Before u read on, please be aware that I tried to reorder my thoughts to make some sense but it may not have worked!
Very Interesting article. Nice job. It's definitely something that I have thought of, and i'm sure many others have. Although mainly because i'm getting older and i'm starting to notice the difference between myself and younger folk more.
I can see younger folk every week who are more interested in what they wanna do, and enjoying themselves rather than other people and things like making a
relationship work. It's a selfish time. Of course, this changes over time, when you realise that life isn't just about you.
Of course, this is a sweeping generalisation and not everyone is like that, but attitudes to relationships and romance do change as u get older.
As for being unable to relate to others, I think everybody finds it difficult to relate to people at some point in their life, others more so, but for some it gets easier with time. It depends on a number of things, but I wouldn't say that's it to do with the alternative culture. It's more likely the other way round.
The alternative cultures are often driven and generated by people who find it hard to relate to others. Within an alternative culture they often find others who feel the same, and it's easier to be themselves in this group without having to change the way they deal with other people. It's easier to shut themselves out. However, the alt culture is not full of closed off emotional retards, rather it's more likely to be people who know what they want and realise that they need to be with people who are considered different. Yet we're all different, so where does that leave it? Too philospohical now......
I also understand where you're coming from with regards to having respect for each other. Your first paragraph describes the impersonal state of many people's relationships, and I have seen plenty of this. But i would say that this is not limited to people who are part of the alternative culture.
I think people are who they are and the way in which they treat friends or partners is not down to what music they like or how they dress. An arsehole is an arsehole, regardless of their colour, sex, race, religion or lifestyle. They come from all walks of life.
Of course, the plus side is that so do the good ones. Not all men and women are unromantic or uncaring, there's plenty of people out there who will treat you with respect and kindness, so lift thy spirits, it ain't all bad!
Alternative is a tag i'm not too keen on to be honest, but one that I would be labelled with because I listen to Heavy Metal and play in a Metal band.
Yet i would say that I am not really that alternative. I'm just me. I like to think that i'm romantic and that I care about others, especially family and friends. I treat women with respect and I would happily do anything for a woman I loved. I also know that it takes two to maintain a relationship, and communication as well as respect and trust are essential.
Yet folk from other walks of life would see me as alternative because I listen to Metal (Not exclusively tho.) Plus, I go to the Cathouse, but only because it is the only club where nobody judges you by the clothes you wear!
However, if they looked a little deeper, then they would also see that "alternative" people and myself are not much different to themselves. Surface coverings are often a smoke screen for the real person.
Weird tangent there i think.
Romance hasn't been killed by the alternative culture, or any culture.
It's only dead to individuals who choose not to involve themselves in the joy that it can bring to you and others.
Take heart, for there are plenty of people who do still enjoy it and still practice this oft forgotten art. It's all about finding the right person for you. Everyone's definition of romance is different, but there will be that someone out there who understands what gets to you, and what makes you happy.
Gee, the eternal optimist!
Thanks for reading. Comments welcome, but please remember this is only my opinion.
