Gothic literature: Literature primarily about horror and romance, and includes supernatural and victorian themes.
Writers: Edgar Allen Poe, Anne Rice
History: Goth can be traced back to victorian ages. But it was launched in the UK by punk bands like Siouxsie Sioux who began wearing bondage clothing and topics of victorian age and gothic literature and art and more intelligent thoughts.
Goth Music: Music including dark atmospheres.
Examples include and genres:
Post Punk: Siouxsie Sioux, The Cult
Goth Rock: Clan of Xymox, London After Midnight, The Cure, Bauhaus
Deathrock: Christian Death, 45 Grave, Frank the Baptist, Alien Sex Fiend
Dark Cabaret: Voltaire, Emilie Autumn
Gothtronic: Anders Manga, Gary Numan, Blutengel
Genre's and bands that aren't goth.
Marilyn Manson, AFI, Slipknot, Cradle of Filth, KoRn, Type O negative, HIM.
Any form of metal music
Gothic metal, and death metal, are not goth.
Most likely if its mainstream, its not goth.
Fashion:
There are many kinds of gothic fashion. But the basic things are boots, mostly dark attire, pale skin, hair that isn't brown. The "do it yourself" is a heavily emphasized part of the culture. Check gothic tribes for more detail.
General Pieces: Fishnet, Black nail varnish, colored hair, dark eyeliner, leather, metal (steel), buckles, bondage pants, hobble skirts, dress shirts, ties, top hats, red lipstick, black lipstick, dress shoes, combat boots.
Truths and False.
From the point of goth creation, its been morphed many times. Goth has been hit by many different accusations such as violance and satanic rituals.
Myth: Goths are violent
Truth: Its wrong to accuse a whole group based on one person's action, so its a maybe. But goth does not support violence.
Myth: Hot topic is goth
Truth: No, hot topic is a coporation. Goth originates from punk, and punk has emphasized on anti-corporation/government. In short terms, hot topic markets for mass appeal and attention, so no its not.
Myth: Goths are satanic.
Truth: Although many arts can depict vampires and death, even Satanist do not stand for evil or harm to others. Some goths could be satanic, but goth has no real links between satanism. Most goths are secular, but some are religious.
Myth: Goths have tattoos and piercings from head to toe.
Truth: Some have them, some don't.
Myth: Goths are sad
Truth: Not all of them, sure goth emphasizes the darker things in life, but not all of them are sad people, normal people can be sad, sadness is an emotion, emotions make you human. And goths are human.
Myth: Goth is nothing but a clique.
Truth: This is apart of the "morphing and warping". Goth was never centered around excluding others or trying to be different. Like many counter-cultures, its about being yourself and doing what you like, yet has similar interest and beliefs. Being goth isn't pidgeon holing yourself. Pidgeon holing is when you take someone's belief and claim it as your own.
In the mainstream
Even though goth isn't mainstream, there are some mainstream things that are gothic.
Mainstream Things
Movies: The Crow, Queen of the Damned, Interview with a Vampire
Books: The Vampire Chronicles
Music: The Cure
Goth Tribes
Although there are no "rules" in goth that someone must follow, there are a particular scene.
Victorian Goth AKA Romantigoth: Goths with a touch of victorian age in their life such as dress shirts, capes, cloaks.
Interest: Renaissance, Medieval age, Paganism, Occult,
Mallgoth: Probably the biggest uproot in the mainstream, but not goth even though mostly judged as goth. Without judgment on the individuals personality, a mallgoth is someone who has no knowledge of goth history, and labels bands like Marilyn Manson and Slipknot as goth, and shops at hot topic. Usually in the teen era.
Interest: Hot topic, metal, alternative rock,
Cyber Goth AKA Rivethead: A mix between cyber culture with goth elements and appearence. Usually baggy pants and neon with cyber like hair. Has more of an interest in EBM and Industrial Bands.
