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[Cora Jane 2]

[Font=arial][Size=1]Ok so I was told to think of a post that was different? and not something that is all common in here, so I tried? here?s my attempt... actually it was more of a challenge for all of us? so here?s my try.

So here?s your scenario. You and your friends are at the mall, or a common place people hang out at. You see people with tattoos and piercings all over their bodies. ?What do you think when you see them?? And ?What would your friends think of them??

Across from you and your group, you see a family walking with their two kids, and a baby in a stroller. The group with the tattoos and piercings are walking by the family? you see the father pulling the two kids close to him, and the mother pulls the stroller close to her. (They pull the kids away from them as if they were monsters.) ?How do you feel about that? Is it discrimination?? Also, ?Do you think that is uncalled for by the parents? Would you do that??

Ok, now for why I posted this thread. About a week or two ago, I went to the mall with some friends. A few of my friends are all pierced out and tattooed. I was dressed totally Goth as was a friend of mine, and the other two people with us went completely Punk! We walked by this family and they pulled their kids away from us as if we were monsters. They looked at us as if we were diseased or something.

Personally, I found it?. First off ? Very rude. (Why? Because I hate how people are so judgmental of others by their appearance). Secondly ? I found it quite laughable. (I guess I find it entertaining because people are so judgmental, and yeah?. It?s funny. They think people who have tattoos or piercings; ones that are different aren?t ?safe? to be around.)

This is not the first time it has happened; it actually is becoming quite normal. Also people?s views of others because of their appearance is rather ridiculous. I have one more example.

My best friend took a friend of mine to homecoming. Nate. He is a nice guy. He is muscular and has a shaved head, no tattoos or piercings either. He just has a nice clean shaved head. Her mom decided that she didn?t like Nate because he shaves his head voluntarily. She thinks that because he shaves his head voluntarily, that he is ?one with the KKK.? My best friend told me this in class, and I almost fell off my chair laughing.

?What do you think about hair styles and hair color?? ?When you see some one with green or hot pink hair, what comes to [u] your[/u] mind??

I guess I want to know what other?s opinions are, and if you have any stories. So what do you think, ?Should some one?s appearance effect how people see them or act around them??

[Color=blue] Piercings, tattoos, and other appearance stuff. How do [u] you[/u] perceive things? [/color]

Peace out!
~*~Frogger~*~
[/font][/size]

[Heaven's Cloud]

[color=indigo]My thoughts on piercings and tattoos are not that far different then then George Carlin's view on earings 15 years ago. I used to think that people with tatoos and piercings were making a strong statement on how they refused to conform to society's "norm". Today, a couple years later, I think that while it is still a way to express yourself, you have definatly not shown rebellion towards the status quo...not with all the tiny bopper girls and guys getting their faces stuck and their ink done.[/color]

[Tima]

i dont really think that a person is bad just because they dress goth or something...but for some odd reason all my friends do, they like make jokes about like they're afraid that one might cast some evil spell on them or something...its retarded.

i think it was pretty wrong on the parents part, they should know better then that, thats discrimination.
it is very uncalled for, i would never do something like that.

i dont really care about different hair colors or anything -- i think they are cool. when i see a person with a different hair color i dont act any different then i would around a person with normal hair.

[Semjaza]

My father was a biker... My step-father is a biker. I've seen this stuff everyday of my life, and most likely seen some far more extreme tatooings and piercings than most people I know. As such, this has never been a big deal to me... For me, it was always [i]normal[/i] I'm not planning on ever getting all decked out like that personally, but I have no problems with it. Sexual things and drugs were commonplace as well, but everyone knew their limits and kept the kids as sheltered from it all as possible. They weren't as reckless as you'd be led to believe, and most were very responsible and caring people. It was basically another family.

And give me a break. They're parents. They're concerned about their children's safety. If they've been brought up where those sort of people worry them... Then fine. Who knows how they lived, maybe something happened that worried them about such people (or they were like that themselves even). There are a lot of jerks around, and people equate that look with that sort of ideal. Whether or not it is right is rather irrelevent. Must everyone be so PC?

Anyway... I don't know that I dress in any specific category. People seem to think I'm a skater sometimes, but that's only on certain days heh. I've gotten stares from people from dying my hair strange shades (pink, violet, green, blue, whatever). I get some stares from certain clothes I like to wear. It's just how things are. Some people stare because it's just considered "unusual"...

But there are many people who definately do look at you like you are pure evil and wouldn't stop at a chance to slit their throats and rape their daughters.

People just aren't used to these things, especially older people and most parents... so of course there is this strand of fear in them about it. It's something unknown to them. This of course leads to a lot of them thinking that stuff on TV is true and that every kid around is ultraviolent or whatever else.

