"there were cutters before emo" - Too true. I know several Goths - none are/ were cutters. I know several cutters, they're all quite conventional in appearance and conservative in outlook.

It is hard to resist the idea that at least part of the emo thing is kids living up to media stereo-types that makes the behaviour seem attractive to them.

That's another thing I hate, how "Goth" got dumped in with emo and has become perceived as such a negative sub-culture.

Back in the day, I was a bit of a goth, but not because it was dark and depressed with lots of peircing and stuff. Back then, the goths I knew were "Arty" and liked dressing up contra-fashion. There was an element of drama, with guys in victorian frock coats and canes, girls with beautiful pale skinned make-up, dark eyes and ruby lips, wearing high-neck frilled victorian blouses with tiny waists and neat little old-fashioned granny boots, oh and lots of real pretty jet jewellery. Now it is leather coats, clumpy boots and lots of chains. OK OK, I know I'm sounding like one of the "old folks" now, but I needed that little vent.