This Is All Very Upsetting...

[miyu-sakura.livejournal.com]

My birthday is coming up, and I have some nice plans for it. I want to take photos, go out for food, shopping, and fun with my fellow Midwestern gothlolis. I am putting a lot of time, money, and energy into this event. However, because of the recent nastiness in the community, I feel that I want to cancel my plans... or at least not post the photos out of fear of being attacked by random, anonymous people. So I'm going to put this up first, and I want everyone to give their honest commentary on it. Don't hold back if you disagree, but don't be rude, and don't post anonymously. Voice your opinion, and don't worry if you aren't part of the majority.

First of all, I feel that many people don't really understand that EGL is ultimately a fashion statement and not a lifestyle. It has been stated many times that the Japanese gothic lolitas do not constantly dress in EGL clothing, nor do they sit around sipping tea all day and posing with their dolls. If you enjoy doing that, you're welcome to it, but you shouldn't take the movement overboard. Criticizing things which are clearly not EGL is acceptable. Many things on Ebay are very much not EGL, and are advertised as such in order to increase the likelihood of bidders. However, bashing another person for the fact that they are only a "weekend loli" or they have other interests outside of EGL is incredibly rude, prejudicial, and wrong.

Secondly, each person has their own interpretation and style. Some people prefer things directly from the Bibles while others like to mix styles. Some people can only afford thrift store finds or homemade clothes, while other people have platinum accounts on Yahoo! Japan. Everyone does their own thing the best way that they can. If someone posts a picture of themselves in a mini-skirt and a tube top, they're clearly in the wrong community. But is someone posts a picture of themselves in a circle skirt and a DIY blouse, they shouldn't be railroaded. Instead, one should tell them what you like and don't like about the outfit, and try to help them out. Help and resources should be freely offered and exchanged in place of vicious criticism.

Thirdly, the Bibles are not the word of God. They are guides. If someone steps outside of the "word" that doesn't mean they are wrong or out of line. There are many potential outfits that a person can make that the GLB's haven't covered, and as long as a person follows basic rules, then they should be appluauded for orignality. Traditionalists should also not be criticized since they help preserve the original styles even as the movement continues.

Fourthly, people take themselves far too seriously at times... which is a common problem among most subcultures. Because of the small, private nature of EGL, many people feel that they are "orginals" and that new people are "posers". This is common among goths, rockers, swingers, nerds, hip hop kids, gamers, and pretty much any other niche group you can think of... But guess what? We all started out as new kids at some point, and we all had our n00b questions, and n00b ideas. Instead of jumping down the throat of someone for liking something that's viewed as mainstream or "poser", people should try and introduce them to the more authentic and genuine things so that they can experience the full depth of the subculture.

And don't snub the mainstream either, because the more mainstream something because, the easier it will be to find things, and the less expensive they will be. For instance, when I was thirteen, I could only find manga in a few comic shops downtown. Now, I can walk into Borders and find everything that I want for cheap. Are there ten year olds reading DBZ in the manga section? Yes. Do I care? No, because the fact that a lot of people read DBZ makes Borders carry more manga in order to appeal to that branch of readers. After all, whereever they can make profit, they will... they're a business. And as long as I can get my copy of Peach Girl and Great Teacher Onizuka I don't care.

Finally, this community should ultimately be about fun and enjoyment, not side-swiping one another with cheap comments. I love people who will only wear clothes from Japan, just as much as my dear friends who make their own clothing. I still drool over their outfits, and I still coo over the cuteness and elegance. I enjoy looking at pictures, arranging events, and hanging out with everyone. If I can't have that then what's the point?

Cross-posted into metamorphique

(no subject)

[ashna.livejournal.com]

Reminder!

Vancouver Lolita Tea Party!


December 21st, 2003 Tea Party.

3pm: Gathering point at the Art Gallery in Downtown Vancouver.
Address: 750 Hornby Street, Meeting on the Georgia Street side.
We will wait 45 minutes for people. After that you have to find us.
Admission price: $12.50 for an adult, $8 for a student with valid ID.
***If I can get a group of ten to say they will definitely go by the
13th, I can get a group discount***

6pm: Dinner reservations at The Teahouse in Stanely Park.
Address: 7501 Stanley Park Drive
Prices range from $5 to $30.
For more infor: http://www.sequoiarestaurants.com/teahouse_main.html

9pm: Sanctuary at The Purple Onion
Address: 15 water Street (In Gastown)
Admission price: $5. Normally it's only $2, but there's a band that's
going to be playing that night. Drinks can be a bit pricey though...
most start around $5 or $6.
They close at 2am. Leave when you want.

The Skytrain runs until 12:15am to Surrey from Waterfront station.
The last 10 Granville, 17 UBC, 5 Robson, 6 Davie, 8 Fraser, 3 Main,
and I think the 4 UBC as well are at 1:39am.
I'm not sure of the other buses. You can check at www.translink.bc.ca

If you can't meet up with us at the appointed times, it's your job to
find us. Please try not to get lost.

****PLEASE email our event organizer and say if you are attending.. She needs
to make reservations ASAP to assure places for us and the best deals
possible****

Email: Miyama_Ishida@yahoo.com

Hey dolls !

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