Generation Hot Topic

Punk, emo, screamo, hardcore, rockabilly, psychobilly, goth...they have all found a home, apparently right next to the Hallmark and Border's. While all teenagers have a standard rebellious stage, they now have fuel for their music inspired fires. You have seen them, undeniably in their plaid bondage pants sporting suspender like straps along the backs of the legs, or their layer upon layer of black eye makeup, perhaps even their tousled pink hair. Looks like the 70's, but definitely does not sound it.

Hot Topic, the "premier" alternative retail clothing venues whose slogan boasts "Everything About The Music" really teaches the exact opposite. While the store is a variable free for all when it comes to once obscure items, it has it's definite downfalls.

1. Due to the demand and availability of said items, they tend to be a tad pricey with t-shirts at @ $20.

2. Punk was definitely more of a DIY scene upon it's previous go-round...and dog collars with spikes were the only available to most. Safety pins in items were really a nescessity that became a staple of the culture..it was not intended to be fashionable.

3. Hot Topic is corporate, and henceforth with such an establishment comes such values.

Music is of some value, as employees tend to have imput on what is played in stores. However, most of their employees tend to be very shallow in their musical knowledge & are outshined by the typical pimply geek at Sam Goody. I am not saying for a minute that they should or have to be college educated, but isn't that almost false advertisement? What would happen if someone came in with the intent of purchasing based on genre? How would that poorly paid retail employee fare?