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Mexico's Emo Teens Under Fire

They're being attacked in the streets by other youth subcultures

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 28, 2008 10:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – An ugly clash of cultures is surfacing in Mexico with so-called emo teenagers being viciously beaten in big cities across the country, Wired reports. In one well-publicized attack north of Mexico City, an 800-strong mob—made up of punk fans and ordinary working-class teens—beat up a handful of long-haired, mascara-wearing teens. Another attack in the capital itself has prompted the police to begin anti-riot patrols.

Youth subcultures are common in Mexico, but the emos have been attracting a violent reaction from their peers largely because of their androgynous look—a no-no in the nation's macho culture, experts say. "What do you do when you are confronted with a question mark about sexuality in Mexico?" asked a Mexican editor. "You beat it up." Mexico City has organized a summit of youth tribes to try and stop the violence.

A girl belonging to the 'emo' urban tribe, at Glorieta de los Insurgentes in Mexico City, on March 26, 2008.
A girl belonging to the 'emo' urban tribe, at Glorieta de los Insurgentes in Mexico City, on March 26, 2008.   (Getty Images)
A young man adhering to the 'emo' movement. 'Emo kids' have been having a tough time in Mexico - gangs of other teenagers have been attacking them in cities around the country.
A young man adhering to the 'emo' movement. 'Emo kids' have been having a tough time in Mexico - gangs of other teenagers have been attacking them in cities around the country.   (Getty Images)
A girl belonging to the 'emo' urban tribe, at Glorieta de los Insurgentes in Mexico City, on March 26, 2008.
A girl belonging to the 'emo' urban tribe, at Glorieta de los Insurgentes in Mexico City, on March 26, 2008.   (Getty Images)
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Mexican TV report on the fighting. (in Spanish)   (megustalarana (YouTube))

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