TCAHR - Better Living Through Memetics Issue 2 Reflections on Goth in Chicago 08/24/00 ------------------------------------------------------------ I. Introduction How is Goth in Chicago? In one word: screwed. I've heard that Chicago has one of the most friendly Goth communities in the U.S.. I've also heard how easy acceptance is here. Crap. Frankly, if Chicago is the epitome of Good Gothiness, then the whole sub-culture should be flushed. While many Goths in Chicago bemoan the fact that yuppies seem to be invading their nightclubs, they don't seem to see how alike the two groups are in regards to money. Money is a big part of Goth. We can brown-nose with the best of them. It galls me to think that Punk, one of the most anti- materialistic musical movements ever, gave birth to this filthy capitalist bastard child. Like our mainstream culture, Goth quickly degenerates into two groups: the haves and the have-nots. It is in this division where most of the problems lie. The question of who is Goth and who is not is no longer about the music, but the showing-off of expensive toys. A close look at the Goths with the most influence also show those with the most trappings. These are also the Goths whom can afford to dictate their opinions more effectively than others. II. The Influence of Information If I had to choose the most powerful access to information on the Chicago circuit, I would choose the Gothic mailing lists. In theory, this is the meeting place for all Goths to give opinions and information freely. The truth is that these lists breed a pecking order within the scene. At the top of this pecking order would have to be those in charge of the mailing lists themselves. The admins have a lot of sway in the minds of the newer and/or less popular Goths. Sometimes they never realize how one statement from them can begin a barrage of negative and misguided opinions. I, myself, have already read many racist and elitist arguements begun by some signature lines of one admin. Admins also suffer or benefit from a blitz of ass-kissing members. There have been instances where an admin can say something completely trival and the members of the list will be filled by statements of agreement for the next 2 or 3 days. Another section of influence within mailing lists are the afore mentioned Goths of affluence. This has some benefits to the whole scene. The currently most popular mailing list in Chicago was created in the wake of destruction of a former list. When that list was gone, it was members of this class of Goths which began the current ones. It is also those of this class which stand the best chance of speaking their minds freely against its fellow class or an admin. However, they rarely do. Instead, they pride themselves on being the paragons of Goth style and culture, wowing us with oft-repeated stories of whom they met, what they brought, and where they went...at nauseum. The last major sphere of influence is controlled by intellectuals. This is also the only group the average Goth has a chance to join....at least online. And this is also the most petty of the three. The admins can rest assured in their power over the list by regulating rules and enforcing them. The affluent ones are usually the admin's friends. The intellectual, however, must prove him- or herself. This usually takes the form of a "flame war" where participants lower themselves to a match of philosophies which cannot be won. The only thing that can be won is prestige and respect. The dynamics of this group are such that it can upset the nature of the list and cause deep resentment within. The rest of the list members, which is the majority, have no real power. Their opinions means nothing and are rarely noted. At the very worst, their opinions are met with great hostility if they are contrary to the opinions of the other three groups. I remember one conversation I had with a member of the intellectuals about this problem. It seems that one unpopular Goth gave a rather violent, unconformist opinion to a question that had been poised. This was set upon by members of the other groups. However, when this member of the intellectuals gave a opinion of the same mind frame, he was applauded. The double standard seems to be well-placed. Sadly, all of these factors combine to make a chance for improvement in the Chicago Goth scene unrealistic. While other cities may start benefits and organizations which help mainstream society or Goth itself, we in Chicago seem more interested in crapping out the same old shit ideas we ate months before and patting ourselves on the back for it. III. The Darkness of Money Goths love to play the victim role. While most talk of Goth virtues appear to promote unity, all it takes is a typical night with group of Goth at a nightclub to prove these words to be lies. The club is a Goth's favorite place to play "I'm more Gothier than thou." Judgement of new Goths in this atmosphere is even less fair than on a mailing lists. Here it's all about a look based on a dubious sense of style. The right "look" will bring a invitation to speak with someone and share your mind. The wrong "look" will win you wicked whispers and sneers. The easiest way to get this "look" is to buy it. Naturally, it is in this capacity the affluent Goth will flourish. Unfortunely, it is the opposite of the affluent Goths which will be set upon; targeted for nothing less than a lack of money or not being enslaved to the dress code. These poor individuals don't even realize that they have been made a target. While our hapless friend dances or sit down for a drink, s/he is being subject to hidden giggles and horrid remarks of such base subjects as