From: sofia@psych.toronto.edu (S. Garofano)
Newsgroups: alt.gothic
Subject: Re: sigh, oh sigh; findi..."gothics real"
Keywords: clothes, style, practicality, life, fish, everything
Date: 17 Nov 92 17:49:37 GMT
Organization: U.T.P.D.

In article <1992Nov17.105449.16059@ucsu.Colorado.EDU> cairnss@ucsu.Colorado.EDU (Ghost with the Most=) writes:
>mlc9g@Virginia.EDU ("Matt Condon") writes:
>>min215ii  writes:
>>All I was stating was that too many people are getting far too 
>>uptight because a few people who are not otherwise into goth
>>are wearing clothes like they are.  
.... something about goth being a style...
>IT is.  That is why you do it.  That is why anyone would do it.
>There are no individuals, not in the sense of 'anarchistic' jargon
>where everyone is doing everything for themself only.  People are 
>ruled by other people, no matter how much you attempt to fool yourself.
>You will always fix yourself for others approval.  That is the way
>social animals work, and we are.
>Gothic is a style no matter what definition you give it.  I do
>not like to call things TRENDs but that too fits in this case.
>

...interesting thread (literally and figuratively) 

Personally, I've always been attracted to black clothing, black comforters,
black lamps, ... you get the idea.  Ever since I was able to make my own 
purchases (age 16, nine years ago), I've saturated my wardrobe and home with
black (makes doing laundry easy!).  I don't believe that I am doing this for
the benefit of other people (but I may be). I find myself attractive apparelled
in black and therefore tend to be attracted to black items when shopping.  I
also find goth music very appealing... However, I don't think that I'd be
less attracted to Sisters of Mercy if Andrew were a blond valley boy wearing 
white (as long as his voice remained as alluring).
A major consideration in my purchases is always warmth.  While many people
find black to be a "cold" colour, it's actually very warm when worn in sunshine
and I find it a comforting warm colour for my home.  My 'elfin' boots (black
suede with skull buckles) were purchased before I knew anything about 'goth'
and my 'pirate' shirt was made by me cause I found it appealing in it's billowy
comfort.

If anything, I would definitely agree that my tendencies would have a more
historical than musical affiliation as I've always been attracted to the 
Medieval and Victorian ages.  Musically, 'goth' is not as relevant as my 
musical tastes are quite eclectic reflecting more the times than fashion
(i.e. classical, Celtric and Bretain folk, etc.)

Anyways... all these personal tangents aside, I also would advocate dressing
in a particular manor because of personal comfort and not conformity.  This
concept does however cover items that are uncomfortable (i.e. a merry widow or
corset) for some individuals as they may make one feel more comfortable with
oneself.  (I could ramble on forever, but I'll spare you... any mail on
this subject would be welcomed though).

_______________

.... Ack!  I bought a _white_ goose down coat with a _white_ furry hood
for winter.  It sure will look strange with those _black_ skull boots...
_BUT_, I'm blissfully warm! ;-){|||}[ 
  ______________________________ .........................................
 |                              |.Delusions are often functional.  A     .
 |  Sofia                       |.mother's opinions about her child's    .
 |------------------------------|.beauty, intelligence, goodness, etc.,  .
 |  sofia@psych.utoronto.ca     |.keeps her from drowning him at birth.  .
 |  sofia@psych.toronto.edu     |.                    -Robert A. Heinlein.
 |______________________________|.........................................
Organization: Masters student, Urban and Public Affairs, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA