Over the years, metalheads have received a rough ride on both the silver screen and in television. From This Is Spinal Tap’s dimwitted guitarist Nigel Tufnel to good-natured doofuses like Wayne and Garth (Wayne’s World) or Bill and Ted (Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure), heavy metal enthusiasts are often cliches used for comedic effect, or as antisocial antagonists.
Admittedly, metalheads tend to enjoy our outsider status – but that doesn’t mean that the community lacks emotional depth or intelligence. And while the above-mentioned parodies are legitimately funny (see also: Metalocalypse), by ignoring the diversity of the heavy metal scene, these portrayals can reinforce all of society’s stereotypes about this subculture.
