Connections, musing.
With the recent break up of the popular alternative band My Chemical Romance, I have noticed, truly noticed, the deep rooted attachment our generation has to the music that is supposed to define our culture, as bands before us have done for our parents and generations before.
Going on to Tumblr and just searching not the band’s name, but just one of the members, I was shown with no less than 14 posts that paid homage to “a band that changed my life, without them I wouldn’t be here” types of posts in 3 pages as well as concert memories and the reminiscing of first listens of songs, albums.
There were so many stories that talked of intimate, personal details of these teens and 20-somethings’ lives. Details that our generation seems to feel more comfortable pouring out onto the internet, to strangers, than to adults whom they are supposed to put their trust in and depend on.
Our parents became people who they thought were good; providing the best they could for their family, sacrificing family time and being available for their children for moments that they thought could be held off. But in a moment that started when their daughter was fourteen, suddenly its four years later and the parents are just now seeing the problem that has manifested into social awkwardness and penchants for dark clothes and heavily lidded, made up eyes that listen to just as heavy music with a “screw you” attitude served on the side.
We, the Millennial Generation, grew up with friends who lived thousands of miles away, connected by digital data and wires, shared loves of music and books and dramas. It was easy for us to relate to characters on the tv, despite the mystical aspects or the too perfect lives. Because so many of those traits and lives are desirable and for just a day, it seems like the perfect life.
And the lyrics that weave in our heads, those were so easy to connect to. Because essentially, it’s kids like us who are writing them. These heartbreaking, soothing, angry words are coming from people who feel like us. Who just want someone to listen and care.
Prime example is Gerard Way, formerly of My Chemical Romance. He suffered from depression that lead to alcoholism and prescription drug abuse. He also poured his emotions over the death of his grandmother into an entire album, The Black Parade.
The difference between songwriters and musicians and the rest of us is that they have people who will listen to them, who will both sympathize and empathize with the emotions they put into song. So many now mostly have to hope that they can find someone to give them a virtual hug and listen to them rant over Skype. These children and young adults only have each other. And only if there’s not the random troll who will send them into a downward spiral.
But have we become too attached to these musicians and characters of drama? The ways we have created to feel closer to them instead of the people who we need to interact with on a personal, physical level daily, far outweigh these actual live moments.
Fanfiction, youtube, dedicated blogs, fandoms, pages on Facebook and fansites across the web in dozens of languages. Even roleplay, inserting ourselves as important people in these beloved characters and professionals’ lives.
When are we supposed to draw the line and walk outside and away from the carefully crafted worlds we’ve created online with mostly those who accept us with the occasional asshole?
These worlds seem so much warmer and more inviting than the separation and cold reality of our houses with parents who seem in blissful ignorance until the media points something out. Then their righteous worry and indignation is fueled for a few weeks before turning their backs once more, obligatory parenting for the season done.
Its much easier for Millennials to let loose on their blog without interruption than it is to try and verbalize emotions when every other word from your mouth may mean suggestions of medications of therapy from your parentals.
