We're All Emo Teens in 2017

If millennial ennui had to be described with a single word, it might be Lil Yachty crooning “saaaaaad” in auto-tune on Kodie Shane’s 2016 single of the same name. It’s an anthem for the anxiety generation — one that yearns to overshare and connect with others in as many ways as possible. “Sad” is the kind of song you might hear on hip-hop station Hot 97 and at mall punk emporium Hot Topic, along with music by other emo rappers like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Lil Uzi Vert — whose merch, not coincidentally, is also available at Hot Topic. Thanks to them, it’s never been cooler to wear your feelings on your sleeve.

While sensitive rap may be at the forefront of the current emo movement, all of culture feels moody right now. On television, shows ranging from Rick and Morty to Riverdale touch upon depression and teen hormones. (Merch for both is also available at Hot Topic). In Neo Yokio, Jaden Smith’s character says things like, “My existential dread is acting up today.” On Instagram, meme accounts like Goth Shakira are going viral for their lengthy captions on mental health, identity, and dating woes. And in fashion, Vetements has produced wildly-popular hoodies that read “May the bridges I burn light the way” and showcase German metal band, Rammstein.

Finally, earlier this October, everything came together when the cool downtown store VFiles premiered a music video for “Hot Topic,” in which young wannabe-emo rapper Lil Aaron performs over a Panic at the Disco! sample. “My b**** sad and boujee,” he mumbles.

With emo feelings swirling in culture again, Hot Topic is arguably in the eye of the storm. It’s been quietly catering to black nail polish–loving customers ever since 1988, but as evidenced by a visit to the Queens Center mall in New York on Saturday, the store is just as popular as ever.

I recently took a field trip back to the emo establishment to see what was up, and to make sure the kids are alright. As I approached the store I couldn't miss a sign that said "
Every Day is Halloween" surrounded by a remarkable amount of clothing articles covered inn flames-- I guess I never fully appreciated that, thanks to Hot Topic, a person can dress entirely in flame-covered clothing. I honestly never had an emo phase. Browsing the store, I saw a lot of provocative merchandise that didn't necessarily provoke any serious thought. Also patches for jean jackets and and bunny stickers. T-shirts read "Idaho? No, Udaho" and "Anti Social Social Club."

The old me, that is, the teenager who preferred Nordstrom to Hot Topic, would have been offended by all this, but today, I see things differently. Today, I am an emo teenager too, raging against a system which allows a sociopathic baby-man to be president and blames women for assaults committed against them. I'm angry too. And you know, I think a T-shirt that says "Udaho" is just what I, a feminist, need in my life. And bunny stickers. You can never have too many bunny stickers.