let's talk about being 'alternative'

being alternative isn’t a trend. It’s how we live, think, and connect with the world.

Being alternative isn’t a trend. It’s how we live, think, and connect with the world.

What does ‘alternative’ mean?

Alternative is an umbrella term for different subcultures. In the Urban Dictionary alternative is defined as “living or thinking outside of mainstream norms and conventions.” But it’s more than that. It’s about the music, lifestyle, media, and ideas.

The Music

Emo, goth, midwest emo, scene, punk, grunge, etc. are music subcultures!! I hate when people say “oh they look so emo” not even knowing what being emo is. All of these subcultures are based around music. Grunge bands would be something like Nirvana or Foo Fighters. While emo bands would be MCR or Jimmy Eat The World. Most people don’t realize subcultures are usually based around music.

The Books and Ideas

I myself don’t have much to say on the books for I haven’t read any yet, but I would love to. But these books challenge the so called ‘normal’ ideas. Being goth, emo, punk, or any subculture really, has different ideas then the “norm”. I won’t say we have crazy different ideas or “challenge the rules” we mostly just ask questions to get a deeper idea of things. It’s the beliefs such as, Anti-Racism, Pro Choice, Trans Rights, Eat the Rich, Gender Equality, Gay Rights, Anti-Sexism, and more. If you are against any of these then you are a poser. Now you may be like “Woah Savannah but that’s (insert excuse)” but that’s what the music is about, listen to the lyrics. If you don’t agree then you are a poser, I’m sorry but you are babe.

It’s the Vibe, Not the Outfit

You can be in a subculture and not dress the part! Let me say that again. You can be in a subculture and not dress the part!! Got it? You can be goth, emo, punk, scene, whatever and not dress like that. Again, these subcultures are about the music first not the clothes. You can be emo and dress like a cowboy. With that I think everyone should know if you are in a subculture but don’t want to dress the way that is fine! No one in the subculture is going to get mad, make fun of you, or call you a poser as long as you listen to the music we do not care. So please don’t be afraid! You can be ‘alt’ in a hoodie or a dress. Some days you may go all out a look the part others you may not and that’s fine no matter your choice. Now, I’m not saying you can’t dress the way you want if you aren’t in a subculture like these but like the clothes. You can do that too but you can not call yourself “emo” or “goth” or “punk” if you don’t listen to the music. Just say you like the look but don’t identify with the culture.

My Experience

I myself would be considered a mix of something with grunge, emo, and punk. I love all sorts of music but I really love these kind of bands and the ideas involved in punk. No, I haven’t been judged for it, yet. Honestly, the way I discovered ‘alt’ music was my dad’s truck. He always has the best music on, Nirvana, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Korn, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Green Day, etc. and I fell in love with it.

If you want a deeper look into things I definitely recommend the YouTube video “The Worst Alt Girl Guide Ever” By Drama Kween, she does an amazing job going into what ‘alt’ is and how TikTok ‘alt’ is different than really being alternative. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or act a certain way to be ‘alt’ It’s about embracing who you are through your music and ideas.