i like to think that, for the most part, goths are peaceful creatures. i'd like to believe that humans in general are peace-loving, but since this is obviously grossly untrue, i'm willing to let it go.

and so, as this scene unfolded late last saturday night on the subway shows, i appear to also be a tad mistaken on that first count. i was waiting for what ended up being public transportation vehicle number 4 out of 6 standing between me and home (transatlantic flight not included) and had dragged way too much luggage up and down way too many stairs—needless to say, i wasn't at my best. i usually ignore scuffles and fights on the train (see pacifist tendencies, above) but when i heard, 'aww, man! that skinny british dude is going to get it!' my interest was piqued.

lo and behold, at the other end of the platform was a sight that could only end badly: skinny goth guy yelling at hugely muscled guy with lots of muscles. i don't know what had started the fight, but both parties were getting pretty heated and it wasn't long before brown leather sport coats, half-capes with red silk lining, black bowler hats, strappy buckles, and gaudy rolexes were being removed to facilitate the inevitable fight. this made me cringe all the more, as it revealed even more muscles on the muscle-y guy, and less overall substance on the goth (he was probably 140 lbs soaking wet and with all of his dead can dance cds strapped to him). nasty epithets, punches, and kicks were thrown (by the musclehead) and arms and legs were flailed (by the goth). the goth hit the floor, the police were *finally* called, and the fight was broken up.

i'm not quite sure who won in the end (the muscle was questioned by the cops and the goth walked away), but i do feel like i lost a little of my gothy innocence. sigh.

-chris

Tags: bowler hats, public transportation, why can't we all just get along