Why do some people wear black clothing?

[Violin]

I am curious as to why there are certin types of people that wear black clothing, fingernail polish, lipstick, the works. Id like to know, and all these internet sites seems bullshit to me, so I would rather rely on the firebox here.

[HarryB]

Because in their desperate attempt at "being different" because they can't conform to mainstream ideal, they conform to something considered counter-culture. However, these people are becoming mainstream themselves, so more people prescribe to this ideal because it's easier to achieve than the old one.

[siddy]

meh. i went through a stage when i dressed in all black.

my brother is a 'goth'. I think it's a thing of experimentation. Everyone is so quick to bash someone who is wearing something else. Saying that they're just conforming to their own little subculture, or something of the sort. I know that in my town, i was the only 'punk', and i knew of no other punks...did that make me a conformist? possibly. but maybe i was just having fun.

I won't deny the fact that some people do that to fit in...social pressures in a group of friends can be just as big as other social pressures to conform.

bah who knows. some people do it to conform, some people do it have fun. some people do it to scare others, some people do it to scare their parents.

who the hell cares? it has absolutely no baring upon your life, and it's not hurting anyone.

[Shinobi]

just do drugs, it's way cooler than wearing black :D


funny thing, is that their idol trent reznor dresses totally normal,,

[lucky644]

Because in their desperate attempt at "being different" because they can't conform to mainstream ideal, they conform to something considered counter-culture. However, these people are becoming mainstream themselves, so more people prescribe to this ideal because it's easier to achieve than the old one.

I've always been amused by that, how they want to be different than everyone else, and yet they themselves are part of a group, therefore they aren't different.

:p

[Drunken Master]

Because we work backstage more often than not:p

[-V-]

One interesting observation that I have made, in High school you see goths, however in college I have yet to see 1 single goth, out of the 10,000 people at my Uni!

[GrosPoisson]

Same here. The only person I've seen wearing black is this one weird, scrawny, pasty white kid who wears this kind of black body suit, black shoes, and black gloves.

I think he's with the drama department.

[BlindSite]

It's all just a stage, some people find their niche with the musical gimps, others with Jocks and others with just usual guys, some people don't fit in anywhere and usually change themselves to do so.

It happens, some people just try to go against the grain as well I suppose.

[Violin]

Thanks guys.

[-V-]

And go to HotTopic for all their pre-packaged subculture Cool :p!

[HarryB]

One interesting observation that I have made, in High school you see goths, however in college I have yet to see 1 single goth, out of the 10,000 people at my Uni!


That's mostly because all the social roles flip the second you go to University: The jocks are laughed at, and the geeks excel socially. Since the geeks no longer feel awkward, they stop acting like goths, and become openingly geeking by playing MTG and D&D in the lounges.

[Kid Maj]

This is always an interesting subject.

Over the years, I realized that trying to be different, trying to be the same, all of that, was a bunch of bs. Both sides of that spectrum are stupid and people are just free to dress as they want to.

Hell, I dont dress in black clothes but I wear alot of checkers and ska band shirts, sometimes a fedora, all of that, along with tons of video game related clothes I've noticed that it helps me identify other people who share my interests. What a great way to spark up a conversation, someone notices my Streetlight shirt, or my shirt wth mario on it and then talks to me. It has nothing to do with me trying to "fit a trend," I just wear what I like.

People need to stop whining about people "trying to be punk" or "trying to be prep." At the same time though, I think if you present yourself a certain way, expect to be treated as such.

This is always a bigger issue than it should be.

[kreket]

Black clothes are also associated with rockers, rock fans, film geeks, film makers, uniforms, burglars and a host of other kinds and activities. I often wear black and this was my need to defend myself. (I'm nowhere near the level of a goth and with a healthy no-no policy towards goth shops and clothes.)

I'll give goth that it has made it easier to wear some modern versions of the really old fashions. Maybe I'm mixing up cause and effect, but I like how a person today can dress up with older inspirations than from the last century.

Still, there is something about that one nightwish fan who bought a Van Helsing DVD after seeing the film first :eek: :eek: and then went very, very goth in his style. Something of a symptom of something, I just don't know what.

