RPA Article No. 2 (Miss Nikki)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/12/08/goth_scene_in_brum_feature.shtml
Goth or the gothic subculture is a contemporary subculture prevalent in many countries. It was apparent in the late 1960s and 70s but it then gradually disappear until the 21st century, where gothic looking pop bands like Greenday and Simple Plan to name a few started.
Teenagers dressed like these pop stars to show others they are into the music genres and also allowing them to ‘rebel’. For example, Brunei, being a conservative country, applying the rules of Islam and MIB( Melayu Islam Beraja) do not allow or permit such dress code. Subcultures are created among these teenagers in schools and are found always together in one particular spot on the central business areas.
They can be seen walking around carrying the identity of the person they admire. However this differs from popular culture because the dress code and attitude that the goth teenagers are portraying are utterly normlessness to the elderly of Brunei and many other countries making believe that they do not respect the values of their family and country.
These act of deviances results in the elderly generally mocking the young when they decide to ‘hang out’ in the popular areas like Gadong. The elders would see it as a waste of time and a demoralizing action when we hang out because it seen as if all the teenagers are part of a subculture.
It is a culture shock for many, when I apply goth or many other subcultures , the teenagers has adopted in Brunei. It might be common elsewhere however, it is considered as a deviant act.
On the surface, I reckon that it is fine, however, I would consider a teenager being deviant when he/she is really crossing the line, I.e having piercing in inappropriate place, being wild by listening to loud music with their window open, dressed inappropriately. There is no proper dress code or no rule on how to dress, however, being in Brunei, even the foreigners should abide by the rules that is set by the county.