I remember for a while I was going out really late at night. I'd be leaving at around 2 AM and coming back the next day... And one of those nights, my mom stopped me and said, "What is going on? Are you doing drugs? Ecstacy?"

This was from my own mom, someone who I thought would know better. I laughed til my lungs hurt. I don't do drugs, I don't smoke and I don't drink. You'd think your own mom would realize these things.... But parents are programmed to be protective and believe every bad thing they hear about younger generations.

Get used to it. That's all there really is to say.

[Juu]

[color=ff00cc] [size=1]I think that was pretty rude of the parents to do that. But then, parents are just... like that sometimes. @.@;

I don't think you should pay any mind to that. I mean, it's not like how you guys dress is going to hurt them or anything.

One thing I find kinda bad is how alot of times, people think if you wear punk/goth clothes, they think you're going to rob a bank or something. --;

I dress goth sometimes, but it's kinda common in my district, so not many people seem to mind.[/color] [/size]

[Lady Macaiodh]

[color=darkblue]Well, it's easier for us to see that people who dress like that aren't necessarily malevolent. But it's a bit harder for older generations, where most of the people who dressed "punk" or "goth", as you call it, were troublemakers. Yes, we live in a different age, or era of society, but most older people are set in their ways & not likely to change their minds.

Also, you have to admit, many people dress that way to make some sort of statement of dissatisfaction with societal norms, which even our own peers can find abrasive or even a little scary. Yeah, I know some of you will jump in by saying that you just like that style of dress, but there's usually a reason for that, other than simple fashion.

I'm speaking on the inside, here. I personally like those styles better than any other, and dress like that often. But I don't take offense if someone thinks I'm a freak, or evil, or whatever. In fact, I like it. That's part of the reason I started to dress that way![/color]

[Orien_Xel]

I think no one should be judged by how they look.

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson]Parents are overreacting dumbasses as usual.

Outward apperance with me follows the rule that you cannot judge a book by its cover. I have been backstabbed by people who appeared, outwardly, nice and welldressed, not really a rebel or trying to flash some statement out in [her] clothing. I've had plenty of good friends who were pierced, gothic, punkish who stood up for me, helped me out in hard times, were good people to hang around.

About the parents holding their children back- I'm sure the majority of child rapists, kidnappers and murders are goths and punks, LOL.[/color]

[Cora Jane 2]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Lady Macaiodh [/i]
[B][color=darkblue]I'm speaking on the inside, here. I personally like those styles better than any other, and dress like that often. But I don't take offense if someone thinks I'm a freak, or evil, or whatever. In fact, I like it. That's part of the reason I started to dress that way![/color] [/B][/QUOTE]
[font=arial][size=1] I guess I just am one of the many who do find it fun to get remarks back... but after awhile, I do say it does get annoying... but yeah, I get over it... well I try to.

Semjazza, I see what you say, that people just are like that... and I know that I should get over it... but it bugs me after awhile. lol... anywho.

I must say though, I do like the punk look, and soon will be getting my hair cut in a "punk" style. hehe... it will be really really short. :angel: Many people think I should keep my hair long... all I have to say is that when it's short I like it better.

But yeah, people do tend to dress with other motives in mind.[/font][/size]

[Change]

Nothing wrong with tatoos when you are young, they just look grose when you are older (Ever see that Simpson's Episode where the Grandpa steches his arm flech to show his tatoo?). It's not such a bad thing really. I personaly will never get a toatto though, to much pain and I would probably dissatisfied a mothe later with the pic I chose...

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Heh, if you really want to have some fun, grin and wave at the kids as the family walks by. :p

Well, I wear my hair long in a ponytail, and I've gotten a few looks. I just think it's funny, though. The only problem is that if someone only sees me from behind, they can mistake me for a girl, lol. :cross:

Personally, tattoos, piercings, dying your hair, dressing however, is all fine by me. It's the way that you act that matters, not your outward appearance. If someone doesn't like me because of my outward appearance, I don't think they're worth knowing.[/color]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=darkred][size=1]Sometimes it can get annoying when you're judged on your looks. I probably get judged all the time, but it never really matters, because, quite frankly, I blend in with everyone else.

However unfairly, people are judged by their looks alone [i]a lot[/i]. Really, ther'es nothing that can be done except either get pissed off, or ignore it.[/size][/color]

[Delian]

Some older people just don't know any better. They were born in a generation where body piercings, tatoos and goth/punk styles were not very socially acceptable and only existed among people who weren't "normal".

Although today's society is very accepting of the alternative, your're almost always going to come across people who disapprove of goth/punk style or having several piercings/tats, but honestly...who cares. Who are they to judge what kind of person you are from your outward appearance....