[CaptCommy]

Actually, I wear a lot of black. But thats just because I like the color. Usually black cargo pants and a black t-shirt for me. So it's not really a goth look, just black.

PS: I shop at Hot-Topic :o It's only because they have cool anime shirts sometimes.

[Drunken Master]

Same here. The only person I've seen wearing black is this one weird, scrawny, pasty white kid who wears this kind of black body suit, black shoes, and black gloves.

I think he's with the drama department.


If he is, it's probably Stage Movement neutral blacks

[FaKToR]

I've always been amused by that, how they want to be different than everyone else, and yet they themselves are part of a group, therefore they aren't different.
That all depends what you mean by "conform". I hear this argument a lot, but if by conforming you mean acting within expected societal norms than I don't really see it as being hypocritical on their part.

[Yiggs]

That's mostly because all the social roles flip the second you go to University: The jocks are laughed at, and the geeks excel socially. Since the geeks no longer feel awkward, they stop acting like goths, and become openingly geeking by playing MTG and D&D in the lounges.
College is going to kick so much ass.

[CaptCommy]

Fuck that Harry. I play MTG openly at lunch all the time. I'm a geek and I know it.

[Enders]

It has always been my dream to dress as The Man With No Name for a day and goto school.
Don't ask why

[Kak]

And a lot of the guys who wear all black and makeup and don't talk and don't do shit in school... Aren't usually going to College anyways. =X

[siddy]

And a lot of the guys who wear all black and makeup and don't talk and don't do shit in school... Aren't usually going to College anyways. =X

hurrah stereotypes.

i know a lot of people who look 'goth' or 'punk' or whatever and are quite intelligent and did quite well in school, but they usually don't go to univeristy for the same courses as most...you see them in english, philosophy, arts etc.

[Kak]

Sorry man, but you need to re-read my post.

I stated a single group of people with the following features: wears all black and makeup, doesn't talk, and doesn't do shit in school. There are people like that, I can assure you. Quite a few of them actually. No where did I even begin to imply that people who dress in all black aren't going to college. What I said was that the ones who don't talk and don't do shit in school aren't usually going to College.

[siddy]

yes, people who don't do work at school, usually don't go to college.

does it make a difference that they wear black clothes?

[Kak]

No it doesn't, but the people that don't do work at school and wear black cloths is a subcategory of people that wear black cloths. I was adressing this subcategory, as people who wear black clothing is the topic of this discussion.

[siddy]

but then it's totally irrelevant.

you're pointing at a group of people who say they don't do work and exclaim 'HA! They don't do well at school!'

it really has no point other than stating the blatantly obvious.

[HarryB]

That all depends what you mean by "conform". I hear this argument a lot, but if by conforming you mean acting within expected societal norms than I don't really see it as being hypocritical on their part.


Isn't comforming to a group that societal deems normally outcasted still conforming? Whether or not they're partaking in activites that happen to be the top of pile when it comes to social norms, doesn't make it any less conforming.


On that note, it's impossible NOT to conform to something, so I don't see why people worry about it. Conform to those things that make you happy.





Also, as for the geeks in university, there is only one group higher than them: the Half-Geek. They'll talk to you about stuff a jock would refuse to touch, but still shun full geeks and the things they do. Usually, they're the ones playing cards(such as hearts or poker) off to the side. They're the ones that the above average looking people and jocks turn for help with classwork, and the ones the geeks sit on the outskirts off asking for advice. They pretty much have everyone under their boots. When it come to classes, they're generally the ones who become Engineers and Lawyers.

[Kak]

HarryB you need to idle in xfire and add me to your friends list

[Wallrod]

Usually i'm pretty sure it's teenage melodrama, or a result thereof.

[GrosPoisson]

Also, as for the geeks in university, there is only one group higher than them: the Half-Geek. They'll talk to you about stuff a jock would refuse to touch, but still shun full geeks and the things they do. Usually, they're the ones playing cards(such as hearts or poker) off to the side. They're the ones that the above average looking people and jocks turn for help with classwork, and the ones the geeks sit on the outskirts off asking for advice. They pretty much have everyone under their boots. When it come to classes, they're generally the ones who become Engineers and Lawyers.

