The post "Have you ever seen a goth downtown?" explores the perceived disappearance of visibly distinct subcultures, particularly goths, from urban centers. It posits that while these subcultures haven't vanished, they've become less visible due to several factors. The internet allows individuals to connect with like-minded people online, reducing the need for physical congregation. Additionally, the mainstreaming of alternative fashion and the rise of fast fashion have made formerly unique subcultural styles more accessible and less distinctive. Finally, increased social acceptance and reduced stigma around alternative styles may have lessened the need for overt displays of subcultural affiliation. These changes have resulted in a blending of subcultures into the broader urban landscape, making them less immediately noticeable to casual observers.
The New York Times article explores the hypothetical scenario of TikTok disappearing and the possibility that its absence might not be deeply felt. It suggests that while TikTok filled a specific niche in short-form, algorithm-driven entertainment, its core function—connecting creators and consumers—is easily replicable. The piece argues that competing platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are already adept at providing similar content and could readily absorb TikTok's user base and creators. Ultimately, the article posits that the internet's dynamic nature makes any platform, even a seemingly dominant one, potentially expendable and easily replaced.
HN commenters largely agree with the NYT article's premise that TikTok's potential ban wouldn't be as impactful as some believe. Several point out that previous "essential" platforms like MySpace and Vine faded without significant societal disruption, suggesting TikTok could follow the same path. Some discuss potential replacements already filling niche interests, like short-form video apps focused on specific hobbies or communities. Others highlight the addictive nature of TikTok's algorithm and express hope that a ban or decline would free up time and mental energy. A few dissenting opinions suggest TikTok's unique cultural influence, particularly on music and trends, will be missed, while others note the platform's utility for small businesses.
Homeschooling's rising popularity, particularly among tech-affluent families, is driven by several factors. Dissatisfaction with traditional schooling, amplified by pandemic disruptions and concerns about ideological indoctrination, plays a key role. The desire for personalized education tailored to a child's pace and interests, coupled with the flexibility afforded by remote work and financial resources, makes homeschooling increasingly feasible. This trend is further fueled by the availability of new online resources and communities that provide support and structure for homeschooling families. The perceived opportunity to cultivate creativity and critical thinking outside the confines of standardized curricula also contributes to homeschooling's growing appeal.
Hacker News users discuss potential reasons for the perceived increase in homeschooling's popularity, questioning if it's truly "fashionable." Some suggest it's a reaction to declining public school quality, increased political influence in curriculum, and pandemic-era exposure to alternatives. Others highlight the desire for personalized education, religious motivations, and the ability of tech workers to support a single-income household. Some commenters are skeptical of the premise, suggesting the increase may not be as significant as perceived or is limited to specific demographics. Concerns about socialization and the potential for echo chambers are also raised. A few commenters share personal experiences, both positive and negative, reflecting the complexity of the homeschooling decision.
Summary of Comments ( 94 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43084958
Hacker News users generally agreed with the premise of the linked article – that downtowns are struggling because they lack a diverse mix of people and activities catering to different subcultures and socioeconomic groups. Commenters pointed to factors like high rents, chain stores replacing independent businesses, and the homogenization of culture as contributing to this decline. Several users shared anecdotes of vibrant, diverse downtowns they'd experienced, contrasting them with the sterile environments of many modern city centers. The most compelling comments highlighted the importance of affordable spaces and a mix of uses (residential, commercial, entertainment) to create a thriving downtown. One user argued that downtowns should aim to be "interesting and fun" rather than simply "efficient." Another suggested that successful downtowns often cater to specific niche interests, creating a draw for diverse groups.
The Hacker News post "Have you ever seen a goth downtown?" with the ID 43084958, which links to an article on danco.substack.com, has generated a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the original article's premise.
Several commenters discuss the geographic specificity of the original article's question, pointing out that "downtown" can mean very different things in different places. Some highlight that the prevalence of goth subculture is likely higher in larger cities or places with a historical association with alternative music and fashion. Others note that even within a single city, different areas might have varying concentrations of goth individuals, with some suggesting that more artistic or bohemian districts might be more likely locations.
A few commenters reflect on the evolution of subcultures and their visibility. They suggest that the internet and social media have potentially altered how subcultures express themselves and connect, possibly leading to less visible public displays of affiliation. This leads to speculation that goth subculture, while perhaps less outwardly visible, might still thrive in online communities and smaller, more private gatherings.
Some of the more compelling comments delve into the nature of subcultures and their relationship to mainstream society. One commenter discusses the idea of "signaling" within subcultures, suggesting that the specific fashion and stylistic choices associated with goth might evolve or become more subtle over time while still serving as markers of belonging within the community. Another commenter touches on the idea of subcultures as a form of rebellion or self-expression, and how this might manifest differently across generations.
There's also discussion on the potential for misinterpreting individual styles. Some commenters caution against assuming someone's subcultural affiliation based solely on appearance, pointing out that individual fashion choices may not always align neatly with established subculture categories.
Finally, some comments offer anecdotal experiences, either recounting personal sightings of goth individuals in various locations or sharing their own past or present involvement in the goth subculture. These personal accounts add a grounded perspective to the more theoretical discussions.