Where I worked, laptops used to get stolen quite frequently...by employees...dressed in suits...go figure!!!

My opinion is go with what makes you feel good...even if it's your nose ring chained to your multiple earings or whatever
:whoops:

[Mnemolth]

If we shouldn't be judged on our looks, why is it okay for punks, and skaters, goths, etc to cast a dismissive eye at some guy in their three-piece suit? :)

The blade cuts both ways. Reminds me of my "clown paradox"...*smirks in that patronising way only he can carry*

[Manic Webb]

I have a pierced ear. It's been pierced since I was 4 years old. My brother (who was 10 at the time) talked my mother into letting him get one, and my mom asked me if I wanted one, too (true story!). I lost a lot of earrings in my childhood. Nowadays, I only wear an earring on special occasions (prom, graduation, holidays). I considered coloring my hair red a couple of times (while it was long), but I decided against it because my grandmother was already giving me enough trouble just for my hair being long. I might color it someday. I'd never get a tattoo, though. I'm so fickle, I'd be hating my tat by the end of the week.

I don't understand how those parents would over-react around you guys. I mean, how old were they? If they were under 30, you'd think they would be used to piercings and tattoos during the 80's and/or 90's.

[The Vampire: Ed]

Heh, Desbreko and I share a similar problem. People usually give me looks, or make comments about how long my hair is. Just last week I accompanied a friend while he had his hair cut. Someone came in to get their hair cut as well, and apparently made a comment on my long hair to the barber which my friend told me about since he over heard it.

It wasn't an insulting comment mind you, but I however do not like people to make mention of me for any reason. Especially if it's about something they may think is abnormal, or strange.

Also when I was younger I never wore my hair tied back, simply because I had not yet thought of it as an option. But, then there were a few occasions where I had been confused for a girl when my back was turned. Now, I couldn't be confused for a girl since I always have my hair tied back, this shows my face off obviously and by doing this people can see that I have a goatee. Errr....well I suppose someone could think I'm a hairy woman, but I haven't had that problem yet.

Anyway, personally I don't really give a crap about looks. If you've got tat's, I don't care. You got your hair dyed an unusual color or it's styled "strangely," I don't care. The color of your skin, don't care. Whatever you look like, I don't care.

Bottom line? If you aren't doing anything to bother, or irritate me, I won't give a damn about your appearance or what you're doing.

[Charles]

There will always be misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding subcultures. And--I feel that they are dehumanizing. When we fail to see people as individuals and label them based on falsehoods, we're ignoring [i]who[/i] they are, in favor of [b]assuming[/b] [i]what[/i] they are, based solely on physical characteristics.

Of course, this is prejudice behavior--there's no two ways around it. Because of this mindset, it may be impossible for one to define themselves, on an impersonal level, as a person in the eyes of others--their subculture does it for them. It's unfair to be sure, but there isn't much one can do about it, save for keeping an open mind and refusing to fall into the same trap.

I can't say that I'm perfect on all levels and [i]always[/i] refrain from holding prejudice attitudes towards others. Behavior usually takes precedence over appearance and determines my attitude towards someone--even if it's just a passing glimpse at how they act. That can be just as unfair as judging someone on how they look, I guess. I'm also very critical of people with poor hygiene. If an individual smells badly or dresses in dirty clothes when they don't [i]have[/i] to, I make harsh judgements.

I don't hold any preconceptions about people based on hair color and clothing, though. I'm very accustomed to seeing people with creative hairstyles and bright colors. I find nothing odd about it anymore. The same goes for clothing. I don't see it as rebellious or outstanding.

I'm not surprised that the parents were cautious around you though. People have a natural tendency to be very protective with their children. Especially around groups of people who dress strangely. I wouldn't take it [i]too[/i] personally. As long as you enjoy your lifestyle, there's no reason to care what others (unless they are employing you) think.

[James]

[color=#808080]Sometimes you might find that people with tattooes and piercings are actually very quiet -- it's a way of expressing themselves without speech or whatever. In some cases, I think it's true.

I've met people with both...and it doesn't really phase me. It's not something I'd do myself, but in my opinion, it's no different from having coloured hair.

Of course, if your body is totally covered with tattooes...it probably shows a lack of taste and it most likely won't get you a good job. But you know, everyone is different. It just depends what your priorities are and how you want to express yourself.

There are always generalizations about people's looks and stuff -- mostly, you can't assume something about someone based on how they look. I've found that out so many times with my own experiences. Although, I guess that if you're going to be covered in tattooes...well, you have to assume and expect that some people will react to you in a negative way (at least initially). It might not be right, but it's a natural reaction for some people. The only way that it stops is if those people actually get to know someone who looks like that.