QFE. These are the kind of people who you're just as likely to see in the gym or on the track as in the library or in their room playing some computer game. These are the people that make college a blast because you can pretty much do and talk about anything with them.

[SWATJester_os]

I am curious as to why there are certin types of people that wear black clothing, fingernail polish, lipstick, the works. Id like to know, and all these internet sites seems bullshit to me, so I would rather rely on the firebox here.


I'll wear black slacks, a nice black t-shirt, when I go clubbing...sometimes. It's fashionable.....but not a goth look.

[Canuk]

People want to stand out so they dress in visually provocative styles. I'd call it a form of conformity because in reality they are just following in the footsteps of millions before them. That said there are very, very few in this world who don't conform because you probably aren't the first person to have dressed in whatever it is you're wearing. They're attention seekers.

[Daywalker]

I find it comical how many of these "goth" say that stupid You laugh at me because I'm different, I laugh at you because you're all the same quote, when most of them fit the sterotypical look.

[FaKToR]

Isn't comforming to a group that societal deems normally outcasted still conforming?
Like I said it depends on what you mean by conforming. If by conforming you mean, "conforming to societal norms" then no it's not conforming on their part. If you just mean conforming to any sort of standard of dress, style etc then yes, but then that's not very profound because as it's been pointed out there really isn't such thing as "non-conforming" in the case of the latter.

Whether or not they're partaking in activites that happen to be the top of pile when it comes to social norms, doesn't make it any less conforming.
Yes it does, because part of that may be rejection of traditional sources of authority. The whole idea is that it's rebellious. The fact that others do likewise doesn't make it cease to be rebellious.

[HarryB]

Like I said it depends on what you mean by conforming. If by conforming you mean, "conforming to societal norms" then no it's not conforming on their part. If you just mean conforming to any sort of standard of dress, style etc then yes, but then that's not very profound because as it's been pointed out there really isn't such thing as "non-conforming" in the case of the latter.

Why does conforming only happen if it's a social norm? To be honest, the only thing that isn't a social norm now a days is comitting a serious crime.


Yes it does, because part of that may be rejection of traditional sources of authority. The whole idea is that it's rebellious. The fact that others do likewise doesn't make it cease to be rebellious.

What authority? And how is pretending to be something that no one really cares about being rebellious? The whole point of rebelliousness is to make a statement. But since being "goth" is hardly a statement anyone actually cares about, it's thus hardly rebellious. They, being the people who think this matters, are only doing it because they can't conform to the 1st or 2nd highschool norms (jock, cool slacker), so they conform to the 3rd( outsider).

Once they reach University, where no one cares about whether or not you belong to a group, they drop the act.

The only people who don't think they're conforming are the ones who think that it actually matters that they paint their nails black and paint up their faces white. Honestly, does it matter? No, because without that makeup their still going to be considered an outsider. But now they have a way to join a group of other outsiders. The only reason they choose this selection of clothes is because other outsiders do it to. If goth meant wearing clown hair, they would. What is the easiest way to make sure you're not alone: conform to a group. It just happens that goth is an easy one to conform to.

[FaKToR]

Why does conforming only happen if it's a social norm?
Why shouldn't it? Technically that's a correct definition of the word, so take it up with the dictionary. I didn't create the idea, and I don't espouse it, I'm just trying to help you see it in a different light.

Conform:
2 a : to be obedient or compliant -- usually used with to b : to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs
Maybe I'm wrong, but what we are talking about doesn't strike me as a prevailing standard or custom.

To be honest, the only thing that isn't a social norm now a days is comitting a serious crime.
That's your opinion.

What authority? And how is pretending to be something that no one really cares about being rebellious? The whole point of rebelliousness is to make a statement. But since being "goth" is hardly a statement anyone actually cares about, it's thus hardly rebellious.
Who knows, parents, teachers, government, the perceived adult world. You seem to be injecting your own opinion a lot here and saying that's how everyone else views it. Just because you don't think it matters does not mean others see it the same and more importantly it doesn't mean those who choose to dress in such way see it as you do.