Interest: Dancing, cyber culture, technology
Fetish Goth: A goth with an interest in bongage and takes BDSM fashion and lifestyle.
Interest: Bondage, PVC, fetish material.
Deathrocker: A goth with an interest in deathrock, horror punk and psychobilly music. Fashion wise fishnet and torn dark clothing with combat boots.
Interest: Deathrock, Psychobilly, DIY fashion.
Elder Goth: A goth who has been around since goth creation or a goth over 40.
Vampire Goth: I'M A VAMPIRE!!! LOL
Goth-Related Terms and People
The Batcave: A club in England where goths have met since its creation
Columbine: A violent shooting that presented the first so called "goth violence" (NOTE: shooters were not goths)
Rozz Williams: The frontman of Christian Death, who founded american goth, and founded the Deathrock genre.
Siouxsie Sioux: The godmother of Goth, one of the first post-punk/goth bands that influenced bands later on.
Dinah Cancer: The frontwoman of 45 Grave, one of the first deathrock bands. "The Queen of Deathrock"
Bela Lugosi: Not a goth, but played and had a cult following in his horror movies, even after death.
Personality: There is no "rule" of personality, but most goths are open minded, witty, anti-prejudice, deep, quiet and artistic.
Don't judge a group based on one person's action, were all different, but similar sometimes.
Conclusion.
Goth is a culture that emphasizes the darker, deeper and romantic sides of life that strays away from the mainstream and pays attention to individuality.
Writers: Edgar Allen Poe, Anne Rice
History: Goth can be traced back to victorian ages. But it was launched in the UK by punk bands like Siouxsie Sioux who began wearing bondage clothing and topics of victorian age and gothic literature and art and more intelligent thoughts.
Goth Music: Music including dark atmospheres.
Examples include and genres:
Post Punk: Siouxsie Sioux, The Cult
Goth Rock: Clan of Xymox, London After Midnight, The Cure, Bauhaus
Deathrock: Christian Death, 45 Grave, Frank the Baptist, Alien Sex Fiend
Dark Cabaret: Voltaire, Emilie Autumn
Gothtronic: Anders Manga, Gary Numan, Blutengel
Genre's and bands that aren't goth.
Marilyn Manson, AFI, Slipknot, Cradle of Filth, KoRn, Type O negative, HIM.
Any form of metal music
Gothic metal, and death metal, are not goth.
Most likely if its mainstream, its not goth.
Fashion:
There are many kinds of gothic fashion. But the basic things are boots, mostly dark attire, pale skin, hair that isn't brown. The "do it yourself" is a heavily emphasized part of the culture. Check gothic tribes for more detail.
General Pieces: Fishnet, Black nail varnish, colored hair, dark eyeliner, leather, metal (steel), buckles, bondage pants, hobble skirts, dress shirts, ties, top hats, red lipstick, black lipstick, dress shoes, combat boots.
Truths and False.
From the point of goth creation, its been morphed many times. Goth has been hit by many different accusations such as violance and satanic rituals.
Myth: Goths are violent
Truth: Its wrong to accuse a whole group based on one person's action, so its a maybe. But goth does not support violence.
Myth: Hot topic is goth
Truth: No, hot topic is a coporation. Goth originates from punk, and punk has emphasized on anti-corporation/government. In short terms, hot topic markets for mass appeal and attention, so no its not.
Myth: Goths are satanic.
Truth: Although many arts can depict vampires and death, even Satanist do not stand for evil or harm to others. Some goths could be satanic, but goth has no real links between satanism. Most goths are secular, but some are religious.
Myth: Goths have tattoos and piercings from head to toe.
Truth: Some have them, some don't.
Myth: Goths are sad
Truth: Not all of them, sure goth emphasizes the darker things in life, but not all of them are sad people, normal people can be sad, sadness is an emotion, emotions make you human. And goths are human.
Myth: Goth is nothing but a clique.
