Who here hates Hot Topic?

Question

As a TRUE member of the gothic subculture, I find that Hot Topic is only there to supply clothing to those stupid little poser tweens. I mean sure, it's okay to buy an accesory there every once in a while, but what's up with the pre-made outfits and it categorizing PUNK or GOTH? I mean, you can't just take something and say it is "punk" or "gothic" because part of what makes subcultures unique is that there can be so much variation in clothing, for instance most enjoy to make their own clothes/accesories. My point is, ever since they put the Hot Topic store here, all of a sudden these punks and goths ( so-called) have sprung up out of nowhere.The store just makes it so easy for wanna-be's to get a hold of "goth" stlyle, and this upsets me. Also people are getting a wrong impression on what gothism is, and they try to become something exotic they don't even understand; most of these posers can't even appreciate art or creativity, a large basis of gothism!
Anyone agree?

In response to an answerer, yes, you can be Gothic without the clothes. Really, the inside counts more than anything. But people these days think that the clothing is the most important part and is all you need, which I am seeing is much due to Hot Topic stores.

Answer 1

I don't hate the store itself, but the fact that it makes psuedo-goth and psuedo-punk lifestyles both attractive and accessible to people who have no idea what goth or punk are about irritates me to no end. I don't hate it and in fact do (shock, horror) shop there from time to time. You just can't be suckered into believing that shopping there makes you instant punk/goth/emo/rocker/new waver/et cetera. The teenygothers and fauxhawks who live there just haven't quite grasped that essential fact. Thanks for posting.

Answer 2

Goth is a lifestyle, and a state of mind. A true goth could go to the thrift store and find an amazing outfit. I go dumpster diving and find beautiful clothes.

Hot Topic, to me, represents our throw-away culture. When I was young we didn't have these pre-made outfits. If you wanted something, you had to make it yourself.

But now, any young child who wants to shock their parents can go to Hot Topic, and they don't even have good clothes to begin with. Most of the fabric tears easily, the corsets aren't even real, and the accessories are so cheap.

But the truth is, our younger generations are learning that the Goth and Punk lifestyles are more about looks, rather than ideas and creativity.

Ask a young kid wearing Goth clothes if they know who Siouxsie Sue is, and they will not have a clue.

Answer 3

I agree with most of your points; commerical exploitation of a culture that was actually built off something real, and now kids are just picking up the style because they think it's cool looking. Actually, I definiately went through a very similar train of thought and annoyance a few years ago. What I (try to) do now: ignore what people look like. What bothers me even more is when people have this goth/punk/anythingexotic-is-cool-and-therefore-something-to-study attitude in their personality. And I've noticed that these people aren't even the ones shopping at Hot Topic. They just find subcultures cool without trying to understand the source/feeling behind them. So just ignore what they're wearing, you've got your own style and identity.

Answer 4

Hot Topic isn't the kind of store I'd go in to buy a whole outfit, but I do find cute bits and pieces in there once and a while. Hot Topic is a store more geared towards punk, emo, goth type people. That isn't exactly the 'norm' so of course people won't have nice things to say about.

Answer 5

I see a LOT of non 'goth' looking clothes at Hot Topic, but every assumes it is a store only for goths/punks/emos.
In fact, a few weeks ago, my friend said something about it, so I told her that I loved that store. In response, she said, "No offense, but you wouldn't really...fit in." **** that. I actually really like the clothes there, and not because they're 'goth' or 'different', but because I just like the clothes!!

Also, I've never known beyond the style or music...what is goth?

Answer 6

Oh **** yes.

While I don't consider myself to be part of any particular subculture (and don't try to be), I do admire the creativity and individualism involved in the punk and gothic subcultures. I love the music, but I think the best thing to emerge from either is the DIY ethic, which Hot Topic is killing.

It's not about putting on a uniform, it's about DISCARDING uniforms for ****'s sake.

That said, to each his/her own, I guess.

Answer 7

well i kind of think that things on TV effect people and everything like that. People these days just copy what they see because they think its cool or w/e. The others just don't understand the whole thing about being goth, emo, punk, or w/e it is because they are jus probably following the crowd and wanna be jus like everybody else. now these days its all about who is doing this, or whats the latest fashion trend or w/e. i think this is kinda foolish, but hot topic is okay i guess. i haven't bought anything there but i think its an okay store. but i really like where your kinda try to go with some of the things you are saying. people should really appreciate art, and they should take some time to actually understand everything about being a true goth.

Answer 8

Hot Topic WAS goth and punk. WAS

now its EMO (******* hate it)

:(

They still sell some cool gothic style things like chains, pants, boots, and corsets

Answer 9

Yes, I find Hot Topic is just another mall victim of mass transit in fashion. It is forcing people to define themselves by putting an actual "style" on a persons individual creativity to be unique. It is just another victim of greed & so are the people who shop there! They sell a LOOK & know nothing about the lifestyle & philosophy that goes with the person or people who first started dressing like this for a reason. Posers were around in the 60's too, thanks to the fashion industry we now have factory tye-dye shirts that look like crap too. What happened to people making their own clothing just for themselves?

Answer 10

You make the clothes, not the clothes makes you. Can you still be Gothic with out the clothes?