They, being the people who think this matters, are only doing it because they can't conform to the 1st or 2nd highschool norms (jock, cool slacker), so they conform to the 3rd( outsider).
Again you're throughing out your own form of conform, which may be why they do it, but then so what?

Once they reach University, where no one cares about whether or not you belong to a group, they drop the act.
What did you preform a study to come to this conclusion?

The only people who don't think they're conforming are the ones who think that it actually matters that they paint their nails black and paint up their faces white.
So? From their perspective, their own opinions mean more than yours does, just as your opinion means more to you than their opinions would. You're stating the obvious here, people believe what they believe. Not many people consciously follow "wrong" ideas. On the personal level everyone ("everyone" is too broad, but what else should I say) thinks their ideas are right, and everyone else is wrong.

Honestly, does it matter? No, because without that makeup their still going to be considered an outsider. But now they have a way to join a group of other outsiders. The only reason they choose this selection of clothes is because other outsiders do it to. If goth meant wearing clown hair, they would. What is the easiest way to make sure you're not alone: conform to a group. It just happens that goth is an easy one to conform to.
Again this is all your opinion that it doesn't matter, or that conforming here means fitting in with any group. This is a subjective topic largely and I don't see why you guys rave about it. It's like arguing over music preference. My preference for vanilla is more accurate to reality than your preference of chocolate.

[HarryB]

Why shouldn't it? Technically that's a correct definition of the word, so take it up with the dictionary. I didn't create the idea, and I don't espouse it, I'm just trying to help you see it in a different light.

I understand what you're saying, I just don't see why just because someone thinks it's rebellious and counter-culture makes you nonconformist though you're dressing and acting like hundreds of thousands of others.


Maybe I'm wrong, but what we are talking about doesn't strike me as a prevailing standard or custom.

Isn't it? You can't walk down a street now a days without seeing a goth or two, or prehaps one of those people who think they're hardcore punk. It is mainstream, whether those people want to think it is or not.


That's your opinion.

Obviously.


Who knows, parents, teachers, government, the perceived adult world. You seem to be injecting your own opinion a lot here and saying that's how everyone else views it. Just because you don't think it matters does not mean others see it the same and more importantly it doesn't mean those who choose to dress in such way see it as you do.

If that was true, considering how many kids are goth now a days, you'd see A HELL of a lot of adults dressed up as goths on the streets. The only ones I see are either pretending to be vampires in nightclubs, or work at a circus of some sort. Every kid will have authority issues, these kids are just cooping with it in a way that they've been told is considered "rebellious". Is what they're doing really changing anything, and will it matter when they leave highschool? Yes it's my opinion, but I have yet to see evidence to the contrary.


Again you're throughing out your own form of conform, which may be why they do it, but then so what?

So nothing. If I'm right, then who cares? Let them have their fantasy. As long as their painting their nails and not stabbing people, leave them be. I don't care that their goths; and I'd rather see them in a group than alone.


What did you preform a study to come to this conclusion?

Personal experience mostly. The individuals who were goth at my highschool, that went to the same university as I did, weren't when I saw them there. In fact, I went for two years and never saw a goth ever. Those people seemed to have a huge confidence boost and tended to mellow out. Usually they sat in the lounges playing whatever they wanted to play, unconcerned as to what others thought. I'm sure they came to the same conclusion as I did, people don't give a shit about what you're doing, where you came from, or where you're going, so don't care yourself. A lot of people made that clear at the campus Tim Hortons screaming their various D&D conquests.


So? From their perspective, their own opinions mean more than yours does, just as your opinion means more to you than their opinions would. You're stating the obvious here, people believe what they believe. Not many people consciously follow "wrong" ideas. On the personal level everyone ("everyone" is too broad, but what else should I say) thinks their ideas are right, and everyone else is wrong.

Of course that's the case. If it wasn't, no one would do anything since they would know it wouldn't accomplish anything. But people also have to realise that there comes a point where any statement their trying to make stops being effective. Honestly, you've made your "statement", but don't expect to make it far in this state. As it seems, they generally get that picture. Usually when reality hits. Which usually happens after highschool, since, as everyone knows, highschool is bullshit.


