1. In regard to her comments on labels, even beyond the feeling of being able to fit in, I think the best reason why we have labels is simply to give some level of definition to consistently occurring traits and to have vocabulary for it. Labels create a shorthand that make it so people can understand each other when discussing matters within the subculture. For example, it's easier to talk about a cyber goth than it is to talk about someone who has goggles, wears bright colors, listens to EBM, and so forth. Even if people don't agree on the exact subtle nuances of what a cyber goth is, when you mention the term, everyone around you will at least have a general idea of what you're talking about. Labels aren't necessarily a problem until you attempt to use them as leverage to create a sense of inequality with someone else.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
SyntheticDollx - "Rant Vlog - What makes you goth? Labels and Hate."
SyntheticDollx brings about some interesting points in regard to this subject that's really been done to death on YouTube. She seems exceptionally open and willing to eliminate subculture hierarchy.
I have a couple of comments I'd like to add:
1. In regard to her comments on labels, even beyond the feeling of being able to fit in, I think the best reason why we have labels is simply to give some level of definition to consistently occurring traits and to have vocabulary for it. Labels create a shorthand that make it so people can understand each other when discussing matters within the subculture. For example, it's easier to talk about a cyber goth than it is to talk about someone who has goggles, wears bright colors, listens to EBM, and so forth. Even if people don't agree on the exact subtle nuances of what a cyber goth is, when you mention the term, everyone around you will at least have a general idea of what you're talking about. Labels aren't necessarily a problem until you attempt to use them as leverage to create a sense of inequality with someone else.
2. The term "baby bat" kind of makes me cringe, too. I had never heard that term until just the past year or so, and I am still of the opinion that the general idea of the term is misguided. If it only applied to people who are very young, say tweens or young teenagers, I'd be a little more on board with it, because those people are young of age and generally lack the resources, knowledge, and maturity to have deep, seasoned notions about the subculture. But calling someone who is older than that who is starting to come into his or her own within the subculture a "baby bat" seems a little patronizing. Even if that person hasn't been able to express as a goth but for a short time, it's not like her or she necessarily has immature or uninformed opinions and ideas about the subculture. In my experience, some of the most interesting things I've heard in regard to goth have come from people who don't consider themselves goth at all, or they just dabble on the fringes.
1. In regard to her comments on labels, even beyond the feeling of being able to fit in, I think the best reason why we have labels is simply to give some level of definition to consistently occurring traits and to have vocabulary for it. Labels create a shorthand that make it so people can understand each other when discussing matters within the subculture. For example, it's easier to talk about a cyber goth than it is to talk about someone who has goggles, wears bright colors, listens to EBM, and so forth. Even if people don't agree on the exact subtle nuances of what a cyber goth is, when you mention the term, everyone around you will at least have a general idea of what you're talking about. Labels aren't necessarily a problem until you attempt to use them as leverage to create a sense of inequality with someone else.
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