Discussion - What do you think of recording crimes against subcultures?

[mayorakana]

The Greater Manchester police force have begun recording hate on people dressed in subcultures such as goth, punk.. and perhaps, lolita

Comments

[e_g_lolita]

I remember a few reports of incidents in the States where girls dressed in Goth have been attacked based on their style. One incident I remember had a girl whose lip ring and gauges were ripped out, and she was beaten pretty severely. It's rather ridiculous how something as silly as aesthetic can create such misplaced anger and hatred in people...

Personally, I feel safest when I'm with a group of friends (usually I'm the only lolita, surrounded by "normally dressed" friends). I usually worry more about verbal harassment than physical because of where I live, but it's becoming a very real possibility as my community grows larger... But the police here are very friendly, and I even know a few of them personally (one officer is a neighbor a few doors down from me).

Personally, I would find it utterly ridiculous if the police could get away with the "well it's your fault for dressing in x fashion" excuse. It's the same premise as a girl is "asking for it" if she dresses in a lower-cut shirt and short skirt and gets raped. You don't ask

[blackenvy13]

You took the words out of my mouth by relating this to blaming a rape victim for how they dressed.

[princesse_nina]

I would feel ways better while being alone, or even with friends, if that could be possible! I am too often followed by whole groups of people, being physically harassed, being attacked, being insulted... I don't even dare to go out in Lolita sometimes because I just know I am going to be annoyed.

[milo_ceane]

I think it's a good idea to fight intolerance, but not this way... Not by protecting some subcultures. If you start protecting some subcultures, then you will have to protect EVERY subcultures, including those who fight each others. I think it has no sense.

What they should do, in my opinion, is "just" to help people being more tolerant, instead of criticize them again. Because criticizing is a type of intolerance...

[marmaladeskies]

I think it's a positive step forward, but I'm not convinced the police will take cases seriously. Hopefully though, with it being such widespread news it will help send the message to people that it's not OK to harass people in the street over what they're wearing, especially with it actually being considered an official offence.

[crystal_moon975]

^ This right here.

[kagzchan]

I agree with pretty much everyone elses post. I am happy that they are taking a step in the right direction but crime is crime is crime, and none of it should be tolerated regardless of any clothing choices. It's a real bummer how much hate is in the world; that someones tattoos, or piercings, or overly fluffy petticoat would drive someone to verbally let alone physically abuse them just baffles me.