Each person has his or her own specific tastes when it comes to things like clothing, hobbies, vacation, and music, the topic I will be focusing on today. As I’ve stated in a previous article, my music taste differs from the rest of my family. My father enjoys classic rock, my mother and one of my sisters adore religious, and my other two sisters prefer country. As for me, I revel in the pulsation of punk rock from bands like My Chemical Romance and Black Veil Brides to A Day to Remember and Pierce the Veil.

Of course it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I have received quite a bit of criticism for my taste in music, some criticism even coming from my own family. However, people disliking my music doesn’t bother me at all. The arrogant assumptions being made about my music does. So I decided to clarify a few misconceptions concerning those who listen to punk rock and punk rock music itself.

1. I am NOT alone

During my first year at college, my go-to start up conversation question was always, “What is your favorite song right now?” And if their answer ended up being an annoying Taylor Swift song that is played on Kiss FM at least five times every hour, I could guess that they wouldn’t know most, if not all, of the bands I listen to. During one of these conversations, the girl I was speaking to asked me the same question. When I told her my favorite song at the time was “Helena” by My Chemical Romance, she laughed and told me the band was dead and so was punk rock.

It irritated me that she automatically assumed that punk rock ended the day My Chemical Romance broke up. To this day, fans still get excited when the first note of “Welcome to the Black Parade” comes on Pandora. Punk rock has definitely not died. If anything, the genre has grown and strengthened. More and more punk rock bands are forming and the number of followers are increasing.

2. We are NOT Satan worshipers

For some mystifying reason, people have this wild belief that every boy or girl who listens to punk rock worships Lucifer. That claim is simply absurd. People who listen to punk rock don’t walk around in black robes, carrying satanic bibles and sacrificing animals to the devil. They are just people who enjoy the music and lyrics, no different than those who enjoy pop or country. The only difference may be that punk rock listeners wear more black. Black t-shirts, jeans, suits, possibly black trench coats, but definitely not black robes.

3. Punk rock is NOT depressing

Another point to clarify is that punk rock music is not depressing. In fact, it is quite uplifting and gives listeners more hope and confidence. Many songs contain positive messages, often times addressing the listener and telling them that they are not alone. Some songs tell them to stand up to their bullies. Some tell them to embrace being different. Some tell them that life gets better. However, I will not deny that a few songs are sad. Either the writer tells of a sad experience in his or her life, or the writer tells of a friend’s struggle. But those songs too have a message of overcoming a tragic experience or addiction. Overall, punk rock music lifts up people’s spirits, it does not drag them down.

4. It is punk rock, NOT "emo"

In an interview, Gerard Way refused to call My Chemical Romance an “emo” band. He did not want that name associated with his music because he did not consider his music to be “emo”. While punk rock music and “emo” music have similar instrumental sounds, the difference between the two is the lyrics. “Emo” music often contains lyrics that focus on hatred, hatred toward oneself and the world. But punk rock music, as I’ve stated before, contains positive messages.

5. The musicians are NOT bad influences

One of the most frustrating assumptions made are toward the musicians. I hear it all the time. Adults criticizing the musicians because of their tattoos and piercings, labeling them bad influences. However, having met some of these musicians, they are quite the opposite. These musicians are voices for the outcasts because they were once outcasts themselves. They relate to young men and women my age because they have gone through the same struggles as people my age are going through now. Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil openly talks about his struggle with overcoming self-harm. Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens supports those struggling with depression. These musicians have fought for their lives and continue to fight for their lives while at the same time helping their fans. So tell me, how does that make them bad influences?

Punk rock music has been criticized by too many people that know very little about the genre. It is time the truth about punk rock is revealed. I hope that after reading this article, some people’s views on the genre may be changed and that more people will be more open to listening to this type of music.