Again this is all your opinion that it doesn't matter, or that conforming here means fitting in with any group. This is a subjective topic largely and I don't see why you guys rave about it. It's like arguing over music preference. My preference for vanilla is more accurate to reality than your preference of chocolate.

Last time I checked, it was a discussion as to why people dress like goths. Since we can't talk to everyone person who's a goth and ask them why they're goth, we have to use observations and opinions. If you're going to sit here and expect some huge science paper on the subject then you might as well stop posting because it isn't going to happen.

That being said, in my opinion, how could something not be conformist when there are so many people subscribing to the idea of it? It has become the social norm for those who are not the social elite and care what others think. If you really want to not conform, come to school in a batman cape, burgerking crown, and mickey mouse shorts. THEN you'll be original. Goths are not original or unique. They are one of many goths, like there are many wiggers, many preps, many jocks, etc, etc.

[siddy]

I love all this merry-go-round conversation about conformity.

When i was starting highschool, about 7 years ago, I started to get into the whole 'punk' thing. but stuck in a town of only 20k people, I was the only punk. Was I still conforming although I had no group of punks to hang with?

And plus, conforming usually deals with societal norms. It is rebellion from the status quo. HOWEVER I do believe that lately the status quo has grown to include previously rebellious people, you see little punks, goths, and emo kids running around everywhere...

[HarryB]

I love all this merry-go-round conversation about conformity.

When i was starting highschool, about 7 years ago, I started to get into the whole 'punk' thing. but stuck in a town of only 20k people, I was the only punk. Was I still conforming although I had no group of punks to hang with?


Yes because dressing punk isn't orginal. Just because you're the only punk in your town, doesn't make a novel idea. You probably got the idea from seeing other people dressed like punks on one form of media or another. No one said that just because you want to be rebellious or annouse your musical taste (being punk in this case) that you have to dress like a punk. If you wanted to be unique, you'd listen to what you want, while dressing something unrelated to that music, and still be rebellious.

Pop culture has programmed people into thinking that what you wear = what you think, which I think is complete crap.

[siddy]

Conformity is the act of maintaining a certain degree of similarity (in clothing, manners, behaviors, etc.) to those in your general social circles or to those in authority. Usually, conformity implies a tendency to submit to others in thought and behavior other than simply clothing choice.
taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformity

please associate my actions in my previous post with the definition.

[HarryB]

Who decided it's only authority? Honestly, you're all hooked on this notion that just because the half billion goths aren't doing something an "authority" figure isn't doing, somehow makes it rebellious. If that was the case, playing violent videogames is rebellious because a lot of authority figures don't look kindly on it.

As for definitions:

con·form Audio pronunciation of "conform" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kn-fôrm)
v. con·formed, con·form·ing, con·forms
v. intr.

1. To correspond in form or character; be similar.
2. To act or be in accord or agreement; comply: a computer that conforms to the manufacturer's advertising claims. See Synonyms at agree.
3. To act in accordance with current customs or modes. See Synonyms at adapt.


v. tr.

To bring into agreement or correspondence; make similar.

From dictionary.com


conform (kon-form) v.i. 1.To show indentity or resemblance; correspond: with to: to conform to specification. 2. To adhere to conventional behavior. --v.t. 3. To make the same or similar: with to. 4. To bring (oneself) into harmony or agreement: with to. [< F < L < com-together + formare to shape]

From a Funk & Wagnells dictionary.


Under both definitions, Goths comply. They enter a group and comply to their rules. They exist to be different, which is ironic since they all look the same. They act to be rebellious, which is ironic because the most they'll ever be rebellious about is to stay away from any other groups. Just like an sports team, they all look the same and act in unison. Just because you say you're not conforming, doesn't make it true when you decided to dress up like everyone else in a group. Actions speak louder then words and thoughts.

[siddy]

alright, well...then if you've got your definition of conformity down as someone doing something that has been done before.

then what is rebellion?

what i'm trying to say is this...if conforming is doing what other people do, or have done in the past, then it is almost impossible not to 'conform' in any thought, word, or action. And to me, that seems like a vast-sweeping generalization.

