At some point in our gothy lives, we've heard someone, either a friend or family member (or a random person), say that our fashion is creating a barrier between ourselves and the rest of the world. We know that our family and friends mean well (as well as the random person), and sometimes their concerns make us want to roll our eyes. Even makeover shows, like TLC's What Not To Wear, makes snap judgments that either goths are creating the said barrier, or they are unhappy with themselves.
I'm sure that most of us who are goth, don't feel this way, because we like to dress a certain way, and everyone has their own personal style. It's nothing new for people to be uneasy about goth clothing, and most of us are use to the reactions that we get, no matter how annoying it is. But, are the clothes we wear are the blame for an imaginary barrier that separates ourselves, and the mainstream? Is there even a barrier at all? Personally, I think the whole barrier thing is a load of BS. There is only a barrier, if we allow one to be there. I believe that if there is a social barrier, then everyone is responsible for it, not just goth fashion.
The mainstream is partially to blame, because instead of getting to know a real goth, they assume that the negative stereotypes surrounding the goth subculture is right, and don't even try to make an effort. In a society where we are suppose to celebrate what we are, and what we believe in, fashion seems to be the only thing that people are still allowed to nit pick. I've met quite a few non goths who were very friendly, and eventhough I didn't become close friends with them, they were still attempting to make an effort to talk to someone who's a little different. Now, instead of making up catchy insults, if non goths would make an effort, then goths wouldn't feel a need to be suspicious of a non goth's kindness, or question why a non goth is striking up a conversation with them. Then the mainstream can have accurate information on what a goth is really like, and thusly, have no reason to put up a 'barrier'.
Goths are also to blame. Yes, we don't ask for someone to insult us, calling us 'freaks', and the like. We don't ask for any physical and emotional assaults that people have the need to hand to us. At the same time, we have to understand that some of our clothing choices are great for the clubs, but not for work, or other activities. Like if someone wore a corset to a job interview, the person will most likely not get hired, because they didn't dress the part. What I'm trying to say is goths need to know when to dress up, and when to dress down, for occasions, so we can show non goths that we can function in society just fine, without having to change our style, or what we like.
What do you guys think? Do you think that there is a 'barrier'? Has anyone told you that your clothes makes a barrier between you and other people?
I'm sure that most of us who are goth, don't feel this way, because we like to dress a certain way, and everyone has their own personal style. It's nothing new for people to be uneasy about goth clothing, and most of us are use to the reactions that we get, no matter how annoying it is. But, are the clothes we wear are the blame for an imaginary barrier that separates ourselves, and the mainstream? Is there even a barrier at all? Personally, I think the whole barrier thing is a load of BS. There is only a barrier, if we allow one to be there. I believe that if there is a social barrier, then everyone is responsible for it, not just goth fashion.
The mainstream is partially to blame, because instead of getting to know a real goth, they assume that the negative stereotypes surrounding the goth subculture is right, and don't even try to make an effort. In a society where we are suppose to celebrate what we are, and what we believe in, fashion seems to be the only thing that people are still allowed to nit pick. I've met quite a few non goths who were very friendly, and eventhough I didn't become close friends with them, they were still attempting to make an effort to talk to someone who's a little different. Now, instead of making up catchy insults, if non goths would make an effort, then goths wouldn't feel a need to be suspicious of a non goth's kindness, or question why a non goth is striking up a conversation with them. Then the mainstream can have accurate information on what a goth is really like, and thusly, have no reason to put up a 'barrier'.
Goths are also to blame. Yes, we don't ask for someone to insult us, calling us 'freaks', and the like. We don't ask for any physical and emotional assaults that people have the need to hand to us. At the same time, we have to understand that some of our clothing choices are great for the clubs, but not for work, or other activities. Like if someone wore a corset to a job interview, the person will most likely not get hired, because they didn't dress the part. What I'm trying to say is goths need to know when to dress up, and when to dress down, for occasions, so we can show non goths that we can function in society just fine, without having to change our style, or what we like.
What do you guys think? Do you think that there is a 'barrier'? Has anyone told you that your clothes makes a barrier between you and other people?
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