John

City of residence: Indianapolis, IN

Age: 21

Length of time in the scene: about 1 year

Occupation: Software Engineer, Eli Lilly and Company, Inc.

Education: "High school, some college (Purdue: Computer Science/Electrical Engineering)"

Musical taste: "Industrial, primarily, also techno: it generally depends on my mood. If I'm really relaxed I like classical and newer goth. Specifically, I like Throbbing Gristle, Kraftwerk, Einstürzende Neubauten, Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, Idiot Stare, Ministry, KMFDM, Collide, EBM, Informatik, and Front 242. Yes, I also do like NIN (only the older stuff). I abhor Marilyn Manson. Some of the Goth music I like is Bauhaus, Switchblade Symphony, Cocteau Twins, Sisters of Mercy, Delerium, and Dead Can Dance. Most of the time, though, I get into the louder, motivating music."

Distinctions in appearance: "I have both ears pierced and my tongue. I now have three new piercings: septum, lip, and a Prince Albert.. At work I generally wear jeans or khakis and buttoned shirts, at home and out I like wearing stuff with a more military motif (army boots, camo pants, etc.). You will usually see me in boots, black pants, a T-shirt and a black or army-green jacket (depending on the temp outside). I just shave my hair off (more convenient)."

Hobbies, activities, interests: "I've always been very much into computing and electronics, science and technology is my passion. For years, I was always the one with the 'scientific' gift and my brother was the one with the 'musical' talent. However, I've begun to really get into experimenting with computer generated and assisted composition, and I've done a few short works. Mostly for my own sake, not for art's sake (and definitely not for money!) I love to program, and I have written a few games. You'll also find me going out some nights to the park and writing short stories."

Spiritual, philosophical, religious affiliation: "I have, for many years, been fascinated with religion. It's strange how people seem to coalesce into seemingly disparate groups based on common beliefs. I was raised Methodist, and have since investigated several religions - yet actively involved myself in a few: I went from Methodist to Unitarian, then to Wiccan (about 5 years), to my current affiliation, Agnostic (Deist)."

Goals, dreams: "For a long time I have had several fanciful dreams, of traveling to other stars, living in space, etc. and for years, I have had people tell me that 'That will never happen' and 'Come back to Earth'. For years, I lived in quiet rebellion of people's narrow and cynical views. Part of the reason I've moved into this scene is because I find myself surrounded with other dreamers who choose not to suppress their feelings and hopes. Short term: I want to finish school. Long term: I want to do research in neuroprosthetics and computational intelligence (artificial intelligence and stuff like that)."

Do you consider yourself gothic?: "It's hard to say. All my Goth friends say I'm just a rivethead, but there are a few things about me which make me feel like I fit into their group. I guess I'll have to say that I'm more Goth than anything else, but in a literal sense, no. I feel a bit too idyllic and hopeful (even for a perkygoff) to really consider myself truly gothic. Even though I'm outraged and saddened by our present human condition, I really think that it is only a matter of time before society reaches its 'critical mass' a kind of decision point where we will either destroy ourselves, nature destroys us, or we overcome ourselves and create a better Earth to live in. Primarily, I respect the openness and honesty of the group. Goths generally tend to take things as they are, inside and out, and to an almost alarming extreme. Most of the goths I know take a serious, realist look at life and absorb it for its true nature - they tend to ignore facades and appearances for the truth that hides deep beneath."

10/24/97 last updated 2/25/98