An short explanation of gothic art; literature; and subculture:
Anything that is goth or gothic relates to some degree how the old Germanic tribes were viewed.
Around the 12th Century gothic architecture started to appear. It was called gothic because certain critics considered this new form of art as barbaric as the old Germanic tribes. Gothic art was seen as raw, unrefined, and was better suited for a past and forgotten era.
The term gothic was also later used to describe a type of story or poem, normally associated with horror and the supernatural. This was probably looked on with some distaste like the art form before.
As for todays goth subculture although it was born in the 80s with the invention of goth rock music, the word goth still relates to something that is unpleasing because it seems harsh and unrefined.
Although punk could also be considered harsh and unrefined, it is commonly associated with anarchism, while the goth subculture was associated with the philosophy of nihilism.
Nihilism has many branches to it, but in its simplest form it is extreme skepticism.
Anything that is goth or gothic relates to some degree how the old Germanic tribes were viewed.
Around the 12th Century gothic architecture started to appear. It was called gothic because certain critics considered this new form of art as barbaric as the old Germanic tribes. Gothic art was seen as raw, unrefined, and was better suited for a past and forgotten era.
The term gothic was also later used to describe a type of story or poem, normally associated with horror and the supernatural. This was probably looked on with some distaste like the art form before.
As for todays goth subculture although it was born in the 80s with the invention of goth rock music, the word goth still relates to something that is unpleasing because it seems harsh and unrefined.
Although punk could also be considered harsh and unrefined, it is commonly associated with anarchism, while the goth subculture was associated with the philosophy of nihilism.
Nihilism has many branches to it, but in its simplest form it is extreme skepticism.
Gothic architecture contained pointed arches, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress.
Gothic literature often included horror, terror, medieval backdrops and gothic buildings, melodrama, and parodies.
Gothic literature often included horror, terror, medieval backdrops and gothic buildings, melodrama, and parodies.
by MrTinder October 10, 2009
goth. what is . it . to be goth...? cemetery black with grey accesories? A loathing to live and be alive; ourself not understanding others ? Cliches are just that. Do I drive a hearse, with...blackwall tires..? and make my own absinthe? Or am I an artist, musician, poet whom cares not for an..y.thing save for whatever be the moments spur? As popeye said I yam what i yam..leave me alone to do and think as I will. I am the subculture of a subculture that prescribes and doesn't subscribe to any..thing most do. I am myself on my own path, as it were, in life. Do I wear clothing of a year born one two three or, damn it all...TEN years popular before my birth?! Nunya bizzness nor excitement of any form, for I am all that is dark and pretentious and forlourn. I am of an age that didn't exist, I am gen X. i AM TRYING TO FORGIVE THOSE WHOM HURT ME SO in my own way. By the way I would appreciate it for you to leave me alone. leave me alone with this, this instrumentally foreshadowing debacle of selfrighteousness! The arrogant and insignificant self-virtue I claim 'tis my own 'an none other. So I ask "what is goth?" It is not what many think, but in fact it. is. me . . . me alone. me with another ...and me by myself, in my own self prescribed affidavit for normality or non to distinguish and yet set closer to the rest of society.
N/A ...goth; an uncouth or rude person; comparable to pagan in reference to olde dictionaries, one whom is unlearned or non-conformist/non-christian
by a blank expression April 17, 2009
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
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
A goth is just a person, usually one who appreciates both the "positive" and "negative", the "yin" and "yang", "good" and "evil" aspects of life. Usually goths believe that there's nothing in this world that can be completely spelled out in black and white. Usually goths tend to wear black clothing, ornate with metal, but also often enjoy interspersing it with bright colours. A lot of goths dye their hair or have piercings, or wear lots of makeup... which is more an artistic outlet than anything. I guess goths just focus on the dark side of things, because to do so is to be on sort of the "other side" of most of society, which they do enjoy, regardless of what they say. Often goths shop at the hot topic, which doesn't automatically define one as a poseur. Nor does it make someone gothic to shop there. Gothic music doesn't make much of a presence in society these days, though darkwave/industrial/synthpop/black,death metal are often mistaken for "gothic" music. Music that is actually gothic? Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, The Cure, etc. These bands are listened to by many people who are not gothic, and no one at the time really labelled it as such. Gothics are just members of an almost completely undefined subculture. Gothics are generally good, benevolent, empathetic, artistic, intelligent, well-read people.
There is the odd asshole, but the same can be said for every group. Gothics almost always can appreciate all kinds of music. Many gothics enjoy listening to Enya. Many gothics enjoy listening to Motorhead. Many gothics enjoy listening to New Order. See the point? There is no real definition, but Gothics is Gothics. We just are what we are, and we only ask for a bit of kindness and understanding, even though we are just a bit strange. =)
There is the odd asshole, but the same can be said for every group. Gothics almost always can appreciate all kinds of music. Many gothics enjoy listening to Enya. Many gothics enjoy listening to Motorhead. Many gothics enjoy listening to New Order. See the point? There is no real definition, but Gothics is Gothics. We just are what we are, and we only ask for a bit of kindness and understanding, even though we are just a bit strange. =)
Examples of gothics:
Pure goth: Usually found dressing in sort of old-school european style clothing, with lots of black. Often found listening to Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, etc. Often is a strong supporter of animal rights, or a vegan. Usually subscribes to some form of paganism.
