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Alright, I’m going to post another rant. This one is directed at the gothic subculture. Now, don’t worry, I’m not going to alienate anyone. Let me start out by saying that I identify with the gothic subculture very well. I understand the need for individualism and even the fascination with all things morbid. However, I don’t listen to just angry death metal (I enjoy listening to everything but country and rap), I do not wear all black (but I do prefer dark colors) and I have no piercings or tattoos (although I’ve always dreamed of getting full sleeves). That being said, I am not labeled as “goth” by anyone seeking to stereotype me. Now, just because I don’t appear gothic, doesn’t mean that I can’t identify with them. Now, I’m also not going to label myself as goth either. Because I am not a label. If anything, I’m just that creepy, nerdy, artist guy.

Alright, that being said, what is it about goths that I don’t like? Let me first state that I do not mean “all goths” but rather “some goths”. There is a HUGE distinction between the two. Well, firstly many act like it is some sort of club and that in order to consider yourself a member that you must do certain things. Listen to goth music, dress in all black (perhaps with red/purple/blue accents), have facial piercings, have tattoos, do drugs, drink alcohol, smoke, be depressed and suicidal, etc… None of which is true. These same people will claim that they are non-conformist, they do what they want, they don’t care what people think about them, etc… all while restricting everything about themselves so that they fit into this gothic cookie cutter. I just find it ironic that these “individuals” are attempting to be non-conformists by conforming to a non-conformist subculture. That does not make a lick of sense no matter how you look at it.

There is also the issue of the gothic fashion genre. These kids wear mostly black and often have elaborate costumes and makeup that must take hours to prepare. Yet these kids say that they don’t care about their appearance or what people think of them. Now, I live in Texas and it is fairly hot down here. When I see a “runny goth” (my phrase for a goth whose makeup is running from all the sweat), I know that they don’t suffer through that heat in all that black because they enjoy it. Trust me, if given the choice between walking to work wearing all black, or wearing bright pink, I would pick the bright pink because I would rather not have a heat stroke. One of the most amusing days of my life was when I went to Edgefest. There where a ton of borderline goth bands there and there was no shortage of “runny goths” I just found it HILARIOUS that these kids where so vain that they would risk heatstroke under piles of black leather and metal studs so that they would look “cool”. Well, let me tell you, there is NOTHING cool looking about a runny goth, it’s actually quite pitiful.

What’s more funny is that these extremely vain kids want to turn around and bash the “preps” for being so vain and caring about their looks. That’s just hypocrisy. I would argue that the goths that spend hours putting on their makeup and “costume” are MORE vain than the prep that spends 2 minuets putting on his Tommy Hilfiger outfit.

Lets recap:
The things I don’t like about SOME goths are as follows: Exclusion, forced conformity to gothic stereotypes, limited and impractical wardrobe, vanity, and hypocrisy. I think that pretty much sums it up. If you consider yourself a goth, or rather, if you identify with the gothic subculture, please, don’t do these things. Not because I don’t like them, but because it makes you look like a stupid jerk kid. BE YOURSELF!!! if that includes wearing all black, listening to death metal, having tattoos/piercings, being fascinated with death, etc… then more power to you. If you’re vain, that’s you’re problem, I’ll just laugh at you when your makeup starts running from the heat. It’s not healthy to dress in all black in the southern states, if the heat doesn’t get you, the rednecks will. For those of you in the northern/colder areas of the US and the world, go for it. I would wear black every day if it wasn’t so damn hot. Also, if you are depressed, seek help. If you want you can even contact me and we can talk about it. I also suggest http://www.samaritans.org/ they’re a free, non-judgmental non-profit organization that specializes in emotional support. You can call someone up, or email them 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. They’ve actually helped me through a few rough spots.

As far as my frustration with these supposed goths goes, I decided to create a piece of artwork that pokes fun at this particular type of goth. We’re all PINK on the Inside! is a direct stab (pun intended) at this particular facet of the gothic subculture. If you’re a goth and don’t like “skin goths’ or if you’re anyone who just doesn’t like goths you’ll get a kick out of it. Also, if you’re not against wearing a bit of pink, you can buy these as t-shirts (in a variety of colors and styles).

Let me reiterate: I am not against goths, I do not hate goths, I am against conformity, labels, exclusion and vanity.

That about covers it for now,
Type to you later,
~Nathaniel