I don't think it's a deliberate discrimination as such, though. It's just a fear of the unknown or the different. Same as racism and homophobia, I guess, but on a much much lower level. If you aren't familiar with a certain thing, your primary reaction is mostly going to be reservation or awkwardness.

So yeah, people who have the tattooes have to be aware of that (and I'm sure they are). And people who don't have them need to be a bit more aware of their own behavior in public, I'd say.[/color]

[Manic Webb]

I am guilty of one prejudice of people who dress gothically or punk-ly. I'm a big R&B music fan, and I tend to assume that anyone who dresses punk doesn't like R&B music.

Other than that, it's your thing. Do what you wanna do. The last time I passed by someone with colorful hair and dressed differently, I treated him just like the guy I passed by who was dressed similar to myself... like a perfect stranger who was passing by. I say there's nothing wrong with getting tattoos as long as you do it for [i]you[/i] and not because of some friend you may or may not have longer than the tattoo.

In the end, personality wins out over first impressions... as long as you have time, anyway. Look at the Mandatory Institution for Superficial Judgement (see also: high school & Jr. High). Oh, you can walk the popular walk, and you can dress like the beautiful people, but you won't be popular if your personality clashes with that of "The Sheep" (see also: popular folks).

[Jesus Chicken]

I dont think it's a great idea to get peircings all over your body. But if you want to, its cool with me. OF course, it does reflect certain aspects of your personality, doing such things, But that is no reason for people to be overly discriminative of people like that.
Maybe they just don't want their kids to look like that, if the kids really want to get it done to themselves, their parents sure as hell wont get in the way. It doesn't matter who you are, someone is always goin to discriminate against you anyway.

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]Man, when parents pull their kids away from me, which has happened a few times before, I take it as a hell of a compliment. Just a side note.

But anyway, I'm gothic, to a fairly extensive degree. I don't wear black lipstick or nail polish, and for good reasons. Can't get decent black lipstick, nails aren't long enough. I'd wear face makeup, but can't get that either.

Anyway, I know a fair bit about discrimination because you look like a goth. Hell, I've got long, dyed black hair, and I'm surrounded by a bunch of football addicted hicks. I get a lot of that crap. I long ago ceased to care. In fact, it gets so easy to ignore it it's bizarre. It's like certain words just don't enter your ears or something.

As for tatoos and piercings....Well, I have absolutely no problem with tatoos, and intend to get a few later on. I'm not exactly the piercing freak Raven is, but I'm kind of considering getting a few tasteful ones. I don't really like certain piercings, but I have no problem with people who wear them. In fact, they tend to be the more interesting people around. Of course, my opinion there is somewhat biased.[/font][/color]

[Anna]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Endymion [/i]
[B]I am guilty of one prejudice of people who dress gothically or punk-ly. I'm a big R&B music fan, and I tend to assume that anyone who dresses punk doesn't like R&B music.[/B][/QUOTE]

This kinda realtes to a small twist I wanted to throw in here:

I dress how some would call a "prep" would. Why? Because I like clothes that make me look good; I and others find myself attractive that way, and I have no problem with that.

One thing you have to understand about me is that I LOVE to talk about music: the guys at school will talk about sports, the "final four" and all that, the girls right now talk about prom, I talk about music, was well as the fine arts in general. But mainly music. :)

9 times out of 10 when I've started up a conversation with someone heavy into music like me, they automatically say something along the lines of "So you like Britney Spears?" "Do you listen to NSync?".

:demon:

Since my musical taste couldn't be more oppostite, I get really aggriavted. [i]People discriminate/judge [u]me[/u] because of the way [u]I[/u] dress[/i], and I don't dress "goth" or "punk". People in general are just too judgemental; everyone is. It's not just the people with the wholesome image going on that discriminate, people who are punks and goths (as they call themselves) are just as guilty. I guess that's why I have no sympathy in regards to people who dress a certain way getting lumped into a large catagory, 'cause it happens to me by that same *large* and *broad* group of people.

I personally only have one piercing in each ear and that's all I'll ever have, and I'm not getting any tattoos. If I see someone with a bunch of body art, initially I do form a notion about what they must be like; but it's only from what they have to present themselves by. That's just the way it goes I guess; you dress by how you [u]WANT[/u] people to see you, because you can't live in this world and not be seen. Therefore your appearance will always have a message to say about you, whether you like it or not.

[Guest Fiasco]

...It really annoys me when parents or kids stare at me, its really stupid. I mean jeesh, I don't bite strangers, I normally bite my friends... And I don't conform to the normal because being normal just plain sucks. Your like all the rest of the people there, me, I want to stand out; be different.