Name: Texas Pete
Gibbon on Goths: "The Emperor Decius had employed a few months in the works of peace and the administration of justice, when (A.D.250) he was summoned to the banks of the Danube by the invasion of GOTHS. This is the first considerable occasion in which history mentions this great people, who afterwards broke the Roman power, sacked the Capitol, and reigned in Gaul, Spain, and Italy. So memorable was the part which they acted in the subversion of the Western empire that the name of GOTHS is frequently but improperly used as a general appellation of rude and warlike barbarism."
Subject: P.A.R.O.D.Y
I just wanted to say that your site is great. At first I thought that it was for real, as there are actually sites that have some similar stuff on that has been passed off as fact. I am a huge Marilyn Manson fan and also an atheist. I guess I do match the Goth description and it’s cool to see someone mocking Christians who take it all too seriously. Although I am pessimistic and a bit depressed at times, I can have fun too, for example, laughing at Christians. I don’t think that I am a ‘poor soul’ and don’t intend on committing suicide in the near future. I’ve always been like that and being a Goth is just my way of expressing my feelings. Just because I like Marilyn Manson doesn’t mean that I’m going to slit my wrists. The whole point of Marilyn Manson’s music is to piss Christians off and it works too. They don’t seem to realise that they are just making fools of themselves and by trying to restrict their children they will only make them rebel more. I am 15 and I find the whole ‘child’ thing patronising and also very stupid. My parents cannot make me do anything I don’t want to and what I wear or what I believe in is up to me. Christians can’t force their children to follow their faith - Marilyn Manson’s parents sent him to a Christian school and look at him now. There is nothing wrong with Satanism, Paganism, Wicca, Homosexuality, Bisexuality etc and I thought you did a great job imitating some of the Christian fanatics out there. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who finds crazy Christians amusing.
Subject: P.A.R.O.D.Y
Good site pity that most will beleive it and become more brainwashed with their ignorance.
The stupidiest one is of the cereals.
How can a cereal decide what label a child has?
Cause apart from the gothic sub-culture etc...
It's just a label.
Infact I won't be surprised if now we'll see people throwing holy water on people dressed in black,we already have people who belive they vampire slayers!!!So if that happens as well I won't be surprised,I'll just be there watching and eating popcorn.
Subject: The Independent might have fallen for P.A.R.O.D.Y.
Another mention of P.A.R.O.D.Y., this time in a British daily national newspaper:
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/ article352580.ece
I'm not entirely clear if they're in on the joke or not - one would hope they were, but the tone of the article doesn't offer much evidence of that.
I guess maybe no-one knows what the word parody means any more?
XXXXX
Subject: parody
A friend sent me a link to this way back in '03, and being full on goth at
the time, roaring from my first Marilyn Manson album, "Bowling For
Columbine" and my beloved stick of kohl, I adored it, naturally. Just
refound the link, and I'm delighted to see it's still up and attracting
incomprehension. The flames are almost as good as the site itself. As a
bisexual pink-haired ex-goth (electro & techno claimed my soul, I'm afraid)
I can only appreciate your observations, and point and laugh (as kindly as
possible) at those who seem unable to get the joke, be they humourless goths
or piqued religious types. When will people start realising that regardless
of inclinations, it's all slap and drag until you get down to the genes?
Subject: P.A.R.O.D.Y.
My guard goes up when I find a site that insists upon its harmless content. Trying to make light of lifestyles like the Goths is, of course, your business, but I for one see the consequences of their harmless, devil-may-care (forgive the pun) lifestyle and attitude.
I have taught school in 4 decades and I have yet to find a follower of the 'goth' way who was happy or well-adjusted. They are very sad, bleak people. Many I have known have ended up dead from suicide, in mental health care or in jail.
I don't necessarily blame a lifestyle for these poor soul�s troubles. We all have free will and make choices. No one holds a gun to someone's head and makes them behave in a certain way, but glorifying or explaining away mentalities and attitudes that promote self-destructive, alienating behavior seems reckless at best and irresponsible at worst.
I don't think those that will live the rest of their lives with the consequences of a 'goth' lark like Colombine would find anything amusing or witty in this site. It is hurtful and insensitive.
Subject: a 15yr olds (female)view on p.a.r.o.d.y.
How can you go around saying by what the child wears or what music the child listens to is gothic, it is individuality mate. GET IT RIGHT, it is not gothic just because a child listens to Rammstein or Marilyn Manson does not automatically meant that there gothic. And I just love how you use,
I also love how you just basically summed up what Goth culture is...
The fact is, GOTH culture is not isolated, and it is certainly not harmless. In fact, it is fast becoming the dominant youth culture in America, led by such so-called "artists" as Marilyn Manson, Rammstein and the open homosexual Elton John, and by GOTHIC television shows such as BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and SOUTH PARK.'
