Then came Manson

Walking around Wollongong campus with Arielle Jones I notice a flood of sustained stares directed at us. I get the feeling that with an initial quick glance most people think, “oh! She’s scary, lets avoid her.” If you ask Jones what she thinks about that, she’ll laugh and say “good!” But beneath her armour of black clothing and white skin, hides a gentle and sensitive woman.

She talks about her idol and most influential part of her life. In 2009 Arielle first heard Marilyn Manson’s ‘The Fight Song’ and from then on, not only his music, but also his perspective on life and society have played an important role in shaping her personality. “But I’m not a slave to a world that doesn’t give a shit.” These words of Manson’s were the first that Jones recalls truly connecting with.

Manson came into her life at just the right time. Her adolescent years were full of anger and angst. “I wasn’t rebellious against my parents, I was just very ‘fuck you’ to the world, and I just wanted something different, and Manson’s music was very like that.” Following along with Manson’s lyrics, Jones found the answers to her teen troubles, a path through which to become a new person.

Something in Arielle’s life sparked an interest in the subculture known as ‘Goth’. That’s what she prefers to be called, but in the same breath, will tell you that, ‘labels’ in society are pointless and at times offensive.

From an outside perspective looking in, the Goth subculture isn’t properly understood by the masses. Arielle says that this causes her to feel isolated from making friends. She explains that this is why her connection to Manson is so strong; only other Goth people will understand her propensity towards the macabre. This isn’t true. Arielle’s longing to connect with like-minded people is a basic human desire, to feel as if one belongs. Definitely understandable.

Currently studying a degree in journalism, Arielle is also a writer for an online heavy metal music editorial called ‘Kill your Stereo’, where she interviews bands and writes reviews on their latest releases. Briefly touching on her dreams in life, Arielle speaks of one day hoping to meet and interview her idol, “I’d probably be a little star struck, but, I’d try and remain professional”, a perfect example of her balanced personality.

Arielle’s perspective is refreshing, her unique style and personality don’t go unnoticed during our walk around the grounds of UOW. She’s travelled a long road to find herself, and now that she’s feeling more comfortable in her skin she always remembers how she got there, “Most people get their music from their parents, but because my mums deaf I didn’t have anything. Then came Manson.”

Literally, close to the heart