Punk and Goth-Rebellion Does Not Always Have to be 'Bad or Anti'

Goth came from the Punk Subculture of the 70's and 80's. It has developed alot since them and each is now its own specific subculture with it's own looks and music. Punk was always about revolution, 'sticking it to the man' and being against the normal fold of society. No they were not all communists but it did grow out of the Thatcher era and the resentment felt by many towards her and the Tory government of the day.

The Punk style is unique and has alot to to with non-conformity and rebellion. Mohawk's, DIY clothing,Safety Pins, Patches and Dental Floss Stitching were common. Goth simply took this idea and made it darker. 

I am not aware of the verity of Punk styles as there are for Goth's but I am sure there are categories. 

JUST A QUICK NOTE! WHILE THE TERM NAZI-PUNK IS COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH PUNKS, NOT ALL PUNKS ARE NAZIS! SOME MAY BE BUT SO TO MAY THERE BE NAZI GOTH'S OR CHAVER'S OR SKATER'S. BEING A PUNK DOES NOT MAKE YOU A NAZI!

There are occasions where an overlap can occur between Goth and Punk and I see no problem with this. As I said, Goth grew out of Punk so at some point there has to be an overlap. Deathrock, Fishnet Arm warmers, Buttons and Pins are very similar in style. Doc Martens are Punk must haves but have again crossed over to some Gothic circles.                                                                                     

In these pics I think there is a nice crossover of Goth and Punk.

While some people will disagree, I think one cannot ignore the history of something and where it came from. The roots of anything are important and so an appreciation of this can highlight the development of its style.

So why is there such a stigma. The association with the meaning of Punk or Goth for that matter is never a positive one to the layman. The term 'punk kids' or 'suicidal goth's' is misconception most take for fact. Punks are anarchist trouble makers and Goth's are just suicidal depressives. 

This goes back to the label debate. How we label and conceive something affects our perception of it. Especially if one does not understand the full ramifications or just knows the stereotypes. Perhaps someone is a Goth because they like the music and clothes or someone dresses Punk because they love Mohawk's and Doc Martens. There does not always have to be a political cause to it. 

Perhaps the revolution of the individual is against the unkind and cruel world they see. They go against the fold and become a Buddhist. This is a revolution to the accepted norms of ignorance and cruelty in our world today. By dressing punk they reflect this. What's to say that the way people dress influences their behaviour. This may make me seem like a crazy idealist but wouldn't it be great if we did not judge a book by it's cover but by the depth of its content. 

Perhaps I am missing the point. While many Punks dress the way they do because of some 'anti' message they wish to convey; perhaps people just need to change and be more accepting. Give them a chance. If I dress like a chain covered Goth, does that make me an evil person. No, but the perception exists that makes me evil.

I do not think I can change the world either by this blog or by myself. However if I make an effort then at least that's one trying out of the 60 Million in the UK and 6 Billion in the world.