Like little boys who pull pigtails?

that which they don't understand yet secretly desire

by which I mean different forms of music, not human companionship (though this is often really the case).

Hmm, give examples. Dave Q's rewriting-adolescence theory holds truer for me.

could it be that the rockists mock chart pop's disposability and youth-appeal because they are jealous that the pop fans are having all the young sexy panty-clad multicultural fun?

might the pop fans make fun of rockists' stodginess because they secretly wish for respect and canonization and Mojo-style tomes on Max martin's brilliance, the wood-paneled gentlemen's club atmosphere of fusty list-making and righteous indignation at the kids these days?

No, would be my first answer ;)

I think that there is sometimes a kind of hidden lifestyle-envy, though, rather than a music-envy. I was particularly annoyed by indie kids because it's one of the subcultures I could see myself fitting into most easily but on the other hand so much of the music the subculture loves is so dreadful.* So there is an element of envy there, but it's more that in some ways I wish I did or could like the music more, rather than that I secretly do.

*I am kind of part of the subculture anyway but it's a bit different in London and I don't dislike it nearly as much as I used to.

I don't think I've read Dave's adolescence stuff, but I'd like to if someone can point me there. I do think that some of the prejudices that most frustrate me about my own taste were born out of the pre- adolescent hazing I took as a wannabe new waver trying to be accepted by older punk rock kids.

hidden lifestyle-envy, though, rather than a music-envy.

I think I'm referring to this too, but its related. I think more record freaks than would care to admit believed, at least at one point in their lives, that having the right combination of records would unlock to door to some subculture where they will feel at home.

if you think this thread is dumb it means you secretly loooooooooove it so why don't you marry it?

No the rock fans want to like pop so someone eventually knows what they're talking about or agrees with them.

or sleeps with them.

if you think this thread is dumb it means you secretly loooooooooove it so why don't you marry it?

'Cuz it's got cooties and smells like poopie! So There! Pppppthtbbbbbb!!

Really real music nerds are the only ones whose senses of identity have been so corrupted by their obsession that they DON'T heap scorn on stuff that repulses them - they mortify themselves listening to stuff they hate repeatedly until they can understand it, so it's power to damage their equilibrium is nullified. Kind of like a headhunter eating his enemy to absorb the source of enemy's strength. The ones who heap the scorn are dilletante nerd-manques, or possibly just pussies.

Of course, when I heap scorn on stuff, it's because it's shit.

and you eat the november rain slash solo to steal its power, right?

I know, I know. "Watch out where Slash been sprayin', and don't eat that November Rain"