"Manson stole his image from Japanese rock stars!"
I don't personally believe that Marilyn Manson has an "image", at least not one that he intentionally projects because a lot of (too much) people, especially the fans, actually, tend to misinterpret what Manson's all about; what he does and what he says and why. But to say that he's misinterpreted is to say that there's only one valid interpretation (mine) and that's not true. But I'm however convinced (because it's the way I see it, because it makes sense to me and because he said so, many times before in his own words) that Manson's primary objective is to provoke reflection and not to shock. Whether or not the observer is offended rather depends upon whether or not he gets what he's observing.
I agree that the superficial aspect of the presentation is a lot to absorb all at once. But I think that people should bear in mind that first and foremost he's expressing himself. He's trying to say something. It's not all random. And it's not about expressing himself in the most flamboyant way possible, it's about expressing himself in ways he feels are more illustrative of his thoughts depending on the point he's trying to make, even if it means it'll look flamboyant.
I'm sure a lot of people have inspired Manson before and probably will again, but I don't think he's stealing anything from anyone because nobody "owns" an idea once it's out there; other people can share the same perspective, and because, again, nothing about Manson is random.
[ 2004-03-21 ] I still find it highly amusing to see how important it is to "real goths" to separate (amputate, rather) themselves from other "goths" and certain music categories (if it sells, it's bad) just to make sure they conform (ha!) to their own absolute definition. I wonder where the authenticity is. I think that "real goths" like you try a bit too hard. Marilyn Manson never referred to himself as "goth", whatever that word means to you, and therefore can't really give you a bad name. Liking him doesn't automatically make you "goth", granted, I get your point, but hating him certainly doesn't make you any gother. If you don't like/get him, what he does, and why, for whatever reason, just say it. But if you can't elaborate, don't debate. "He's fake!" (anything can be misinterpreted) just doesn't cut it anymore, you know?
My opinion.