Goths More Likely To Become Doctors, Lawyers, Etc?

[HipsterDufus]

Full article can be found here.

Upwardly gothic

By Denise Winterman

BBC News Magazine

A goth for life

Behind the black hair dye and white make-up goths are simply art lovers, who aspire to middle-class values, says a new study. Is that right?

The moment their teenage son or daughter dyes their hair black and starts getting creative with eyeliner can be a nightmare for parents. But a report suggests it should be a time for celebration.

Goths are likely to grow up to be doctors, lawyers or architects, the study by Sussex University says.

They are refined and sensitive, keen on poetry and books, not big on drugs or anti-social behaviour. They are also likely to carry on being goths into their adult life.

They have an ability to express their feelings and are believers in romance rather than one-night stands, it says. In fact, the only things dark about them are their clothing and their sarcastic sense of humour.

"They are usually intelligent youngsters who have rejected the idea that teenagers must fulfil certain criteria.''

But is that right? Will the pale faced, sullen-looking teenage goth next door end up being your bank manager in 10 years' time? The Magazine headed to the gothic Mecca that is Camden Market to find out.

"Where I live it's usually the chavs who start all the trouble not the goths, so I think we are quite a peaceful lot," says Antoinette Drakes, 16.

"We just mind our own business and get on with what we like to do. But goths are like any other group, a lot depends on the individual.

"On the whole we are quite sensitive but you get some who aren't, who are just posers and are just on the pull. Some will end up being doctors and some will end up being unemployed. Goths are a mix of personalities, just like everyone else."

But Keeley Dale, 18, says the study is just putting another label on goths.

"It's always about labels in today's society and that exactly why I dress the way I do, I don't want to fit into other people's stereotypes," she says.

"So I'm not only a goth now, I'm also aspiring middle class. What is that anyway? I don't want to be a doctor and read the Daily Telegraph, I want to be a writer and read whatever takes my fancy.

"There are some things that I do recognise in this research, goths can be sensitive and aren't usually violent, but at the end of the day I think such things depend on the person, not the way they choose to dress."

Mia Joseph, 40, has been a goth since her early teens and says it is a way of life for her now. She runs a market stall specialising in gothic wear, leather and PVC.

Threatening

"It's not about fitting in to a particular subculture, this is just my life. I'm beyond thinking of myself as a goth, I'm just me.

"There are characteristics in the study that I think are true, goths do tend to be peaceful and sensitive, interested in literature and it is a way of life for many that continues long into adulthood. Why that is middle class I don't know.

"I think people are a lot more accepting of us now. Years ago people found my piercing and tattoos threatening, now they are part of everyday life. A lot of people have their nose pierced or a tattoo.

"I have grannies who come up to me and say they wish they'd been able to dress the way I do when they were younger."

But there is one trait that seems to cross all teenage sub cultures, whatever they wear, whatever music they listen to and whatever a study says - and that is sex.

"Of course I want to fall in love, but I'm fully prepared to try out quite a few ladies to find the right one," says Dan Taylor, 18.

"I'm still a hormonally-charged teenager after all, as well as a goth."

[phee]

Interesting.... why the fuck am I not a doctor or lawyer... I need my black lipstick so I can get a bigger paycheck

[Homicidalheathen]

I don't know if I believe this. Most of the more well to do people I know got that way with mommy and daddy's help and were afraid to look to outrageous.....but it would be great to find out it were true...most of the goths I know have menial or artistic jobs....

[Rayne]

I have somewhat of a legal education. Not enough to be a lawyer ... but I do have a certificate in Paralegal studies. I was going to school to be a lawyer ... but life got in the way.

[HipsterDufus]

It seems fairly wrong to me as well. I don't know any goths who have become doctors or lawyers, but I could be wrong, as I don't know that many goths in general. I was curious about everyone's take on here about the article, but it looks like my assumptions are proving to be correct so far.

[Onyx]

It also depends on the area where you are I think. Economically depressed areas are going to have fewer doctors or lawyers than other areas just because there are not the same educational opportunities.

Thinking as a whole of all the gothy versus non gothy types I know across the country I do think there is some truth to this.

[torn asunder]

it's my guess that this is limited to england, based on the slang used in the quotes of the people interviewed...

[glc]

Even if the article isn't spot on, it still provides the "others" a more reasonable view of the subculture. Rather than the devil worshiping murdering maniacs that most people think we are. Or are we? Gee I'm not sure now.

[AstralCrux]

I was going to go into cancer or alzheimer's research, that lack of money problem got in the way though. Although it was partially self induced- I should have stayed more non-social for a few years longer, it was better for me than joining a sorority. However, I can say, I've developed by leaps and bounds as a person. And, now I'm rambling.

[Scary Guy]

Interesting.... why the fuck am I not a doctor or lawyer... I need my black lipstick so I can get a bigger paycheck

The article comes from the UK. Everyone knows Americans are stupid. Just goth Americans are less stupid than regular Americans.