Most people who responded to my survey stated that lunchboxes were a great way to “wearing my personality on the outside” as Wes from Franklin, Massachusetts said. The unconventional shape and use of the lunchbox is quite appealing to many. Cara from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada wrote that she “liked the more delicate, different look you get holding something rather than slinging it across your waist”. Sara of Franklin, Massachusetts said “(lunchboxes) make for a lovely conversation piece”. It was also pointed out that dancing was much easier with your belongings in a box in your hand. Michelle Rubio of Los Angeles, California, stated that she wanted to carry something that better reflected her smaller items. On that same note, Rois told me that lunchboxes appealed to her because she could “strip it down to essentials, or overstuff it, and not have to change sizes”. Our own Mistress McCutchan stated that “(Lunchboxes) fit everything and protect everything from getting smashed together”.

Stina Leicht of Austin, Texas found she liked carrying a lunchbox quite by accident. When her company changed its music policy to nothing on the premises she cleverly began sneaking music inside with a lunchbox. Once the policy was revoked Stina decided to consolidate and the lunchbox won out. While this is a unique beginning to the trend, Ms. Leicht did point out “It didn’t hurt that Goths are infamous for using lunchboxes as purses.” How did this infamy begin? Who or what originated this trend? When I decided to write this article I thought I would be able to answer these questions. In asking many people why they originally began carrying a lunchbox I got many different answers. It seems to be an idea that arrived in the Gothic collective unconscious. No one could outright say where the trend originated.

In my research I found I felt much differently about lunchboxes than most people. I do feel that the hand held metal box in all its varieties is a status symbol for the Gothic culture in the United States. While researching this I discovered that this is not the case in England. (Respondents were limited to North America and the UK) As a matter of fact most people from England felt that this trend was indicative of Marilyn Manson and was just that, a trend. Yet Marilyn Manson’s career did not get into full swing until 1995. The lunchbox as accessory started a good decade prior. Manson just brought the idea into the mainstream culture. This British rejection is curious to me, considering the history that the UK has of absorbing US trends and expanding on them. Could it be the lunchbox is uniquely America? Do metal boxes with pop culture icons on them reek of good old Americana? If the lunchbox is so relevant to Americans than I can truly understand why it would appeal to its Goths, and in particular those Goths who are members of the illustrious Generation X. For a significant portion of the X generation, lunchboxes are symbols of nostalgia. Lunchboxes are reminiscent of being a carefree kid that only has one agenda, fun. US dark culture icons like The Addams Family and The Munsters have their only tangible merchandising in the metal lunchbox. With this in mind we can take a look at the desire to attract like-minded individuals. Goths want to attract other Goths, I am assuming because that is my intent most of the time. Carrying a metal box with a band sticker or pop culture character on it will hopefully invite conversation in like-minded individuals. This serves the same purpose as the rock button, adorned punk leather jacket, or concert t-shirt. In effect wearing your soul on the outside.

The range of hand held objects used for the purpose of carrying items that would normally go into a purse is quite phenomenal. This purse substitute is not always of the child-like variety. I have seen silk Chinese takeout containers, heavily adorned military ammo cases, and for a lucky few the small metal or leather coffin. I have even seen these items used to carry quite unconventional things like toys and candy instead of the typical wallet and keys. This accessory is truly an individual item that reflects the personality and creativity of its owner.