Last time I checked we were living in 21st century, the glorious era of democracy and human rights. Ok, it's not all that glorious and perfect, but we sure are far away from cruel dicsrimination based on class... Or at least we, artists, should be. Imagine my shock when recently I came across the "elite goth" "royal blood" "pure upper class got" hashtags and groups. Upper class goth? Elite? Hellooo!!! I don't even know where to start. Maybe with the delusional part of it. If we are even discussing the archaic concept of "blue blood", then one should really have roots and bloodline that once had or has a member of royal/noble family. But there are only so many "real" royal families left in the modern world. And even they don't force it and go around claiming they are somehow better sort of humans. So, it is completely absurd to claim you are one of "them" when you have absolutely no blood or family connections to corroborate that. But that is fine, everyone is free to have their imaginary world and self image. What is wrong, and I mean sooooo wrong is to force that image on others and create this fake aura of being more important, and others being below you. What does it even mean "upper class goth"? You are rich? You are more goth than other goths? You are a better model/designer/photographer just because you self proclaimed you are an aristocrat in a subculture that is based on completely different values and ides? No. What you actually do is disrespect and discriminate. Our alternative culture is frowned upon and misunderstod in so many ways, and we, who are promoting it, should stick together and show compassion and cooperation. No elite, no segregation. Why create this artificial divide? If you look closely, this idea is a mix of racism, nacism, and all imaginable fascisms alike. It may seem innocent and silly, but it spreads like plague. Because there are many people who embrace it for all the wrong reasons. Playing with cosplay, royal "outfits" and catchy names for your sets and photos is one thing, every model has been a dark queen or goth princess sometime in their career. But this new idea is something completely different and way more deviant. Ignore it, fight it and don't think your work is worth less because you are not "upper class" whatever. Because it is not real. And stay kind and professional with your fellow alternative artists.