Ah, the widely controversial "goth" label. I say label because for most, that's all it is. A simple category for putting people into little, clearly-marked boxes. It can mean as little as a stereoptype or as much as a way of life. What any person's view is on the Gothic culture depends mostly on their experience with it, their past experiences in general, their susceptibility to outside influences, and their attitude on the strange and the unknown.
The term "Gothic" has had many definitions over the course of history. I believe other definitions have about covered the origins, so I'll instead focus on the most contemporary incarnation.
Common "Gothic" Myths:
1) All goths are suicidal: If you yourself believe this, give yourself a good slap upside the head with a dictionary. The majority of Goths are fun-loving, happy people who view suicidal people as somewhat disgusting and do not include them in their definition of what is goth.
2) All goths wear black: Again, slap yourself upside the head with a dictionary if you firmly believe this. Any true goth will admit that they like wearing color on occasion. In particular, cybergoths enjoy very much the brightest colors known to the human mind.
3) All goths listen to marilyn manson: Sigh. Look, kids. Whether manson is goth or not I don't care to discuss, as there are valid arguments on both sides, but the fact is, a good chunk of true goths don't even LIKE manson. Some goths don't even like rock/metal/hardcore music. GASP!
Moreover, Gothic cultue is simply a very deep connection to the darker side of life, an acknowledgement that everything is not "peachy," and that things like sadness and grief are very real and must be dealt with in order to maintain a healthy mind and body.
The term "Gothic" has had many definitions over the course of history. I believe other definitions have about covered the origins, so I'll instead focus on the most contemporary incarnation.
Common "Gothic" Myths:
1) All goths are suicidal: If you yourself believe this, give yourself a good slap upside the head with a dictionary. The majority of Goths are fun-loving, happy people who view suicidal people as somewhat disgusting and do not include them in their definition of what is goth.
2) All goths wear black: Again, slap yourself upside the head with a dictionary if you firmly believe this. Any true goth will admit that they like wearing color on occasion. In particular, cybergoths enjoy very much the brightest colors known to the human mind.
3) All goths listen to marilyn manson: Sigh. Look, kids. Whether manson is goth or not I don't care to discuss, as there are valid arguments on both sides, but the fact is, a good chunk of true goths don't even LIKE manson. Some goths don't even like rock/metal/hardcore music. GASP!
Moreover, Gothic cultue is simply a very deep connection to the darker side of life, an acknowledgement that everything is not "peachy," and that things like sadness and grief are very real and must be dealt with in order to maintain a healthy mind and body.
by raven of roses December 06, 2005
A goth is a person who finds happiness in darkness. They are usually misenthropic due to the fact that they have storng opinions and dislikes. Goths may be cutters because thier emotions get the best of them. Music can be a minor or a major factor of thier life styles. Goths can become posers over time because as they mature they might lose parts of themselves. The normal clothing of a goth usually are dark along with daker shades of makeup. Goths are people who have chosen to be different for reasons known and unknown.
by bluelion135 July 04, 2009
There are two definitions
1) a person who likes to dress and act differently to the other people in society, normally in black but some like much brighter colours. They tend to be thinkers and more often than not quite creative. They have a satyrical sense of humour, and are able to laugh at both themselves and other people. This type of goth originated in the late 80's with the "death" of punk; goths back then liked the style and the "protection" it offered and so emulated it in their own style. They listen to and appreciate all sorts of good music. They can be gay/depressed/weird/mentally disturbed, but more often than not they are just normal people.
2) an offshoot of the nu-metal clique who think that to *really* piss off their parents they'll dress all in black and talk about death and suicide whilst listening to Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Slipknot because it's "cool". They tend to have very little idea of the other type of goths (or anything else other than themselves for that matter) and will probably change their fashion once it becomes "uncool" again. Thank god.
1) a person who likes to dress and act differently to the other people in society, normally in black but some like much brighter colours. They tend to be thinkers and more often than not quite creative. They have a satyrical sense of humour, and are able to laugh at both themselves and other people. This type of goth originated in the late 80's with the "death" of punk; goths back then liked the style and the "protection" it offered and so emulated it in their own style. They listen to and appreciate all sorts of good music. They can be gay/depressed/weird/mentally disturbed, but more often than not they are just normal people.
2) an offshoot of the nu-metal clique who think that to *really* piss off their parents they'll dress all in black and talk about death and suicide whilst listening to Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Slipknot because it's "cool". They tend to have very little idea of the other type of goths (or anything else other than themselves for that matter) and will probably change their fashion once it becomes "uncool" again. Thank god.
by Heather April 28, 2003
A lifestyle of walking the boundary between darkness and light. True goths love being alive and accept the challenges of being alive. They are often very deep thinkers, creative artists, and great friends. At some point in their life, a true goth has been in some way scarred. Whatever event or events have altered this person, it has only made them stronger. Posers will say their life sucks for the smallest, most insignificant reasons, solely for the sake of attention. A true goth has experienced pain of the heart and bears the scar, but they can further enjoy life because their pain is behind them.