What we have here are two groups of people, standing at either side of the wall, calling eachother conformists. We probably won't get anywhere fast.

edit: There are some key words in your definitions that seem to irk me, and make me believe that they do not have the exact same meanings as you'd like them to.

"To adhere to conventional behavior." Conventional. I don't think that you'll say that goths act 'conventionally'. In accordance with other goths possibly, but not to the status quo

" To act in accordance with current customs or modes" Current Customs.

I didn't know that the goth subculture has taken over the mainstream. Current customs in my mind reflect pop culture, not sub culture.

[HarryB]

My definition of rebellion an act against authority of recognizable organization. Which would all fine and dandy if what they're doing was truely defiant. But in all seriousness, people have been told for so long that this is the way to be defiant that it has become mainstream and no longer rebellious. No one seriously feels their social world is being threatened by goths, unless you find their bad guitar playing as an attack on society (which is perfectly understandable). The way things are now, goth should be a club with i.d. cards and membership discounts. But no one cares enough to tell these kids that what they're doing isn't that amazing/important/revolutionary, so they don't stop. I wouldn't do that anyway, as I previously stated, I'd rather see them with other people than alone. I just chuckle whenever I hear how counter-culture they are by joining a cultural group.

-e-

As for the calling each other conformist, that is why I stated in an earlier post that since you'll always conform to something, whether you choose to believe it or not, conform to those that make you happy. If conforming to the goth ideal gives you some sort of purpose, you go right ahead. Just don't bullshit yourself into thinking that you're being unique.

As for conventional, aren't they? They go shopping, they drive cars, they don't commit crimes (as it really doesn't matter what group you belong to to commit crimes), they go to concerts of bands they like, they mind their own businesses. The only difference is they dye their hair black and wear trenchcoats. DEAR GOD THAT SO OUTRAGIOUS.

Subculture is everything. Just because out of 100 people, 40 listen to rap, 30 listen to punk, 20 to metal, and 10 to country, doesn't mean that the country listeners are counterculture because their group is the smallest. It just means they subscribed to the smalled group. Same for goths. Just because they're not part of a larger subculture, doesn't mean they're counterculture. The only way to be counterculture is to do something that EVERYONE disaggrees with.

[siddy]

t it has become mainstream and no longer rebellious.

I'm in total agreement with you there. Especially as of lately, I think subcultures have been exploited for their marketability. Hot Topic, and a million other stores are raping punk, goth, and other cultures for their ideas, and it's really sad.

But with that said, there ARE two sides to every story. My brother is what you guys would call 'goth'. But he has always been a quiet person. Is he conforming? Maybe a bit in style, but certainly not in character. his character has never changed, only his appearance. But he's not a store bought goth like you see at the mall. Most of his clothes he made himself...and I don't think he's ever bought an article of clothing from a mall or a 'goth' store or anything. So yes, there are people who eagerly conform to a certain look, but that's not always the case.

The way things are now, goth should be a club with i.d. cards and membership discounts.

That is a pretty wide paint brush there.

But as far as i'm concerned I don't care what the hell people do. go nuts if you want to wear whatever, I don't care, it's a lot more interesting to watch then a bunch of people in kakis and polos, that's for sure.

[HarryB]

I'm in total agreement with you there. Especially as of lately, I think subcultures have been exploited for their marketability. Hot Topic, and a million other stores are raping punk, goth, and other cultures for their ideas, and it's really sad.

But with that said, there ARE two sides to every story. My brother is what you guys would call 'goth'. But he has always been a quiet person. Is he conforming? Maybe a bit in style, but certainly not in character. his character has never changed, only his appearance. But he's not a store bought goth like you see at the mall. Most of his clothes he made himself...and I don't think he's ever bought an article of clothing from a mall or a 'goth' store or anything. So yes, there are people who eagerly conform to a certain look, but that's not always the case.

I never said that being goth means you have to buy your clothes, or that you have to make yourself apparent to everyone else. However, the fact of the matter is that he is goth, one of many goth. There are loud goths, there are quiet goths, just as there are loud and quiet jocks. Just because you're not like every member of a group, doesn't make you any less a part of it.

