ELITEISM IN ALT SUBCULTURE (TIKTOK)

WED.7.30.2025

  Eliteism is a rising issue within alternative subcultures, especially in the cesspool that is TikTok, but it's been happening across the internet in general. I don't have anything revolutionary to add, but I'd like to express my opinion on the matter. 

  Lately, with the rising popularity of emo on TikTok, more and more people have been bashing on "posers" within the subculture. As a fellow emo/alt person — albeit still quite new to the scene — my interest was piqued. 

  In my opinion, I see a lot of these people coming into the scene as more like "newgens" — if that is the right term. Most, if not all, of them are being harassed for listening to "poser" bands, such as beloved bands like PTV and MCR. This I find especially strange because these bands are entryways into the more obscure music these elitists pride themselves on. When I was first getting into emo, I also listened to MCR and SWS before finding out about hardcore screamo and other similar genres. 

  This goes double for "posers" who dress in alternative fashion. I actually don't have a problem with it. This fashion is what gets them into spaces with other alt people; it might get them to discover new music and, in turn, the politics, and might actually get them into the subculture. But if that's not their cup of tea, that's okay too. They just should go around calling themself "alternative", only inspired by the styles. I've seen a lot of bad actors bullying "posers" for either not being alternative enough or being a "shein warrior". Which is really dumb. As if they are Alt Jesus or some bullshit like that. 

  TikTokers especially have a lot of entitlement, I feel — mostly because its population is mainly made up of teens and young adults without a fully developed prefrontal cortex. A lot of them want to keep alternative subculture a gated community, which is just silly. I think anyone should be welcome, as long as they uphold the beliefs and actually make an effort to act on said beliefs. Obviously, there will be bad actors and people who don't respect the community. But they need to get it through to their concrete skulls that not everyone will be like that. 

  However, I understand where the hate is coming from. But at the end of the day, these are mostly young teens experimenting with their style, and others more experienced in the scene should educate them and encourage them to also listen to the music or learn about the politics. Honestly, all these people are doing is scaring people away from what is, in my dreams, a beautiful culture that's full of great and accepting people. Eventually, the "posers" will be weeded out as the trend passes, and the people actually interested will stay.

  Wow, that was a mouthful. It's the first time I've written a more discussion-type blog. I'd love to hear some of your thoughts on the matter, too! I'm very interested in what others have to say in the matter. 

  I've been up so long writing this! Welp, it's 4:41 AM and my cue to leave. And in case I don't see ya', good afternoon, good evening, and good night!

DAKOTA <?>