Emo connotes that it's not that bad and it's mostly a phase that will blow over.
YES. That's another major problem with it. "Emo" is said like it's an affectation, an attitude you choose about how you want to present yourself to the world, and just like any other attitude is something you'll grow out of after you hit 25. But for characters like Zuko, it's not a phase or some silly teenage way of coping with adolescent frustration-- it's genuine, justifiable anger and grief. And he won't grow out of it until he resolves his conflicts. Certain things he will grow out of-- temper tantrums, rash decisions, neglecting his relationship with Iroh (I doubt he'll run away to "find himself" again, since last time he did that Iroh was almost killed), lack of social skills. But even if he grows out of those things, he'll be a very angry, frustrated, and depressed person until he either confronts his family or totally lets go. We know he won't let go, so until he confronts them it's not something he can get over, not a phase. It's not him being dramatic for the sake of attention, because no one is paying him any attention.
no subject
YES. That's another major problem with it. "Emo" is said like it's an affectation, an attitude you choose about how you want to present yourself to the world, and just like any other attitude is something you'll grow out of after you hit 25. But for characters like Zuko, it's not a phase or some silly teenage way of coping with adolescent frustration-- it's genuine, justifiable anger and grief. And he won't grow out of it until he resolves his conflicts. Certain things he will grow out of-- temper tantrums, rash decisions, neglecting his relationship with Iroh (I doubt he'll run away to "find himself" again, since last time he did that Iroh was almost killed), lack of social skills. But even if he grows out of those things, he'll be a very angry, frustrated, and depressed person until he either confronts his family or totally lets go. We know he won't let go, so until he confronts them it's not something he can get over, not a phase. It's not him being dramatic for the sake of attention, because no one is paying him any attention.