I am proud to wear the scars of my past and have found healing through my arts and the ones I love. The ache is still there, but through expressing my true self I have been able to let go of the hurt. I am a goth and I love my life. I have torn down my walls. I'm not ready to die. I will not change until I have hurt someone. I will always be on the line of light and dark. And when my time comes to pass on, I will remain in the hearts of those who loved me.
I am proud to wear the scars of my past and have found healing through my arts and the ones I love. The ache is still there, but through expressing my true self I have been able to let go of the hurt. I am a goth and I love my life. I have torn down my walls. I'm not ready to die. I will not change until I have hurt someone. I will always be on the line of light and dark. And when my time comes to pass on, I will remain in the hearts of those who loved me.
by EV Caelle September 11, 2011
by Someone Anyone. No one.... September 30, 2005
A great bunch of people once you get to know. They aren't pathetic and stereotypical like the ones criticising them.
- Ohh look there is a Goth
- Yeah, she's fucking ugly!
- Damn Straight
- Hey, let's go cornhole each other!
- Great idea
- Yeah, she's fucking ugly!
- Damn Straight
- Hey, let's go cornhole each other!
- Great idea
by Totenkopf September 23, 2005
Goth isnt...
Slipknot
wearing black every day
trying to be scary and intimidating
ICP
Green Day
black eyeliner
punk music
baggy pants with chains
Being evil
black lipstick
SI
Marilyn Manson
devil worship
being depressed
pale white foundation
rugs and alcohol
hating life
heavy metal
Hot Topic
Mudvayne
blood guts and gore
emo
Goth isnt about how black your clothes are, how many piercings you have, how crappy you can make your eyeliner look, being tough and intimidating, acting or being depressed, listening to mainstream metal or punk, or even acting elite and better than everyone just because you know who Bauhaus is.
MUSIC:
The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission, All About Eve, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, London After Midnight, (some) Siouxsie and the Banshees, Faces of Sarah, Inkubus Sukkubus, Merry Thoughts, Manuskript, Clan of Xymox, Midnight Configuration, Suspiria, Ausgang, Danielle Dax, Carcrash International, Specimen, Mephisto Walz, Rozz Williams, March Violets, The Creatures, the Birthday Party, Black Tape For A Blue Girl, Die Laughing, Death in June, X-Mal Deutschland, Lene Lovich, Nina Hagen, And Also the Trees, Batfish Boys, In the Nursery, Ipso Facto, Flesh for Lulu, Ordo Equium Solis, Rossetta Stone, Tones on Tail, This Mortal Coil, Killing Joke, Current '93, Dead Can Dance, The Machine in the Garden, Gene Loves Jezebel, Véronique Diabolique, The Cure, Joy Division, Cinema Strange, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Smiths, Coil, Cocteau Twins, The Damned, The Tear Garden, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cruxshadows, The Pixies, Legendary Pink Dots, Moev, Love and Rockets, Ministry, Sleeping Dogs Wake, The Church, and The Cassandra Complex.
Despite the fact that outward appearance does not constitute gothness, many people within the subculture do choose to dress a particular way. Its not usually a matter of conformity, but for aesthetics. For instance, while its tacky to wear white foundation, people within the subculture often seem to find natural paleness more attractive than a tan for whatever reason. Its more aesthetically pleasing, therefore a goth who tends not to venture into the sun without protection may not be doing that to seem overtly goth, but only because pale skin makes them feel more beautiful. The same goes for style.
The gothic "uniform" varies from person to person, for those who choose to wear it. (Its definitely not required.) In fact, its not even a uniform, since creativity, innovation, and style are embraced. Goth style isnt the black t-shirt and baggy pants that the Hot Topic generation would have you believe. Thats not very creative or unique at all. Nor is it aethetically pleasing. Also, black is NOT a must. Other commonly worn color are emeralds, navys, purples, crimsons, and even white and cream.
Various types of materials besides common cotton and polyester are often incorporated into style too. Crushed velvet is popular, along with leather, pvc, lace, rubber, latex, and silk. Bondage fashion is worn by a few, and that doesnt mean wearing Hot Topic pants with those stupid bondage straps in the back. Corsets are a gothic staple for ladies and men. In many instances, Victorian and Edwardian fashions are adopted and modified to unique styles as well. Gothic style is style. Its about looking good, well dressed, made up, gorgeous. For those who choose to don the goth apparel, throwing on Manson t-shirt and some black lipstick isnt going to cut it.