Truth: This is apart of the "morphing and warping". Goth was never centered around excluding others or trying to be different. Like many counter-cultures, its about being yourself and doing what you like, yet has similar interest and beliefs. Being goth isn't pidgeon holing yourself. Pidgeon holing is when you take someone's belief and claim it as your own.
In the mainstream
Even though goth isn't mainstream, there are some mainstream things that are gothic.
Mainstream Things
Movies: The Crow, Queen of the Damned, Interview with a Vampire
Books: The Vampire Chronicles
Music: The Cure
Goth Tribes
Although there are no "rules" in goth that someone must follow, there are a particular scene.
Victorian Goth AKA Romantigoth: Goths with a touch of victorian age in their life such as dress shirts, capes, cloaks.
Interest: Renaissance, Medieval age, Paganism, Occult,
Mallgoth: Probably the biggest uproot in the mainstream, but not goth even though mostly judged as goth. Without judgment on the individuals personality, a mallgoth is someone who has no knowledge of goth history, and labels bands like Marilyn Manson and Slipknot as goth, and shops at hot topic. Usually in the teen era.
Interest: Hot topic, metal, alternative rock,
Cyber Goth AKA Rivethead: A mix between cyber culture with goth elements and appearence. Usually baggy pants and neon with cyber like hair. Has more of an interest in EBM and Industrial Bands.
Interest: Dancing, cyber culture, technology
Fetish Goth: A goth with an interest in bongage and takes BDSM fashion and lifestyle.
Interest: Bondage, PVC, fetish material.
Deathrocker: A goth with an interest in deathrock, horror punk and psychobilly music. Fashion wise fishnet and torn dark clothing with combat boots.
Interest: Deathrock, Psychobilly, DIY fashion.
Elder Goth: A goth who has been around since goth creation or a goth over 40.
Vampire Goth: I'M A VAMPIRE!!! LOL
Goth-Related Terms and People
The Batcave: A club in England where goths have met since its creation
Columbine: A violent shooting that presented the first so called "goth violence" (NOTE: shooters were not goths)
Rozz Williams: The frontman of Christian Death, who founded american goth, and founded the Deathrock genre.
Siouxsie Sioux: The godmother of Goth, one of the first post-punk/goth bands that influenced bands later on.
Dinah Cancer: The frontwoman of 45 Grave, one of the first deathrock bands. "The Queen of Deathrock"
Bela Lugosi: Not a goth, but played and had a cult following in his horror movies, even after death.
Personality: There is no "rule" of personality, but most goths are open minded, witty, anti-prejudice, deep, quiet and artistic.
Don't judge a group based on one person's action, were all different, but similar sometimes.
Conclusion.
Goth is a culture that emphasizes the darker, deeper and romantic sides of life that strays away from the mainstream and pays attention to individuality.
by Negasable May 04, 2008
A follower of the Gothic subculture. Goths almost always have an above-average IQ, if not well above-average. They are usually from middle-class to upper-class families.
Goths are often the target of much stereotypes. People believe (usually these people are pikey or scally) that they think often of death, suicide and are very pessimistic. This, however, is not true at all. Most goths are very artistic in many ways. They are very skilled at literature, poetry, art and music. They can also have an entire conversation without have to resort to the pathetic, common slang terms of today.
People believe goths are satan-worshippers, who praise satan and wish to burn in the fires of hell for all eternity after they die. But this is not true. Most goths are either Buddhist or Pagan. Both of these religions rule against: violence of any sort, eating of other beings and mass comsumption of any type of drug (tobacco, alcohol etc).
So now you'll realise what a goth really is. And you will treat them with respect and dignity
Goths are often the target of much stereotypes. People believe (usually these people are pikey or scally) that they think often of death, suicide and are very pessimistic. This, however, is not true at all. Most goths are very artistic in many ways. They are very skilled at literature, poetry, art and music. They can also have an entire conversation without have to resort to the pathetic, common slang terms of today.
