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It is real. http://community.livejournal.com/gothfash/3873582.html
And guess what? I'm one of those people who thinks that people getting annoyed and defending the things they care about and the subcultures they are part of is important. And that laughing at and mocking people who care about such things is socially backward, mean-spirited, and, to be perfectly honest, boring.
There's nothing wrong with having a different opinion than other people. There's certainly nothing wrong with expressing that differing opinion. But being a rude jerk and then claiming other people don't have a sense of humor when they call you on being a rude jerk is dumb. (I sort of tangentially address this in this GCS column.)
Yes, I am going to write a letter to IKEA tonight. I am also going to work on a new GCS column about how disagreeing with someone doesn't mean that you should mock them or be a petty, spiteful jackass.
And guess what? I'm one of those people who thinks that people getting annoyed and defending the things they care about and the subcultures they are part of is important. And that laughing at and mocking people who care about such things is socially backward, mean-spirited, and, to be perfectly honest, boring.
There's nothing wrong with having a different opinion than other people. There's certainly nothing wrong with expressing that differing opinion. But being a rude jerk and then claiming other people don't have a sense of humor when they call you on being a rude jerk is dumb. (I sort of tangentially address this in this GCS column.)
Yes, I am going to write a letter to IKEA tonight. I am also going to work on a new GCS column about how disagreeing with someone doesn't mean that you should mock them or be a petty, spiteful jackass.
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-- A <3
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Just a thought that's occurred to me in all this.
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I don't want my subculture to be defanged (insert obligatory vampire ref here!), but I don't want to see it unfairly labled as a bad influence, either.
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And I want to take your icon home and eat meatballs with it.
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Don't get me wrong, IKEA has a lot of stuff I want (mmmm sideboard!) but I don't like the colors the usually inflict upon the world.
Don't like IKEA? Don't shop there. Besides, the advertising (ahem) geniuses aren't the ones who actually work there. *Smile*
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I'm not offended about the goth part so much, but I think it's really amazingly crappy and not-funny writing, which always offends me.
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Which would explain why it's been so popular with Rush Limbaugh. In court.
Cuz everyone knows bein' the toughest-lookin' kid on the playground is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE UNIVERSE.
You win the Internet today.
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ESPECIALLY IKEA who should know better--they come form the land of black metal murders and church burnings, for Gods' sake! You'd think they'd have gotten the whole "could be going to far, music and subcultures aren't evil" thing down. Guess not.
Personally, I'd be thrilled if my kid had a goth roommate. Especially if the oldest did--then i could feel comfy in her room and not have to worry that someone was going tolead her down the evil path of pop music. (No, that's NOT sarcasm)
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I shop regularly at IKEA in Seattle, and so do many of my friends.
We are Goths. We dress and decorate our homes in variations on a tragic-optimist bohemian theme (essentially: 'you don't have to be rich, just smart') ranging from Minimalist to Romantic.
Our homes are full of books, music, and art - and quite a lot of IKEA furniture and housewares. It's amazing how well your products fit into many styles of Gothic decor, the simple and the not-so-simple. IKEA is mentioned fairly frequently on our web boards and blogs, whenever home furnishing and decor comes up.
When we go to IKEA, we eat at the smorgasbord just like your other customers. I particularly enjoy the pickled herring and steamed vegetables. We do not drink blood.
We are Goths. We are decent people with a strong social network, families, jobs, homes, values, and dreams. We are also your customers. We deserve better than to be called "creepy" in your catalog.
I am very disappointed that you would insult such a large portion of your customer base.
sincerely,
Ivy Green
Seattle
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And I hope that IKEA realizes that this was maybe not the best marketing idea ever. Because I need candles.
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You know, the same thing I do every day.
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That's my entire point. Goths, as a subculture, thrive on feeling persecuted. Any excuse to rise up in arms about how the clueless have such horrible views on it lets people get all excited and offended.
Hell, for that matter, I think it's the same for just about every subculture. "Whoa, we are so misunderstood!"
If a couple months go by without any legitmate "persecution", the slights start being imagined.
Ikea didn't do anything different than what I've heard just about every goth I've met say, in a joking manner, about their own subculture. And y'all seem pleased as punch that once again you can rail against those who just don't get me.
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I hope my laptop's screen enjoyed the vitamin water bath.
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You can read minds??? God DAMN, that is SO COOL!!!!
Now read mine: which finger am I holding up? Go on, I know you can see it....
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I am curious, odds are that it will annoy me to no end... yet I'm still curious.
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-Victoria
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On behalf of IKEA, we truly value your opinion, and appreciate the time that you took to share with us your thoughts about our advertising campaign. Please know that in no way did we intend to upset or offend you with this campaign. The concept behind this campaign was simply to show that when people are more organized the end benefits are they having time in their lives to do activities that they find enjoyable - whatever that might be. We strive to appeal to a diverse audience and hope that we in no way have tarnished or affected the way you think about our company. With all of our advertising campaigns we strive to break the mundane sale pitches that are frequently seen on television with a little humor and levity that our neighbors and customers can enjoy. When developing our campaigns, our intention is not to offend anyone however; occasionally a commercial may strike a particular chord with someone. We truly value your opinion, as well as all of our customers' opinions. Again, thank you for reaching out to us to share your thoughts about our advertising campaign. Sincerely,
IKEA Customer Care Center
What a joke! I fail to see how that response addresses what the ad even said. *roll eyes* I'd respond back if I actually thought it would be worth the effort.
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