Quote:
Originally posted by knife_fight
I honestly hate this word more than anything that has ever been leaked to the media from the music scene. And I also hate that I couldn't hold myself back from writing this post.
And I also HATE it when people label themselves or others, pigeonholing them into some bullshit genre or stereotype of person. Human beings cannot be thought of that way. I know most of you know that obvious fact, but maybe some people don't (hint hint).
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for one thing .. if you have something to say - say it. This is a forum for that very reason.
I debate this topic with friends constantly ... its interesting - especially if you are older and have seen the music genres splinter into a million different divisions the way it has since the 60's. Music has always had a very strong impact on many aspects of youth culture - fashion being the most visible.
In the 60's you had rock - (which was broken into psychedelic, country-rock, pop, and a few other styles), there was country and western, there was jazz, blues, and a few other dominant genres.
I know i've left out or forgotten a number more, but nothing like there is today ..
There is at least 10, probably a lot more, different distinct types of metal alone. And goth has split into a ton of different types ...
Names of styles withing the genres I never knew existed.
With most of these genres come a distinct style of fashion.
From before i was born, certain bands have tried to develope a look as individualistic as their music. Something they could be identified with. The Beatles is an early obvious example.
And since there was popular music, the kids/fans have always wanted to emulate the dress of those bands as a way to identify with them. This is where many - if not most - of the fashion trends come from. (i'm talking youth fashion here - not Milan runway fashion - although the music fashions will often influence haute-couture)
So - you will see kids pigionhole themselves as this or that. Its unfair to dismiss someone for labelling those that desperately wish to be labelled. (unless they dont know what the hell they are talking about - like most old people who havent been paying attention to anything for the last 40 years and still think all kids are hippies)
So many followers of certain types of music have to dress an exact way to the point where it becomes a uniform. There was a specific punk look, a specific goth look, grunge, ska, you name it.
What bristled me was twofold ... people dressing goofy to say that they were being individualistic .. when they were actually trying desperately hard to look just like everyone else in their circle, and the ones that say they dont like to be labelled - when they are trying desperately hard to look just like everyone else in their circle.
I'm not saying there is anything wrong with expressing yourself (or more to the point - expressing someone else) just dont get all defensive and sensitive if someone referes to your look as 'goth' if you are running around in the middle of summer dressed like draculas bride.
Most of the outragious fashions are done to get a rise out of the old folks anyway .. and if you kids think you're the first ones to do it .. guess again - your folks did it to your grand parents, and so on. Its a natural progression of developement .. growth through rebellion.
It kills me when i'm walking in a mall and a couple of kids in foot high blue and pink mohawks strut around looking at people daring them to get a reaction.
Most people (in Toronto anyway) are so used to it that no one cares ... I laugh at the attitude myself - not the fashion.
i guess in summary i'm saying - what the hell, if it feels good, do it.
but dont get all uppity when someone calls your spade a spade ...
After all they are just aknowledging that you achieved exactly what you set out to do.
me - i've worn converse sneakers, blue jeans, and tshirts ever since i was 5. My influence was practicality. I dont think about what i'm wearing .. i just grab the 1st thing off the pile.
Probably because my musical tastes were so diverse that i couldnt possibly dress like my influences without developing a serious multiple personality disorder or becoming incredibly broke.