People believe goths are satan-worshippers, who praise satan and wish to burn in the fires of hell for all eternity after they die. But this is not true. Most goths are either Buddhist or Pagan. Both of these religions rule against: violence of any sort, eating of other beings and mass comsumption of any type of drug (tobacco, alcohol etc).
So now you'll realise what a goth really is. And you will treat them with respect and dignity
by Neo March 26, 2004
I. A sub-culture established in the 80's, controversy has been brought up about it's origins, believed to be taken from the punk sub-culture and/or a style of architecture used from the 12th to the 16th century. Coming in an array of different music and clothing styles, goths typically share the same basic music range (Typically very loud, and/or dark) and the same "deathly pale" look. Goth is no longer a style and never truly was a trend, now it has developed it's own "sub-cultural" differences in society.
Goths typically make their own or fix their own clothing (Called DIY or Do-It-Yourself). This enables them to acquire their own independence as well as stand out and show they're not like "clones". While not all goths shop at thrift stores, most do in fact add their own touches to their styles, whether in make-up, hair, or clothing. Black though a dominant color in the sub-culture is not the only color ever worn, every color of the rainbow and beyond can be found in some form or fashion. Goths are not forced into any form or style to fit "in" the gothic lifestyle. Goth is a creatively dark sense of style, passion, and expression forged from everything from music to literature, to historic events or places. While many are accused of being "poseurs" there is no definite style or attitude defined by those calling themselves "true" goths there for often it is hard to determine a so called "poseur" from a true goth to those not familiar with the gothic sub-culture.
Often misunderstood by those not a part of the sub-culture, called everything from satanists to fetishes. Although the sub-culture hasn't been around more than 20 years or so, it is still defined by the "black clad" members of society, stereotypes extending to emos, a branch off of the same roots as goth, forcing goths to be grouped with the stereotype of being suicidal and cutting themselves, while this is not true in both sub-cultures, it is still one of the most commonly used stereotypes today.
Other stereotypes and misconceptions include: Witch craft, violence, aggression, vandalism, satanism, homicidal tendencies, necrophilia, vampirism, "strange" fetishes, depression, suicidal tendencies, self harm, cult participation, drug abuse, bad personal hygiene, sexual tendencies, and solitudinous tendencies
There are many styles of goth, ranging from the futuristic, neon colored club wear of a cyber goth to the pink and black princess/prince wear of the perkygoth. Styles determine place matting and interests in the gothic society. Whether they wear long flowing black dresses, or skin tight PVC, gothic styles show the interests of a particular person, but there are always stereotypes within stereotypes and all to often the goths themselves stereotype other goths of different fashion sense. Still, all goths are united by music or the same basic outlook on life. Giving in to the thought process of, "The world is not sugar-coated, it has ups and downs, death and life. It can suck and it can be amazing." goths express these feelings by presenting the highs and lows of life in their daily style.
Goth styles can be low tone or extreme depending on the person's interests and ability. Not all goths adorn piercings, tattoos, or wear short/ripped clothing. Preferences play a huge roll, many will wear whatever is most comfortable, and others may wear the most uncomfortable article of clothing because they want to make a point.
"Styles" Of Goth include: Gothic Lolita, Club Goth, Death Rocker, Rivet Head, Romanti Goth, Victorian Goth, Perkygoth, Gothability, Cyber Goth, Steampunk, Traditional Goth, and Corporate Goth
The true difference between each goth is their taste in music, depending on their favorite music, they will display themselves in the same form or fashion of their favorite bands. Death Rockers looking like they've crawled out of hell is a good example of supporting their favorite music with style.
II. A Germanic people whose origins lay along the lower Vistula (modern Poland). Known best for ransacking Rome in 410AD.
III. A kind of architecture first introduced in the 12th century and used until the 16th century. Buildings usually consisting of large arch doorways, counterbalancing buttresses, large pointed tower structures, and slender piers.