Recently, goth fashion has evolved into something more inspired by other genres like electronica, ebm, darkwave, and industrial as well as goth. Its not always the classic velvet and lace look.
Please do not use certain internet sites to further perpetuate ignorance. Just because a site has the word goth in the URL or somewhere on the page doesnt mean its the ultimate master on all things goth. For every decent website giving good, informed info, there are 10 more passing off stereotypes and nonsense to whoever wants to listen. Use common sense. Find out whats up from people who actually know whats up. You wouldnt ask a preschooler their thoughts on cognitive neuroscience, would you?
Slipknot
wearing black every day
trying to be scary and intimidating
ICP
Green Day
black eyeliner
punk music
baggy pants with chains
Being evil
black lipstick
SI
Marilyn Manson
devil worship
being depressed
pale white foundation
rugs and alcohol
hating life
heavy metal
Hot Topic
Mudvayne
blood guts and gore
emo
Goth isnt about how black your clothes are, how many piercings you have, how crappy you can make your eyeliner look, being tough and intimidating, acting or being depressed, listening to mainstream metal or punk, or even acting elite and better than everyone just because you know who Bauhaus is.
MUSIC:
The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission, All About Eve, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, London After Midnight, (some) Siouxsie and the Banshees, Faces of Sarah, Inkubus Sukkubus, Merry Thoughts, Manuskript, Clan of Xymox, Midnight Configuration, Suspiria, Ausgang, Danielle Dax, Carcrash International, Specimen, Mephisto Walz, Rozz Williams, March Violets, The Creatures, the Birthday Party, Black Tape For A Blue Girl, Die Laughing, Death in June, X-Mal Deutschland, Lene Lovich, Nina Hagen, And Also the Trees, Batfish Boys, In the Nursery, Ipso Facto, Flesh for Lulu, Ordo Equium Solis, Rossetta Stone, Tones on Tail, This Mortal Coil, Killing Joke, Current '93, Dead Can Dance, The Machine in the Garden, Gene Loves Jezebel, Véronique Diabolique, The Cure, Joy Division, Cinema Strange, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Smiths, Coil, Cocteau Twins, The Damned, The Tear Garden, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cruxshadows, The Pixies, Legendary Pink Dots, Moev, Love and Rockets, Ministry, Sleeping Dogs Wake, The Church, and The Cassandra Complex.
Despite the fact that outward appearance does not constitute gothness, many people within the subculture do choose to dress a particular way. Its not usually a matter of conformity, but for aesthetics. For instance, while its tacky to wear white foundation, people within the subculture often seem to find natural paleness more attractive than a tan for whatever reason. Its more aesthetically pleasing, therefore a goth who tends not to venture into the sun without protection may not be doing that to seem overtly goth, but only because pale skin makes them feel more beautiful. The same goes for style.
The gothic "uniform" varies from person to person, for those who choose to wear it. (Its definitely not required.) In fact, its not even a uniform, since creativity, innovation, and style are embraced. Goth style isnt the black t-shirt and baggy pants that the Hot Topic generation would have you believe. Thats not very creative or unique at all. Nor is it aethetically pleasing. Also, black is NOT a must. Other commonly worn color are emeralds, navys, purples, crimsons, and even white and cream.
Various types of materials besides common cotton and polyester are often incorporated into style too. Crushed velvet is popular, along with leather, pvc, lace, rubber, latex, and silk. Bondage fashion is worn by a few, and that doesnt mean wearing Hot Topic pants with those stupid bondage straps in the back. Corsets are a gothic staple for ladies and men. In many instances, Victorian and Edwardian fashions are adopted and modified to unique styles as well. Gothic style is style. Its about looking good, well dressed, made up, gorgeous. For those who choose to don the goth apparel, throwing on Manson t-shirt and some black lipstick isnt going to cut it.
Recently, goth fashion has evolved into something more inspired by other genres like electronica, ebm, darkwave, and industrial as well as goth. Its not always the classic velvet and lace look.
Please do not use certain internet sites to further perpetuate ignorance. Just because a site has the word goth in the URL or somewhere on the page doesnt mean its the ultimate master on all things goth. For every decent website giving good, informed info, there are 10 more passing off stereotypes and nonsense to whoever wants to listen. Use common sense. Find out whats up from people who actually know whats up. You wouldnt ask a preschooler their thoughts on cognitive neuroscience, would you?
"I'm so goth, me. Now lookit my I-pod with all my Cradle of Filth mush"
"I'm SUiCiDaL sO i MuSt Be A gOtH rIgHt?"
"I'm SUiCiDaL sO i MuSt Be A gOtH rIgHt?"
by DeadCanDanceDemon November 07, 2008