100 Join the Black Parade
ALMOST 100 goths and alternative dressers walked proudly
through the city centre
The parade was calling for an end to oppression against those
who dress differently and the freedom to be individuals.
The procession of alternative dressers, most clad in black,
moved from the Sundial at midday, up Armada Way, and around the
city centre.
Those who took part said they were pleased they could show
their feelings to others in the city.
The march was also organised in memory of Sophie Lancaster, a
young woman who was murdered simply for the way she looked.
Sophie was brutally attacked along with her boyfriend, Robert
Maltby, while walking through a park near Manchester almost a
year ago to the day.
As a result of her severe head injuries she went into a coma
and later died. The couple wore gothic fashion and were members
of the goth subculture.
The march in Plymouth’s city centre was one of a handful of
processions across the country for the SOPHIE campaign – which
stands for Stamp Out Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere.
Doka Chapman, one of the organisers of the march in Plymouth,
kicked off the event with a rallying speech.
He told The Herald: “We wanted to organise the march to show
people that they are not alone if they are being picked on for
what they wear.
“It was also to remember Sophie. It was an excellent turnout
by many people.”
The banners were out during the march and there was also a
drummer. Doka also expressed outrage during the walk over the
fact that Sophie’s killers have been granted leave to appeal
against their life sentences.
Hayley Seeney, 23, from Stonehouse, took part in the march.
She said: “The march was not just for goths. It was for
everyone who wants to stamp out prejudice.
“It also gave young people more courage to be themselves.
“There is a problem with the way people treat goths and
alternative dressers in Plymouth. We get a lot of abuse – I
have had stones thrown at my house.
“But marches like that help to raise awareness that things
like that happen. It was a fantastic event in Plymouth.”
137 Comments
View all
by emily, plymouth
Wednesday, February 11 2009, 12:04PM
“goths dont do anything like that 2 animals so y say that when have u ever heard on the news that a goth has kill a animal”
by Alternative girl, plymouth
Friday, September 05 2008, 4:31PM
“Well done Doka for helping organise it. i thought it got across the message really well. I was in the march on sunday and felt good that i along with all the people that turned up helped raise awareness of just how small minded people can be.
and judge judy.. eating cats?
good god.
I'd prefer chips.
Just one example of somebody that refuses to ignore the average 'Animal harming' sterotype attached to the alternative scenes.
i find it sad that some people cant seem to grasp that not everybody wants to conform.
Anyway well done everybody that took part. you should all be proud!”
by Intrigued, Plymouth
Friday, September 05 2008, 11:19AM
“Ardent Admirer, Lonely Planet
Thank you for your beautiful prose, you must surely be a serene and beautiful person x”
by Richard Freeman, Exeter
Tuesday, September 02 2008, 10:38AM
“I'm a goth and i was on this march (fat bloke in top hat). I'm also a zoologist, cryptozoologist and head keeper at a zoo. I've spent my life working with animals all over the world. I have never known a goth to harm an animal. All the animal abuse cases i know of involved estate ttrash scum.”
by justin, St Judes
Tuesday, September 02 2008, 9:42AM
“Repost from other thread but just wanted to agree with people's opinions (mostly) and add my own...
But anyway. Goths all look the same? hmmm, 'Goth' styles of dress I think are the most varied of any scene, in colour and style, If you lot attacking our dress sense out there think that blue jeans and a too tight tshirt is dressing individually, then crack on, we won't judge you for your beliefs.
Do us the same courtesy?
The march went really well and all the goth bashers on here are literally just proving our point, So thankyou to them too. Thankyou for all the support at the march everyone, I was proud to be there.
What is the problem really with the way people sress? Does all the black and spikes SCARE people? are you AFRAID of us? If so, surely thats your issue, to be dealt with on your own after consideration and thought? Goths aren't afraid of you, In fact most of the time we don't even listen to verbal abuse etc, it's just part of life. I think most of it stems from an inflexibility of mind, ignorance, arrogance and probably fear.
So why have a go at someone else (however dressed) at all? Goths don't, and not because we are "pussies" or whatever. We just don't feel the need to prove how "Hard" we are all the time. We already know how hard we are :)
Oh and if being "hard" is a group of 8 or more idiots kicking the life out of a girl and her boyfriend, WHY the hell would anyone want to be "hard!" Thats cowardly behaviour plain and simple! and it's disgusting.
Tell you what, keep your stupid comments in your mouths and maybe everyone might start to get along a bit more.
Cos this isn't going to be solved by writing new laws on it. People aren't allowed to racially or sexually discriminate, but it still happens!! What needs to be happening is a change of ATTITUDE, And that for me is what the S.O.P.H.I.E foundation is all about, awareness, making people that don't know goths, or anyone "different" not scared of us etc etc. Simplified a little there but point made I think.
To all the parents out there that may have heard such bad things about goths etc, That we all harm ourselves and animals, worship satan or other such nonsense.. Have you ever actually SEEN a goth do any of these ghastly things? Would you let a goth sit at your table with you? The answer to both is NO probably, I'm not judging you for that either, just wondering why and where your opinions came from..
How many goths go out collecting ASBOs?
How many goths have criminal records?
How many goths after education ages don't have a job?
How many goths do you see in the street throwing things at a people?
Not many I'll tell you. and why? Because goths are good, kind people for the most part, strong in character and independant yes, but thats worth your respect not your loathing.
Thankyou for your time.
Justin, lifelong alternative and proud.”