Lain Patton
Viewpoints Editor
For the majority of my life, I have been within the alternative sphere. I love the music, the aesthetic, but most importantly, the political views. Within all alternative subcultures, the point is to reject societal norms and fight the establishment that enforces the norms. The father of goth — punk — is fueled by anti-establishmentarianism, anti-consumerism, anti-capitalism and anti-racism. These left-leaning ideologies were displayed through the lyrics of songs from bands like Gang of Four and Subhumans.
One of my favorite lyrics from Gang of Four is in their song, “Natural’s Not in It,” where the first verse says, “The problem of leisure / What to do for pleasure / Ideal love, a new purchase / A market of the senses / Dream of the perfect life / Economic circumstances / The body is good business / Sell out, maintain the interest / Remember Lot’s wife / Renounce all sin and vice / Dream of the perfect life / This heaven gives me migraine.”
Although, conflict rose in the alt scene once Neo-Nazis decided it was their turn to be punks. A clear message was sent to these Neo-Nazis by bands like Black Flag, Circle Jerks and Dead Kennedys with their classic song “Nazi Punks Fuck Off.”
Recently online, the goth subculture has caught the attention of many people. Yes, it is amazing to see so many baby bats excited to wear their eyeliner and pray to Robert Smith, but there is an ugly side to this gothsplosion. Some “goths” are under the assumption that being goth simply means throwing on some black outfit and stomping around in their big boots. This is not true. Now, you may be saying “but Lain, the goth subculture is about the music and aesthetic.” And to that I say no. Just, no.
Being goth is about individualism and encouraging diversity. When you are a freak, it is completely idiotic to uphold political beliefs that punish anyone who is not a straight, white man. Just like punk music, there are countless goth rock bands pushing left-wing values. Even one of the most essential goth bands, Joy Division, sprinkles political remarks throughout their songs. For instance, in their song “Leaders of Men”, the lyrics say “The leaders of men, born out of your frustration / The leaders of men, just a strange infatuation / The leaders of men, made a promise for a new life” (RIP Ian Curtis).
Just like punks, goths also have zero tolerance for any right-leaning ideology. I do not care if this comes off as gatekeeping because in reality, it is. Surprisingly, I do not want conservatives in my scene or anywhere near the spectrum of alternative subcultures. This is not where they belong.