In the vibrant tapestry of the 1980s, while many kids reveled in neon colors, penny loafers, and pastel cardigans, I found my identity as a self-identified goth girl. My heart beat for the dark allure of Bela Lugosi and the enigmatic charm of Peter Murphy. Instead of bubblegum pop and cheerleading, I craved music with depth and the comforting embrace of solitude, away from the quizzical glances of my peers.
Fast forward over twenty-five years, and remarkably, I still embody that “strange and unusual” persona. The biggest difference is that I now have the autonomy to choose my own attire, and I wear my all-black ensembles with pride. My fascination with vampires has remained unwavering; I even joined the throngs of teens who once swooned over Twilight. However, after watching the films, I was left bewildered. Preppy vampires? The visions I conjured from the novels were more akin to the cast of The Lost Boys, not the characters from Sixteen Candles.
Reflections on Iconic ’80s Films
Reflecting on the iconic films of the ’80s, I still find myself perturbed by certain scenes in The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. If you were part of the dark wave movement, you’ll understand my frustration. For those who cheered for the wrong love interests, let me clarify: Claire transformed Allison—a beautifully introverted girl in black—into the typical next-door sweetheart, while Andie picked Blane over the ever-loyal Duckie. That betrayal still elicits an involuntary head shake from me.
This lingering resentment has contributed to my absence from numerous ’80s-themed parties. I am well aware that such gatherings celebrate bright colors, banana clips, and catchy tunes like “Safety Dance.” However, that’s not how I experienced the ’80s, and revisiting those parties feels just as uninviting now as it did back then.
Nostalgia and Music
It’s not that I shy away from nostalgia. I indulge in it daily, often while gazing at the framed poster of The Cure hanging on my wall. The discomfort it brings is palpable—even the DJ senses it when I approach him to request a song by The Sisters of Mercy, a band that likely won’t be found on his ’80s dance playlist. Even if he has access to those tracks, he fears a disastrous crowd reaction akin to witnessing Debbie Gibson covering “This Corrosion.”
When it comes to music, I can’t help but chuckle when acquaintances claim to be fans of The Cure. Their attempts to connect over “that one song” are amusing, but I remain unconvinced until I see them belting out “Torture” at karaoke night instead of the more mainstream “Friday I’m in Love.” Until that moment, their claims are as laughable now as they were back in the day, much like the persistent mispronunciation of Siouxsie and the Banshees.
The Gothic Spirit of the ’80s
It’s not that I’m stuck in the past; rather, the gothic spirit of the ’80s is an indelible part of me. Thankfully, I’m not alone in this sentiment. If that were the case, we wouldn’t have talented actors like Winona Ryder, Helena Bonham Carter, or Johnny Depp, who will forever be etched in my memory as Edward Scissorhands.
In all honesty, I must credit my enduring love for this gothic era to Tim Burton—my own John Hughes. Without him and the emergence of stores like Hot Topic, I might feel as isolated as Lydia Deetz. Thankfully, he has illustrated that I’m not as unique as I once thought. There are many others like me, emerging from their metaphorical coffins to appreciate his latest dark creations.
I secretly relish the notion that his films serve as a celebration for those of us who resonate with the strange and unusual; they capture the essence of a bygone era that continues to haunt me and influence my wardrobe. Personally, I hope this fascination never fades away.
Further Reading
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In summary, my journey as a self-proclaimed goth girl from the ’80s has shaped my identity, and while much has remained unchanged, I embrace my uniqueness with pride.
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