[siddy]

well, i think i might have to drop this...because i think we might have to start going into defining what the 'goth' culture is, if it is not attitude, clothes or character.

but one thing you said struck me "My definition of rebellion an act against authority of recognizable organization."

well, I guess then conformity is a term of personal taste. If they believe they're rebelling against the authority of the general public, then it seems ok. It seems like the goalposts move from person to person, and more a personal thing than a simple yes/no.

[HarryB]

well, i think i might have to drop this...because i think we might have to start going into defining what the 'goth' culture is, if it is not attitude, clothes or character.

but one thing you said struck me "My definition of rebellion an act against authority of recognizable organization."

well, I guess then conformity is a term of personal taste. If they believe they're rebelling against the authority of the general public, then it seems ok. It seems like the goalposts move from person to person, and more a personal thing than a simple yes/no.


I wouldn't deny that. It just seems, to me at least, as an attempt to gain acceptance by a means they feel are unacceptable; that I feel are actually a lot more accepted than they'd like to believe.

[siddy]

I wouldn't deny that. It just seems, to me at least, as an attempt to gain acceptance by a means they feel are unacceptable; that I feel are actually a lot more accepted than they'd like to believe.

I see where you're coming from. The whole 'doing your own thing (in association with Hot-Topic)" is getting boring, and well....done

[Teufel Eldritch]

I wear black because it not only looks good on me but it... feels right. Black clothing suits my mood much better than clothes of other colors.

[Gopats]

to answer the thread's question:

I have a few black t shirts because i think i just look good in it. i hate black pants though. people say some girls wear it because it makes them look thinner. any coinidence that almost all goth/punk/emo girls are lard asses? i personally think girls with a nice body look sexy in black shirts. still hate black pants

[TASTEE DUBBA C]

meh. i went through a stage when i dressed in all black.

my brother is a 'goth'. I think it's a thing of experimentation. Everyone is so quick to bash someone who is wearing something else. Saying that they're just conforming to their own little subculture, or something of the sort. I know that in my town, i was the only 'punk', and i knew of no other punks...did that make me a conformist? possibly. but maybe i was just having fun.

I won't deny the fact that some people do that to fit in...social pressures in a group of friends can be just as big as other social pressures to conform.

bah who knows. some people do it to conform, some people do it have fun. some people do it to scare others, some people do it to scare their parents.

who the hell cares? it has absolutely no baring upon your life, and it's not hurting anyone.

Everyone has to be the laughing stock of the town once I guess.

The whole punk/goth scene is just for teenage kids who think their life is full of problems and thus must represent their "oh so deep" feelings through black clothing. The only reason they're sad usually is just because they think they are.

[siddy]

Everyone has to be the laughing stock of the town once I guess.

The whole punk/goth scene is just for teenage kids who think their life is full of problems and thus must represent their "oh so deep" feelings through black clothing. The only reason they're sad usually is just because they think they are.

big paint brush there.

[Loké]

I am curious as to why there are certin types of people that wear black clothing, fingernail polish, lipstick, the works. Id like to know, and all these internet sites seems bullshit to me, so I would rather rely on the firebox here.
I wear alot of black clothing, simply because I don't look stupid in it and since it's all black my mum doesn't have to sort them for the washing machine.

[Lord Kelvin]

Black clothing itself isn't a sign of rebellion or apathy, as is the case in goths. Goths wear black because black is the color that is traditionally worn at a funeral; add to that black nail polish, black makeup, and looking grim all the time, that is what constitutes a goth.

You know, the thought has occurred to me, "What would goths do if everybody started wearing black and it became hip?" Would we start seeing a new breed of "white" goths?

[GrosPoisson]

Nah. I think they'd still use their demeanor and "outlook" on life to set themselves apart from the rest of us.

[Lord Kelvin]

If they really wanted to set themselves apart they would be wearing rainbow-pattern clothing or something to stand out. Black makes you more of a group than it does set you apart. I still think goths wear black as a cry for attention, naive as it sounds.

[siddy]

If they really wanted to set themselves apart they would be wearing rainbow-pattern clothing or something to stand out. Black makes you more of a group than it does set you apart. I still think goths wear black as a cry for attention, naive as it sounds.

the candy ravers and e-tards already did the rainbow colours :/


edit: die thread.