When I hear the terms "Punk" or "Punk Rock", I can completely guarantee and promise that Blink 182, Good Charlotte, and New Found Glory are NOT the first names that come to mind unless the word Punk is preceeded by the word "Wannabe". I don't know where people got the idea that punkers are supposed to have pretty eyes, perfect teeth, and be able to harmonize.
I'm not some elitist punker on a rampage, thinking that I know everything that there is to know about it. The rock I listen to isn't punk, but it sure as hell isn't pop either. You don't have to be much of an elitist, you don't have to be too terribly well versed in music, you probably don't even have to be completely coherent. I'm pretty sure that anyone with a pulse could tell you that if you want real punk, you turn your eyes to one name: The Ramones.
While we're on the subject of wannabes, let me tell you a thing or two about Hot Topic. Shopping at Hot Topic, working at Hot Topic, in any way supporting Hot Topic does not...I repeat...DOES NOT make you goth. Much in the same way that wearing black and quoting Lovecraft does not make you goth (though you do get extra points for knowing who Lovecraft is). To find true goths, I would say make your way to the goddamned thrift store and look at the people that MAKE their badass clothes out of what they find for 6 bucks**. If you just spent $60 on a pair of pants, believe me, the store isn't something that I would trust as a gothic resource. The clothes at Hot Topic may be comfortable, they may look cool on some people, but they aren't goth.
I have one last group of wannabes that I want to talk to. To all of you who are horizontally endowed, or shall we say, fat, stop kidding yourself. I'm not the thinnest string bean out there, but I can admit to my physical faults. I would please advise you all to do the same. I work in a mall all day and I can't tell you the number of people, men and women alike, who are wearing pants made for people literally half their size. The thing that disgusts me the most are easily 250 pound, 5 foot nothing people wearing midrift shirts. Look, I don't have a problem with people that are overweight, I just wish that they'd admit to it and not try to dress like they aren't.
In closing, people, get your heads out of your asses and admit what you really are. You're pop-punk, you're not wiccan, you're not goth, you're not evil, your life isn't a role-playing game, and you aren't a model. Don't try to act like you are.
** I am in no way insinuating that the clothes make the goth. Goth is all about the attitude. That's my whole point. So don't think I mean that just because you buy some beat up fishnet shirt at savers that I'm calling you a goth either. It's just as possible that you're a poser. As I said, just remember that it's an attitude, not a look.
