PSA: Goths are nice boys and girls

[anotheranon]

And they're gonna be all right. Look through all the linked articles - while it does seem that, yes, "goth" kids have a higher tendency towards self harm and suicide, such behaviors often occur before they got involved with goth, leading to a possible conclusion that the gothic subculture can be a kind of "safe space" for teenagers (and older people) who don't fit in tidily at work/school/wherever.

Subcultures as safety nets? Who knew? :P

Anecdotes in all the articles support my own perception that goths can be wonderfully thoughtful and witty and more than willing/able to make fun of themselves - hell, Voltaire has made a career out of it.

One of the linked articles further suggests that goths are as or more likely than "ordinary" people to be upwardly mobile/have career success, "So make sure you're nice to that mysterious, black clad teen next door, one of these days he just might be stitching up your wound or refinancing your mortgage."

In short, the kids are ok. Really. Just let them put on their black lipstick and leave them alone about it :P

Comments

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Subcultures as safety nets? Who knew? :P

Makes perfect sense ... the sensation of belonging makes people less likely to harm themselves.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Yep.

I also like it pointed out that the Columbine massacre had nothing to do with goths, goth culture, etc. It's so easy to judge by appearance that it's important to remember that scary looks != scary actions.

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Columbine was just the opposite ... repressively religious parenting was involved (according to police studies I catalogued shortly afterwards); same thing with the Taber, Alberta shooting that happened a week or so later, plus the majority of other school shootings. That type of parent turns their kids into outsiders, usually with tragic results.