Mate listening to Marilyn Manson etc and that Elton john is a homosexual and gothic shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and SOUTH PARK is gothic. For Christ sake dude, Marilyn Manson is not a so-called �artist� buddy you just contradicted yourself he is an artist he has albums out, 1# hit songs. How can you go around saying he is a �so-called artist� you cannot BECAUSE IN FACT HE IS AN ARTIST! And that Elton john is a homosexual so what is he is a homosexual good on him, he was with a women and he did not like/love her anymore and so he decided to bat for the same team well I say good on him. Him being homosexual does not make him somewhat with in the Goth culture. And by saying BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and SOUTH PARK are gothic shows buddy theirs something wrong in your head! Vampire myths have been out there since god knows when, and by them having Buffy the vampire slayer on television, do you not think that it is a good idea. People do actually believe in Vampires and by having a Slayer it may give them some comfort at night! And by saying South Park is gothic buddy I do not even want to get started on that chapter seriously! South Park is a show for adults it is M15+ or MA15+ if adults choose to let their children watch South Park then so be it!
Also you say,
I am not a Christian and do not intend to represent Christian views.
Then what the hell are you. You go around promoting P.A.R.O.D.Y and yet have you read it lately of what it stands for parent�s American RELIGIOUS organizations defending youth!
Okay I ask you this if you think Rammstein and let�s say Korn are all Goths then I wonder what you opinion or should I say stereotype on lets say Christian Aguilera or Paris Hilton? Because by stereotyping people that may take drugs and may listen to heavy metal music is pissing me off because you say that by doing this is being gothic but if you look at the bigger picture like what Christian Aguilera and Paris Hilton promote then they must have to be sluts. Paris is not even married and yet she has had sex with how man people and she tapes herself doing it by the way and by kids going on the net do you not think that it is easier for them to log onto a porno website?
Subject: Please do not reply to this email, your opinion on the matter is unwanted.
I would just like to file a complaint against your stupid ''fake'' website P.A.R.O.D.Y is a sad pathetic joke! I'm sure you are aware some people out in the world are actually goths, I'm sure they would not appreciate your sarcastice sadonistic comments on their culture. If you do not agree with it then thats up to you but that is no reason at all to take the piss out of them, especially your comments on bisexual/homosexual etc peoples is extremely unwelcome, I happen to know some lovely gay people who are NOT goths. Please do not reply to this email.
That site with p.a.r.o.d.y was not a funny joke. that could actually lead parents and other people to think that all goths are pagan and worship the devil and crap like that. i am a christian goth and was appauled by your site.
KNOCK KNOCK JOKES ARE FUNNY
Subject: P.A.R.O.D.Y.
Just wanted to let you know how much your site P.A.R.O.D.Y. is absolutely amazing. Yes I do understand it is a joke and you would put myself quite close to being gothic if I had to classify myself. Myself and my sister are both practicing pagans. However, your page left me rolling on the floor laughing as I have heard similar things said by uneducated people thinking them to be true. It is wonderful to find another site that most people will misunderstand and take offence at while I find it so amusing. I congratulate you, Joshua Ross, for being great and bringing humour to my otherwise boring life.
Subject: P.A.R.O.D.Y
I am sorry to disturb you, but I must congratulate you on P.A.R.O.D.Y. I spend a lot of time on the internet, but I do not believe I have found anything as funny as your site. As one of the only Metalheads/Goths at my school, I can say that I have met some people that judge others on their state of Gothicness on points very similar to yours. Bloody good work, man. A beautiful creation.
Subject: PARODY
Mr. Ross, you are quite the entertainer. I'll bet even you don't fully understand what sort of pandimonium you've caused on the web. Could you please tell me why you've created a thing such as your PARODY website? I don't know if you're aware, but St. Mary's Cathedral was blamed for your antics. They've taken a ton of heat for your child-like attempts to create fun for yourself, and quite frankly, it's not appreciated. You're only making a mockery of Christianity and a fool of yourself. You must be pretty low on ideas to take a hit at a large religion.
Subject: about the parody site
i read the parody site quite a while back and thougt it was funny but i wans't clear on whether or not it was real (i just found the link to your explanation). but i was wodnering if you actualy read the mail that gets sent in, because me and some friends have sent some ratehr hateful mail, heh. well i do hope you respond
later days
In 1999, as part of a promotion for The Blair Witch Project, I wrote the text for a website called P.A.R.O.D.Y., which satirized anti-goth sentiments that were then somewhat common. In the intervening years, the site has inspired a steady stream of flames (and a few accolades). Starting in January 2006, I have begun posting them for your reading pleasure. They are unedited except to make them anonymous.
Web Developer
best wishes,
NAME WITHHELD
In the warning signs... That is such bullshit do you know how many children a day use a computer or plays video games or reads science fiction books etc. What you have just written in warning signs that YOU KID could be a Goth is completely and absolutely stupid.
I am merely pointing out my opinion, ignore it if you wish but i cannot begin to comprehend how you see the funny side of the latter.
you need a reality check my friend
BULL CRAP LIKE THAT IS NOT
Yours Faithfully,
NAME WITHHELD
P.S. I am from England so I am sorry for any spelling mistakes due to me living on the east side of the pond.
Obviously you aren't a Christian. You remind me of a little kid who just wanted to have some fun and ended up causing a big problem. Nice job. A good comedian tries to entertain more people than he offends. You've done quite the reverse. If anything, try to make your attempts at comedy actually look like comedy. It will help in the long run. Better luck next time.
NAME WITHHELD