When people are young, they look to music and the culture associated
with the music to help define their identity.  They meet people with
similar tastes and make friends, they dress a certain way, etc etc.
This has been cynically manipulated by marketers at times -- kids come
under the spell of a certain band, and there's a store at the mall
that can supply all their subculture needs.  Like Evanescence? Go to
Hot Topic! Like Dave Matthews? Go to Abercrombie and Fitch!

UR is the polar opposite of that -- their message is "Do not allow
yourself to be programmed."  Strangely enough, even a music and
message that says 'think for yourself' can be twisted around in a
kid's mind to something as ridiculous as what Mad Mike was writing
about.  Kids are kids, and they occasionally need reminding to chill
the f*k out and get a life.

OTOH who knows what was behind that kid's outburst.  Was he serious,
like that guy who killed himself on video for Bjork? Was he just
talking crack?  Who knows.  But as anyone who knew Dave Shayman knows,
when people talk about suicide, they may not just be playing for
attention...

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