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October 21, 2005

Gothic Profiling: Clothes Make the Man

I'd like to take some time out to thank Dylan and Eric for their contributions towards this nation's media obsession with "goth" profiling. The latest story stems from the brutal beating of Pamela Vitale, wife of lawman Daniel Horowitz. Natch, CNN has the scoop:

"The teenage suspect in the beating death of a prominent lawyer's wife was described by classmates as a goth loner who followed the occult and dressed in black from the polish on his fingernails to his trench coat."

Let's refuse to analyze any possible mental illness or family factors involved that may have contributed to a child beating a woman to death, and concentrate solely on what season of Hot Topic he was wearing. But wait, there's more! Why don't we ask his classmates for info. Clearly they must have an intimate understanding of the complicated nature of this person which lead to a brutally calculated homocide.

"He was just really a Gothic kid, and everyone knew who he was just because of his apparel. When you heard the name, you were just like, 'Oh, that kid,' " a classmate told CNN.

"He just definitely stood out in front of anybody in the school," the classmate added. "When he walked by, everybody talked about him -- like, he definitely didn't blend in."

Listen up, if you happen to be "that kid" and I think you know who you are, watch out. Being "really Gothic" leads to all kinds of trouble. And don't think they don't know who you are. Your apparel says it all.

Posted by urcella at October 21, 2005 12:51 PM

Comments

I envision a goth "Thelma and Louise", shattering stereotypes and empowering sallow, pizzafaced teenagers in pancake makeup everywhere. In a flurry of clove smoke and black lace chokers, two dark and mysterious middle class white girls in love burn a swath of anomie and superficial lacerations across the upper midwest. It's "Underworld" meets "Vanishing Point" meets "Parenthood." I say it's box-office gold and a cogent and resonant critique of our image-obsessed culture.

The takeaway here? Probably that black nail polish and eyeliner is not the right statement to make in the lockup down at Men's Central. Maybe a lighter shade, something a little more inviting.

Posted by: Kip at October 21, 2005 03:12 PM