Goths typically make their own or fix their own clothing (Called DIY or Do-It-Yourself). This enables them to acquire their own independence as well as stand out and show they're not like "clones". While not all goths shop at thrift stores, most do in fact add their own touches to their styles, whether in make-up, hair, or clothing. Black though a dominant color in the sub-culture is not the only color ever worn, every color of the rainbow and beyond can be found in some form or fashion. Goths are not forced into any form or style to fit "in" the gothic lifestyle. Goth is a creatively dark sense of style, passion, and expression forged from everything from music to literature, to historic events or places. While many are accused of being "poseurs" there is no definite style or attitude defined by those calling themselves "true" goths there for often it is hard to determine a so called "poseur" from a true goth to those not familiar with the gothic sub-culture.
Often misunderstood by those not a part of the sub-culture, called everything from satanists to fetishes. Although the sub-culture hasn't been around more than 20 years or so, it is still defined by the "black clad" members of society, stereotypes extending to emos, a branch off of the same roots as goth, forcing goths to be grouped with the stereotype of being suicidal and cutting themselves, while this is not true in both sub-cultures, it is still one of the most commonly used stereotypes today.
Other stereotypes and misconceptions include: Witch craft, violence, aggression, vandalism, satanism, homicidal tendencies, necrophilia, vampirism, "strange" fetishes, depression, suicidal tendencies, self harm, cult participation, drug abuse, bad personal hygiene, sexual tendencies, and solitudinous tendencies
There are many styles of goth, ranging from the futuristic, neon colored club wear of a cyber goth to the pink and black princess/prince wear of the perkygoth. Styles determine place matting and interests in the gothic society. Whether they wear long flowing black dresses, or skin tight PVC, gothic styles show the interests of a particular person, but there are always stereotypes within stereotypes and all to often the goths themselves stereotype other goths of different fashion sense. Still, all goths are united by music or the same basic outlook on life. Giving in to the thought process of, "The world is not sugar-coated, it has ups and downs, death and life. It can suck and it can be amazing." goths express these feelings by presenting the highs and lows of life in their daily style.
Goth styles can be low tone or extreme depending on the person's interests and ability. Not all goths adorn piercings, tattoos, or wear short/ripped clothing. Preferences play a huge roll, many will wear whatever is most comfortable, and others may wear the most uncomfortable article of clothing because they want to make a point.
"Styles" Of Goth include: Gothic Lolita, Club Goth, Death Rocker, Rivet Head, Romanti Goth, Victorian Goth, Perkygoth, Gothability, Cyber Goth, Steampunk, Traditional Goth, and Corporate Goth
The true difference between each goth is their taste in music, depending on their favorite music, they will display themselves in the same form or fashion of their favorite bands. Death Rockers looking like they've crawled out of hell is a good example of supporting their favorite music with style.
II. A Germanic people whose origins lay along the lower Vistula (modern Poland). Known best for ransacking Rome in 410AD.
III. A kind of architecture first introduced in the 12th century and used until the 16th century. Buildings usually consisting of large arch doorways, counterbalancing buttresses, large pointed tower structures, and slender piers.
Gothic Sub-Culture: Wave Gothic Treffen, Bat Day (Disneyland)
Gothic Architecture: Big Ben, Bran Castle (Castle Dracula), Notre Dame de Paris
Gothic Architecture: Big Ben, Bran Castle (Castle Dracula), Notre Dame de Paris
by Raveanya August 01, 2009
Look to all those arrogant people out there here is the matter of fact: Goths took over rome a loooooong time ago! A 'Goth' isnt acctually a goth. But heres the deal, ill explain what the truth is behind the label GOTH:
A gothusually dresses dark and listens to a variety of music. People do not understand that because somone dresses differently or is a 'Goth' doesnt make them suicidal, werid or a meff. To be honuest the people who think that often have problems with being an individual or have a problem with people being an individual. I can see in the near future someone being shot for wearing blue on a daily basis.
