I live in Colorado, and for years after Columbine you wouldn't catch anyone wearing the long dark duster jackets, yet they were common place before. It was the association that turned people off.

Everyone in the world stereotypes, and I loved indiblue's response.

If you teach a child that a stove is hot, to them all stoves are hot, whether they are on or not. Until they learn to understand and reason why the stove is hot they're not going to touch any of them.

The ignorant people are the ones who do not take the time to reason that not all stereotypes fit all situations.

I am Gothic and have been for 10+ years

I have very pale skin
Long naturally wavy hair (i wear it up alot though lately)
Black framed glasses
Black eyeliner when i go out
I war my wedding ring and a small silver Pentacle on a silver necklace (I am pagan)
and 95% of my wardrobe is black. although i don't wear overly dramatic or designed pieces...just sleeker simple classic pieces (slack type pants and cotton/lace cap sleeve or tanks, sometimes with a long sleeve jacket)

I find black clothing in general flattering on everyone...its sleek, sexy,classy and beautiful. for some reason when i look at brightly colored clothing they seem cheap to me, even if it is well made...most colors look cheap to me. I do like rich, darker colors though (i have a dark teal blouse that i LOVE!)

Ive never really had any "problems" or noticed people avoiding me because of my look...Im not shy at i guess all and years of working in retail/customer service has programed me to look at people passing and smile and say "hello!". If you walk around with the wrong attitude it doesn't really matter what you wear, i like to believe that people judge you by your facial expressions more than anything..i know i do..

Wear what you want to wear, do what you want to do..ive lived this life style for a long time and I'm very comfortable and happy in it.

Just my 2 cents