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.
Within the digital confines of a Substack blog post entitled "Have you ever seen a goth downtown?", author Danco meticulously dissects the evolving urban landscape and the consequential implications for subcultures, focusing specifically on the conspicuous absence of the goth subculture. He posits that the meticulously crafted aesthetic of the goth individual, characterized by its dark attire, elaborate makeup, and often unconventional accessories, was traditionally a stark contrast to the mundane backdrop of everyday urban life. This contrast, he argues, served as a potent form of self-expression and rebellion, a visual declaration of nonconformity within a sea of conformity.
However, Danco observes that the contemporary downtown core, now significantly gentrified and populated by a homogenous class of affluent professionals, presents a different kind of uniformity. This new uniformity is not one of blandness, but rather of a polished, upscale aesthetic. The rebellion inherent in the goth aesthetic, he suggests, loses its impact against this new backdrop. It no longer stands in stark contrast, but rather appears almost quaint, a theatrical performance against a backdrop that has, in its own way, become a performance as well.
The author further elaborates on this by exploring the economic forces that have reshaped urban centers. He contends that the rising cost of living in these revitalized downtown areas has effectively priced out the very individuals who traditionally embraced subcultures like goth. These individuals, often artists, musicians, and other creatives, are now relegated to more affordable, peripheral neighborhoods, further diminishing their visibility in the heart of the city.
Consequently, the absence of goths downtown is not merely an anecdotal observation, but rather a symbolic representation of a broader socio-economic shift. It signifies the homogenization of urban spaces and the displacement of subcultures that once thrived in the vibrant, albeit gritty, ecosystem of the pre-gentrified city. The downtown core, once a melting pot of diverse expressions, is now, in Danco's view, a more curated and less spontaneous environment, where the theatrical rebellion of the goth subculture struggles to find its stage.
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.