*sighs*
How oh-so un educated some people are :@
A gothusually dresses dark and listens to a variety of music. People do not understand that because somone dresses differently or is a 'Goth' doesnt make them suicidal, werid or a meff. To be honuest the people who think that often have problems with being an individual or have a problem with people being an individual. I can see in the near future someone being shot for wearing blue on a daily basis.
*sighs*
How oh-so un educated some people are :@
A good example of the stereotype of a Goth is someone who wears black, listens to rock and has some grasp on the thing i call INDIVIDUALITY!
by IndividualKid October 21, 2008
-----REAL DEFINITION, NOT THAT MALLGOTH STUFF---------
An avid listener of Goth Rock and it associated genres, which was a spin-off of a 1970's punk movement that started in a club in the UK called the Batcave.
Some example bands are bauhaus, the Sisters of Mercy, Corpus Delicti, All Gone Dead, 1919, 13th Chime (deathrock), Screams for Tina (deathrock)
An avid listener of Goth Rock and it associated genres, which was a spin-off of a 1970's punk movement that started in a club in the UK called the Batcave.
Some example bands are bauhaus, the Sisters of Mercy, Corpus Delicti, All Gone Dead, 1919, 13th Chime (deathrock), Screams for Tina (deathrock)
by PeterMurphreak January 02, 2010
To many people, Goths are : unhappy people, wanting to kill themselves, and listen to ' goth ' music..
But to me they are : Happy people trying to have fun, not wanting to kill themselves and listen to GOOD music.
<3 Goths <3
But to me they are : Happy people trying to have fun, not wanting to kill themselves and listen to GOOD music.
<3 Goths <3
Omg look at that goth! he is unhappy and wants to kill himself! he loves Satan!! - Normal Person
That Goths cool ;) <3 much love <3 - Normal'er person :P
That Goths cool ;) <3 much love <3 - Normal'er person :P
by <3 Goths <3 September 12, 2007
Ok,since this subject seems to be VERY controversal,I'll go through some things you may think and what you don't know,you see,I've actully MET some people who follow the Goth culture(labels suck)
Here we go...
1.Goths are suicidal
-Ok,let me begin by saying anyone can be suicidal,Goths,Preps,Jocks,Nerds,ANYONE.Just because someone dresses in black or listens to Rock music and stuff doesn't make them suicidal.
2.All goths are gay or lesbian
-Once again,this is a topic that anyone may be,not just these guys.
3.Goths are evil/worship satan
-This is what those damn Catholic Fanatics made everyone believe,ok,so they may seem dark or even...scary,but that doesn't make them satanic.Satanism is a RELIGION,not a trend.
4.All goths should die
-I am against the killing of anyone because of their likes/dislikes/looks/tastes.
Hopefully,this guide has given you insite that no matter how different people seem,we all are capable of the same shit.
But,here's one that may save you
If you don't like someone,leave them the fuck alone!Don't waste your life making their's hell because they don't look or act like you.
Here we go...
1.Goths are suicidal
-Ok,let me begin by saying anyone can be suicidal,Goths,Preps,Jocks,Nerds,ANYONE.Just because someone dresses in black or listens to Rock music and stuff doesn't make them suicidal.
2.All goths are gay or lesbian
-Once again,this is a topic that anyone may be,not just these guys.
3.Goths are evil/worship satan
-This is what those damn Catholic Fanatics made everyone believe,ok,so they may seem dark or even...scary,but that doesn't make them satanic.Satanism is a RELIGION,not a trend.
4.All goths should die
-I am against the killing of anyone because of their likes/dislikes/looks/tastes.
Hopefully,this guide has given you insite that no matter how different people seem,we all are capable of the same shit.
But,here's one that may save you
If you don't like someone,leave them the fuck alone!Don't waste your life making their's hell because they don't look or act like you.
by 137 August 01, 2004