The media, in the past ten or so years has linked Emo closely with issues of cutting and self-harm. Realistically this cannot be so, if you look self-harming objectively, there is no medical or cultural link that can possibly connect it to any one social group. Self harming is the result of mental illnesses, particularly borderline personality disorder, and is also carried out by people who are suffering from, or who have suffered from trauma or emotional damage. Cutting is also usually linked to other psychological symptoms such as depression, social phobia and extreme anxiety. Medically, it is impossible to suggest it affects any one group of individuals more so than another, and so claiming that it is present only, or specifically in one set of individuals is bollocks.

I understand that a large part of this imaginary link between Emo's and those who cut is is because a small number of vulnerable people are attracted to the Emo scene, because of its emphasis on self expression and its deeper exploration of emotions. Much of the music listened to by Emo's examines some of the darker emotions in the human psyche, but it does not actively condone or encourage any negative behavior in its 'followers', self-harming can be very ritualistic and can involve listening to a certain type of music, but this is part of the 'ritual', as such, and not the motivation for it. Motivation for self-harming springs from deeper, mental and emotional problems and is not simply a part of belonging to any one scene or listening to any one musical style as the media has brainwashed many young individuals (namely gullible dickheads who will believe anything that disses all goth like groups) into believing.Perhaps in a way Emo's are better at stopping self harmers as many are very aware that vulnerable people can be attracted to their culture, and so are good at spotting and looking out for self-harming behavior, and seeking help for those involved in these negative patterns.

Emo isn't cutting your wrists
Or always being sad
Or wanting to kill
Emo can be being yourself
And expressing yourself
Although it is more of a music genre
So when you talk about Emo's
Learn what Emo is first.