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| No | 19% | 183 votes | Total: 953 votes | |
| Yes | 81% | 770 votes |
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Add to FavoritesWhile it's good and dandy to say it's wrong to judge and vow to not, it's completely unrealistic to expect anybody can do anything without being judged. Our society is judgmental in general. Clothes are one of those things that people will always be judged, categorized, and stereotyped on. It's not about being picky and making fun of people based on brands. It's more of socially acceptable looks. It's expected for certain body parts to be covered, and it's expected that clothes vary in pattern and color without looking gawdy. It's expected that jewelry and makeup are limited.
Society has norms, and when people deviate from those norms they will undoubtedly stand out. However, most of the times, that's exactly the case. Nonconformity is becoming the new trend. If somebody feels the need to dress in entirely black, complete with lace and intensive makeup, they should be pretty confident in the fact that they will be looked at. If they still choose to go out like that, it's really their choice. Sure some people just hate everyone else and unfairly judge, but you take that risk when you do anything.
Really girly, preppy girls, get judged for wearing all pink or all Hollister. It's sort of the same thing, but obviously Gothic attire is far more extreme. Should we make rules that paralyzed people shouldn't be judged. Yeah, but is that something we can monitor or control? NO. People are mean, people are judgmental, and people don't always care about other's feelings. It's a part of life. Everybody gets made fun of for something in their lifetime. When you choose to put yourself out there, there's nothing anybody can do for you.
From the personal experiences I've had, people who dress Gothic are trying to either rebel or get attention. They dress in way too many layers or not enough. They cake on makeup and jewelry way past excess. They over-wear black like they're worshiping some dark lord. It's not a normal look, but that's the point. They don't care that they look different; they want to. They want people to look at them. To wonder what's going on with their style. Under no circumstance do these people accidentally dress like that. It's a CHOICE. A choice to go against the norm.
I think it comes down to the simple fact that no matter what we personally feel, we cannot expect no judgment. Sure it's wrong to judge, but when you can control what you're being judged for and you still do it, whose fault it is?!
Learn more about this author, Steph Tuma.
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Yes
Human nature will always frown upon the percentage of society that does not adhere to the "commonly accepted" principles and beliefs. Any member of a community that appears in a different light will receive unnecessary attention.
Followers of the Gothic genre automatically attract unwarranted perception, merely because of the outward expression of horror and romance. Whereas other faiths and beliefs are not defined through a persons appearance, a Gothic can be recognized through their attire.
Human instinct evokes the natural reaction of being wary towards the unknown. Judgment is called and opinions dissected without the true acknowledgment of the person behind the profile.
"Do not judge..Lest you be judged" Luke 6:37. Whether you are of the Christian faith or not, this quote from the bible has pause for thought.
Appearances can be deceptive; should you fear and project your own opinions of the individual who stands out amongst the general population more than one who presents an insignificant facade? Statistically judgment will always be for those who present an altered image, because you never notice the one amongst the haze of normality.
If an individual chooses to be a Gothic then society should not judge in haste. Within this so-called "free world" a person has the right to dress in a manner that pleases, even if it does not conform with the mass.
Goths should be allowed to wear what they want without being judged, but society will continue to voice its disapproval. Minority groups have, and always will, remain a target for criticism.
The reasoning can be as simple as "they are different" therefore my own opinions and beliefs are superior. A percentage of the population will accept that Goths dress in this manner because they choose too, and as it does not directly affect themselves in any manner, they ignore and leave it be.
The remaining percentage will, however, deem it their right to comment on the clothes of a Goth. They see the Goths within the category of "alternative living" and assume that it is wrong and judgment is a formality.
Unless the actions of a person contravenes any laws or causes distress and the potential for endangerment, society as a whole should apply the principle of "ignore and leave them be." Goths have chosen their path in life, the same as those who judge them have chosen to live their lives. If you feel the need to be judgmental, prepare to be judged yourself.
Learn more about this author, James Mockridge..
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