attractiveness and clothes. If a Goth of sufficent status demeans a newcomer, the former's comments may be (and usually are) misconstrewed through the trickling down of gossip, that person may never have a chance of being accepted into the general Gothic community. Strangely enough, the mailing lists in Chicago tend to buffer newer Goths in the scene from this hassle. The list members devise and institute so many outings that bonds of friendship and acceptance can be forged without having to enter the treacherous club scene. However, for the Goth without Internet access or knowledge of these lists, the club scene is the only way to go. The true shame of all this is that by ignoring someone because of their looks (including skin color) and financial class, the general scene ignores the infusion of new blood. Brillant ideas may never be shared; all due to the price of one tacky ruffled shirt! IV. Spare the Cover, Spoil the Goth It amazes and infuriates me how a Goth will spend $90 on a shirt, but refuse to pay the $5 cover on nights live bands play at the club. By word of mouth, I hear that Chicago is relatively inexpensive went it comes to Goth nights at the club. The regular cover is $2. Live band night is $5. We in Chicago have heard fantastic bands like Faith and the Muse, Autumn, Sunshine Blind, and the like for $5. Except for Faith and The Muse, all those bands brought grumbling from most Goths. Let's dissect live band night. For $3 dollars more than usual, we get a live show that lasts about an hour. One hour. The rest of the night plays as usual. Now let's think of simple economics. Goth music isn't exactly thriving; it needs an influx of new talent. Those brave ones which decide to play Goth music instead of more profitable kinds of music need money. Money for transportation, repair and maintanance of instruments, and good old-fashioned encouragement. What Goth in their right mind would start or schedule a Goth band in Chicago? Nights that lesser known bands play are notoriously empty. The problem is that we've become spoiled in Chicago. The popular and regular Goths are surprised when they are asked to pay the cover! I've been in groups of more than 10 where one Goth says they'll get all of them into a club on their popularity. Doesn't Neo and Smart Bar, which both already have low covers, deserve to make a profit? We have more than enough free venues in this city! Instead, we try to bleed dry those few places that accept us! If Goth nights continue to be such a low profit area for the club owners, exactly how long do we expect the clubs to play Goth music? Look at Club 950. The owner is switching formats and I don't blame him. Techno nights are on the average making $10 on the cover alone. Is it cruel to change a club which has been home to punks, new-wavers, and Goths for years? Perhaps, but it's smart business. V. What's my Funking Problem? After all this bitter, overintellectual ranting it would be irresponsible of me not to dedicate a section to what is good in the Chicago Goth scene. While I still fully believe in the power plays going on in the Chicago Goth scene mailing lists, I also realize that the mailing lists are needed. The information found there is top-notch and vital to keeping the scene alive. It is the lifeline which keeps us to date of special club nights, museum events, birthdays, etc.. I, however, will never retract or alter my opinion on the ease of buying one's way into the Gothic sub-culture. It happens as surely as the tight-fisted attitude that is shown at the clubs on band night and the back-stabbing insults being hurled about on such foolish topics as clothing and dancing. I may blast these attitudes in this rant, but that does not mean I'm holier-than-thou. My friends and associates who know me would tell you I am a flame war participant of the worse kind. Bull-headed and arrogant, I keep the flame war going with either intellect or insults. It's all the same to me. I've kissed a little ass on those same lists in my time, too. My former associates at the clubs also know my sharp and wicked tongue has been aimed at more than a few innocents. Yup, I've skipped out on a few band nights and covers myself. Defending my actions would be useless; I am gulity of the same crimes I bitch and moan about. Would it be too cliche to say I'm trying to change? So what is my funking problem? When I started writing this a few months ago I just wanted to vent. I've had a lot of time to think since then; time to reflect on my true opinions on this scene. I may not be around anymore, but I truly love the Goth scene due to one little thing: community. All communities have their problems and ours is no different. I believe Goths are made long before actually becoming Goths. As a kid, I watched old Vincent Price movies on late night television. As a teenager, I wrote sonnets and drew a lot of dark imagery. I strolled cemeteries, finding a great source of inspiration and peace there. I've been a pagan for most of my life and a follower of Hecate for the past two. These things and thousands more have marked me as different. I didn't fit in the mainstream. I used to look for people who would understand me with no success. I thought it was just me. Soon after my 21st birthday, I first walked into a Goth nightclub (in blue jeans and a white t-shirt no less!) that I knew I belonged somewhere. I was home. Home could be better, but at least there's understanding here. Where else could you say that you used to play that you were dead as a kid and not be looked at like a freak. And that, my friends, is cool. ------------------------------------------------------------ tcahr@hotmail.com Copyright 2000