereotypical metalhead, anyway? Seems to me from reading the thread that there is a bit of disagreement about that.
Level 1 Judge
No, you're not the same. You each choose to express/not express your enthusiasm for the team/sport in whatever way each feels is appropriate. The definition of "fan" will differ from person to person due to personality differences, etc. There need not be degrees of fandom as people have different ways of celebrating what they enjoy. Some happen to internalize their enjoyment when it comes to music with little regard for the trappings associated with it's sub-culture.
I suppose it's a moot point as I'd hope most metal fans could give a rat's arse what someone else thinks.