Narrow Minded Parents???

I'm 15 and I am trying to make the transition to goth, but my parents are making it extremely difficult. I asked for red streaks,they said no. So I said I would go and do it anyways, they threatened to cut off chunks of my hair while I'm sleeping. They asked me why I wanted to look like that and I said it was a form of self expression and that I want to be an individual. They went off on this whole, it's not normal looking thing so I asked them what defines "normal" and showed them that normal is a term defined by society that tells us how to look, act, etc. Then my dad did his peace, love, dope thing; basically saying I was a tree hugger, hippie, etc. They don't even really understand what goth is. How can I make them more open minded? Parents, would YOU cut off pieces of your childs hair if they disobeyed you?

Narrow Minded Parents???

Personally I wouldn't cut my child's hair off to get back at them for doing something to it that I didn't like. Some parents are just old fashioned. I like the look of some Goth, more the lighter side of Goth, but the full blown goth thing is a little gross to me. It's pretty morbid looking and I am a morbid person, but it sometimes almost looks evil or halloweenish. I can understand why your parents wouldn't like this. It's not really natural and it makes you look like some kind of depressed satanic weirdo, if it's the full blown Goth your talking about. I look at my girls right now and my son, so young and innocent, naturally beautiful and one day they will want to die their hair, the girls wear makeup and all that and that natural beauty will be gone. I know your 15, but your still their baby and they just want you to look like you.

Narrow Minded Parents???

Why don't you compromise. They make so many hair products these days that are temporary and not permanent. They have tons of colored gels now. You could change your streaks every day if you wanted.

Narrow Minded Parents???

I am a parent and my son is 14 going on 35. He wants to be a rapper *sigh*, but has crappy grades in english. How can you be a rapper if you can't even get the English language right?

On the other hand...I am Pagan, and it was very difficult to "come out" and tell my VERY CATHOLIC parents. So I kept my beliefs to myself until I was out of their house.

As a parent, I say that you should respect your parents wishes until you are on your own. I DO understand the whole self-expression thing...really I do. But right now your folks are footin the bill to your living arrangements. They keep a roof over your head, food on the table, you've got a computer and a bed to sleep in. When you're grown, you can do what you want...but until then, your folks are still running the show.

I don't know how crazy your parents are, but if they're threatening to cut chunks of your hair out, maybe you should re-think the red streaks! From one tree-hugging hippie to another (hehehe...that was a joke), you've got 3 more years...would it kill you to wait? Do you need to reflect your individuality with your hair?

My step-brother is goth and my folks blew a gasket when he wanted to dye his entire head of hair BLUE. My dad is black and his mom is white/mexican. Can you imagine the looks on their faces when he actually DID it? And yes, they gave him the same speech that your folks gave you...BUT, my little brother is a straight A student. The compromise was that if he kept his grades up, he could look how ever he wanted to...and so far it's working out for everyone.

Goth doesn't have to be about your hair sweetheart. Paint your nails black and grab some old boots and fishnet stockings...you never know...in a few months you may not even dig that look anymore.

Good luck.

Narrow Minded Parents???

Okay you are 15. Do what your parents tell you too! How hard is that! When you are 18 you can do whatever you want! Until then understand that "they" pay the bills "they" feed you "they" cloth you! Personally I think goth and vampire wanna bes are gross but to each his own. What happened to the girl next door that was dressed up pretty? Call me old fashioned to but your whole generation is nuts!

Narrow Minded Parents???

Well, if my parents cut chunks of hair off my head I would just shave my head. I'm sure they would have just LOVED that.

I was in general a very docile and obedient child/teen so when I did make a move for self-expression that harmed no one else they let me have my way.

Narrow Minded Parents???

Educate them. Don't get all huffy over it just try to be an adult about it. When you say goth, images of Marilyn Manson and to many, devil worshiping, comes to mind. Surprise them with taking the high road and initiate a well thought out, pros/cons type conversation. The more positive information you can bring to the table, the better off you'll be.

Frankly, they probably feel like it's just a phase in your life you're going through or that you're just being the rebellious teen. Unfortunately, people will still judge a book by it's cover. Your parents may be concerned that your outer image may get you passed up for important opportunities. Try to see things from their point of view.

Narrow Minded Parents???

your damn right i would.

my daughter put a guys initials in her leg with a razor. i gave her sand paper and told her to get rid of it.

when you are grown enough to pay your own bills you will be old enough to do as you wish. in the mean time do what your told!

Narrow Minded Parents???

What does being goth mean to you?

What does being goth mean to them?

Are you practicing wicca

Going to raves

Taking drugs

Being emo

Cutting

Staying in your room

Rejecting social norms

Writing depressing poetry

Dressing for attention in public

Hanging around with other emo goths

Thinking about dying

Obsessing over demons, vampires and the dark side

Telling lies

Bad mouthing your parents

Taking risks

Self destructing

Which of the above means goth to you?

Changing your hair colour/clothes is the least aspect of being goth.

I don't blame your parents for being concerned if this is what it means.