On Labeling: Should You be Offended?

Happy St. Patricks Day, Spookies!

I've unfortunately been forced to put the super-special post I promised you on the backburner because of extenuating circumstances (i.e., finals....wish me luck. I will need it). Nevertheless! I have vowed to bring you more postings, and so I shall. This (still very special) topic will overview the idea of labels, being referred to as a "goth", "punk", or what have you, and wether or not the whole idea of labels are offensive.

First of all, a disclaimer. This post is mainly based on my own experience, and the experiences of my friends. It may come off as a bit preachy, too, to those of us who have been in the scene for a while. If you disagree with anything I've said here, please feel free to share your own experience by commenting on this blog post.

I personally see nothing wrong with labels. Certainly the idea of a stranger judging you on your outward apperances and then condensing that down to a single dubious descriptor does not sound pleasant. But then again, it is very useful. After all, if it's got feathers like a duck, and it swims and quacks like a duck....

With that out of the way, there are a lot of words in American culture that are acceptable, or even complimentary when people of the same social group say them to eachother, but they become offensive when people outside that social group say them. Let's take a moment to identify a few of these words.

I argue that "Goth", "Punk", "Skate Rat" and the like fall into the same category. When an outside person calls a goth such, the immediate reaction is to get defensive. After all, what does that person know? I could have just chosen to wear black today. The tables become shifted, though, when two goths discuss the subject, or call one another goth. In this case it becomes complimentary, an understanding between two people who share a culture.

And in running with the common theme of politeness, if someone from outside your particular sphere of hanging-out politely approaches you with genuine interest (especially if they have genuine interest!), it'd be a nice gesture to answer their questions. After all, who wants to perpetuate the stereotype that alternative lifestyle people are an impenetrable clique of snobs?

I hope you've all enjoyed what I've had to say. As always, if you agree, disagree, or want to post your own opinion, please feel free to do so, and keep suggesting topics for future posts!

Love,
Miss Manic

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

The day we've all waited for is here, spookies! Enjoy the atmosphere about you, and have a wonderful time!

As for me, I simply have to share that my Halloween is ALREADY the best Halloween ever, and I haven't even been to bed yet. I got to go home and see my mommie (whom I haven't seen in a month!), I went to see a fantastic concert with my favorite fellow, my favorite beer was on tap at the bar we went to, and I got a hug from the musician I've had a crush on since I was just a little babybat!

If that just doesn't make your Halloween spirits soar, I don't know what does. Okay, so raiding the sale racks of the party store on November 1 is pretty high up there, but I have to say....this concert....probably the best one I've ever been to in my life.

I highly suggest that members of the dark-and-spooky community go check out Voltaire's current tour with the Hellblinki Sextet. Chances are most of you probably know of Voltaire already, having written quite a few popular songs, including one for the Cartoon Network show The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. Maybe I was in the dark about Hellblinki, but I had never heard of them before I saw the concert announcement. Don't let their anonymity fool you. They've been around for a while and they certainly know how to entertain a crowd. You do not want to miss this lineup. Catch all the future tour spots here: http://collect.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandprofile.listAllShows&friendid=8202636&n=Voltaire


I'm so completely pleased with the way my Halloween has panned out. I hope every single one of you has an equally wonderful (AND SAFE!) holiday.

Love,
Miss Manic