I apologise if there's already a topic like this, though I didn't see one.

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever felt like they're not "as metal as other metal heads." Of course, metal isn't just the clothing or appearance or how kvlt your CD collection is. So, in other words, it shouldn't be a fashion statement or battle to see who's more intense, but sometimes...it is. That's the unfortunate aspect of it (and I'd guess it's the same in most music cultures as well, so it's not an occurrence particular to the metal community alone).

Some of my friends call me a "hipster metal head." I think it's pretty funny because it's a bit true - I've been told I look like I'd listen to Blink 182 or Taylor Swift so when people ask what I like and listen to and I come out with some black and pagan metal bands, I get some strange looks. To be honest, I don't have the money or time to buy bullet belts and fish nets and a shit ton of band merch. I actually really think it looks dumb and awkward. I wear the same pair of genes every day, what do you want from me?
And although it doesn't bother me all too much to not look overtly "metal," sometimes I feel quite "un-metal"...whatever that means. I'm often overlooked, even by fellow metal heads which is the most frustrating part.

So, I guess my question is whether or not some people feel like they're "failing" as a metal head since they break the aesthetic stereotype. What are your thoughts on it all?

Again, I apologise if this has already been discussed.

You're failing as a metalhead as soon as you care about what others think of you.

Me too, man. Me too.

Oh man how'd I miss that.

You only have one pair? Must be tough.

Stop being so self-conscious. Accept that the aesthetics have nothing to do with the music being played and that this applies just as much to the fans as it does to the musicians. It's not like being mistaken for a Taylor Swift fan while enjoying metal is a goddamn death sentence, anyways.

Unfortunately, that wasn't what I was getting at. It was an example.

As for saying that caring what people think about you "isn't metal," is counter intuitive when we're creatures that do care about such things. Appearances are quite important from a biological perspective, but that aside, I am enjoying the music and I don't really all too much, but as I said, the frustrating bit is being overlooked or considered anything but a metal head simply because I'm lacking the stereotypical appearance of one.

Caring about what others think of you is natural, being a metalhead and thinking 'am I metal enough?' is just stupid.

Who the hell cares, grow a beard (or armpit hair) if you like it.