The PSA raises an issue that I'll probably cover in greater length in a future blog post. I don't want to get overly analytical when I realize it's just an ad trying to encourage youth to get involved in the arts. But note the statement at the end--IF YOU REALLY LOVE MUSIC, PLAY IT. Well, does air-guitaring count? But seriously, think about that in the context of the current metal scene, or for any music genre, really. Most of the subgenres are bloated. I'm sure in their deluded minds, a lot of musicians/"musicians" think they "really love" music--enough to play it, but not enough to produce something that rises above mediocrity.
Let me be very clear. If you think being in a band, working for a label, running a distro, doing a 'zine, or being a pseudo-journalist automatically make you a bigger metalhead or make your contributions valuable, YOU NEED TO BE FUCKING SMASHED. Don't engaging all of these activities actually leave less time for metal listening, which is paramount for anyone who claims to be a metal fan? Metal is filled with sub-par bands, companies, distributors, and literature, and in most cases, these morons want recognition for doing a crap job. Their "contribution" is just about as important as all those overzealous traders in the '90s who would scribble "SUPPORT THE SCENE" or similar nonsense on packages. It reeks of go-getter attitude but in reality, did nothing, except perhaps momentarily perplex a mailman.
The whole issue of the importance of musical creation vs. enjoyment is a much deeper topic deserving of its own dedicated post. But the credo of "I participate, I'm special"* is ridiculous. Imagine if this dumb sense of self-entitlement was transferred to anything else. If you didn't have a hand in building a car or a plane, should you be able to drive or fly? Furthermore, would that prevent someone from becoming a expertly skilled driver or pilot? Presumably, you're reading this on an electronic device right now. If you can't solder a circuit board, should you be allowed online at all? Perhaps you should just plunge the soldering iron into your eye.
No, seriously, most of you should.
*Special thanks to Ace Frehley-style makeup enthusiast Jeff Tandy of Averse Sefira for partially inspiring this post. I remember him responding to someone's perceived metal sexism (not mine, unfortunately) on some forum, and he mentioned how, in his opinion, girls who worked the doors taking tickets at live gigs were showing metal dedication.**
**Obviously paraphrased, but I think the gist of the statement comes across. Please note I am only attacking an extraordinarily dumb comment, nothing more. Bands are obviously free to do as they please, and if that includes glow-in-the-dark shirts and performing Madonna covers, more power to them.
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