Entry posted by Taka Nuvia
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Inspired by a 'discussion' I had with a friend recently.
Warning: wall of text ahead. ^^"
She would insist that two certain subultures are almost the same. Which they are not, because I've done a fair share of research on both and I can say that the aesthetics are different, the music is different, and the general attitude towards life and other things is not alike, too.
The only thing they really have in common is that in both people wear a lot of black.
What really annoyed me though was that my reasonable arguments were greeted with... not saying ignorance, but there was no intention to actually consider my viewpoint coming from her side. I could say what I wanted, there'd always be a "But..." in return.
Ah well.
Later I thought about it again, and realized that actually that is pretty much the reason why I never really labelled myself as something like "Goth" or "Metalhead" or whatever.
(Okay, some of you may recall a time, around 2008/2009 when I referred to myself as "Emo" {or rather, "Emo Mata Nui" haha xD} repeateadly - I was 14, okay... ._. it was more of a joke anyway because that was what people at school always shouted.)
For the more research I did, the more I realized that technically, belonging to a subculture, or identifying oneself as such, depends on so much more than just what you're wearing.
From what I've seen, read and heard it just goes deeper than that.
In search for "my place" I looked at many things, and drew my conclusions. I am attracted to the dark aesthetics of the goth subculture. I love putting skulls on everything. (which is more a silly quirk of mine, though xP) I enjoy Metal in many forms (both 'true'/obscure and more 'mainstream' stuff, woot) Painted leather jackets are cool. Mohawks are cool. Punk rock can be nice, too.
I could never ever decide for something, though. To me, by saying "I am this or that" means I would bind myself to rules, real or unspoken ones, and all of a sudden we'd be back to trying to fit in; only that this time it's not the 'general' public, but a smaller circle. Still, a set of rules. That's the last thing I want.
At least that's my view of things. What I've also encountered a view times, especially among people my age, is the following attitude:
"Oh, I am different than the others. I listen to different music. I dress all black - I must be a goth!"
I often get the feeling that it's more about drawing a line between "Myself" and "The others" than about really getting into it.
Which of course is, technically, a legitimate reason, too.
After all, everyone has their own way of life, their own ways of approaching things, their own tolerance of labelling.
Therefore IMO you can't really call someone a 'poser', either, just because they don't do it 'your way'. Yes, I will start a debate if you mention things like "Goth and Emo are the same". I will try to point out why it isn't so, based on facts. If I see I won't be getting anywhere, I'll just agree to disagree.
I won't, however, think any less of you just because you think of it differently than I do.
After all, elitism is evil. :S
And don't get me wrong, for a while I strived to find a group I 'belong to'. Somehow I realized that just being myself was the option that worked better for me. Having to conform to a label of any sorts would make me feel uncomfortable. I guess in a way it can mean safety, though. Certainty. A kind of "I know who/what I am".
I guess for now I'll just stay the person who wears a lot of black and skulls, draws and enjoys science. 
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