By Shayla Parker, Arts Editor/Digital Editor
There have been numerous cases of individuals reverting back to their middle school phases or simply diving deeper into what they never left. These born-again emos blame the coronavirus (COVID-19) for the recent visits with their past selves.
Body modifications and hair alterations, extreme changes in appearance, have been normalized globally at this time. However, what most seem to be finding when they commit to this “new look” is that it’s actually not all that new. Once this is realized, they accept one of two scenarios: they have either taken a trip back to age 13-17 or are finally achieving their ideal emo self.
There has also been a spike in the urge to listen to music one would only put on during a trip to Hot Topic. For the few that never really left the early 2000s, this translates into jamming out to the songs once reserved strictly for when they felt misunderstood by their family.
The extensive self-isolation has led many to dance with the person they once were. Literally dance. TikTok is currently being taken over by emo or emo adjacent audio. Many are taking to the app to document their relapses.
While boredom has been cited as one possible reason behind such transformations, it is not the only reason. This new trend of people wrestling with their emo self can also be attributed to the uneasiness and uncertainty caused by the virus.
Who gets COVID-19 cannot be controlled and people have become cautious as a result— this results in a lot of stress over the possibility of a loved one catching it and worry that one may fall victim themself. When the practice of social distancing will come to an end cannot be controlled either — this results in much sadness in regards to when one may be able to see friends again.
But what can be controlled is appearance: hair, makeup, and clothing. This, paired with emo music, seems to be just too fitting given the current situation.
With that said, the middle school mindset is nothing to be afraid of, but should instead be embraced due to its accuracy presented in the modern world.
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