Industrial-Gothics:
Usually wears clothing that depicts a post-apocalyptic Mad Max style motif, often seen with a trenchcoat. Most often have a "harder" personality, but unlike pure "Rivetheads" the classic industrial club-goer, they tend to be a bit less immature and full of rage. Often found listening to music like Nine Inch Nails, Switchblade Symphony, Skinny Puppy.
Perkigoff^_^: This is the kind of gothic who often wears a lot of clothing that is considered gothic, but conveys a lot less serious and sombre attitude. Can be found listening to just about anything, and often this person is more of a "weekend" goth... i.e. they work normal jobs and generally have a lot of friends that are not goths, as well as friends who are. This is I have to say the most common type of goth.
Common Goth: Sort of a cross between all of the above. Most goths dress gothically on a very regular basis, unless at work. Most goths are generally very happy, friendly people. Most goths are also very somber at times.
In other words, that was useless babble! But hopefully it's helpful to you.
Pure goth: Usually found dressing in sort of old-school european style clothing, with lots of black. Often found listening to Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, etc. Often is a strong supporter of animal rights, or a vegan. Usually subscribes to some form of paganism.
Industrial-Gothics:
Usually wears clothing that depicts a post-apocalyptic Mad Max style motif, often seen with a trenchcoat. Most often have a "harder" personality, but unlike pure "Rivetheads" the classic industrial club-goer, they tend to be a bit less immature and full of rage. Often found listening to music like Nine Inch Nails, Switchblade Symphony, Skinny Puppy.
Perkigoff^_^: This is the kind of gothic who often wears a lot of clothing that is considered gothic, but conveys a lot less serious and sombre attitude. Can be found listening to just about anything, and often this person is more of a "weekend" goth... i.e. they work normal jobs and generally have a lot of friends that are not goths, as well as friends who are. This is I have to say the most common type of goth.
Common Goth: Sort of a cross between all of the above. Most goths dress gothically on a very regular basis, unless at work. Most goths are generally very happy, friendly people. Most goths are also very somber at times.
In other words, that was useless babble! But hopefully it's helpful to you.
1. stereotypical belief: wears black clothing and dark make up, listens to heavy rock and metal. is depressed and worships satan. talks about suicide and self harms. writes deep and dark poetry to make people think their cool and dark.
the truth: goths arent always deppressed and suicidal, this can be applied to any click, chavs, townies etc can be just as depressed and suicidal as the stereotypical goth.
most are fun loving, and arent worried about what other people think. they will do and listen, like and dislike anything they want and arent worried about the latest fashions and trends.
they wont 'go after' people just because they feel like it, they'll take a beating from a group of chav's, without backing out to find their 'posse'.
2. an east german tribe who left Scandinavia to settle in poland. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, they terrorised the Roman Empire and adopted Arianism. they divided into visigoths and ostrogoths
the truth: goths arent always deppressed and suicidal, this can be applied to any click, chavs, townies etc can be just as depressed and suicidal as the stereotypical goth.
most are fun loving, and arent worried about what other people think. they will do and listen, like and dislike anything they want and arent worried about the latest fashions and trends.
they wont 'go after' people just because they feel like it, they'll take a beating from a group of chav's, without backing out to find their 'posse'.
2. an east german tribe who left Scandinavia to settle in poland. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, they terrorised the Roman Empire and adopted Arianism. they divided into visigoths and ostrogoths
(for #1)
chav: theres a goth lets go deck him innit son!
goth: hey, why? what'd i do to you?
chav: you dissen me bruv?
goth: erm..what?
(goth's friends appear from the shadows)
goths friends: problem?
chavs: nah, nah blood, is all good innit.
* runs away in terror *
chav: theres a goth lets go deck him innit son!
goth: hey, why? what'd i do to you?
chav: you dissen me bruv?
goth: erm..what?
(goth's friends appear from the shadows)
goths friends: problem?
chavs: nah, nah blood, is all good innit.
* runs away in terror *
by goth_bunny May 17, 2007
1. Tribe of barbarians that invaded the Romans.
2. People use this to describe themselves when they are ignorant little bastards that have nothing better to do in life than mope around, be depressed, and talk about suicide. There is a better label for these people: posers.
3. Usually creative, strong, independent thinkers who are fun to be around and generally don't care about popularity. They attract friends who are like them, who aren't necessarily gothic but enjoy a good time and know how to think for themselves. Even if people you label "gothic" and stay away from look scary, actually try talking to them. You'll find that generally they are funny and interesting and aren't afraid to say what they think.
4. Goth music. Buahaha. Good stuff. Think Nine Inch Nails. Yaay. o0
5. People are not always poser goths just because they like "poser" bands like Linkin Park and Evanescence. Though they are NOT goth bands, there are some truly gothic people who just enjoy their songs because they like the tunes and stuff. Just because a few of Evanescence's songs have the word "suicide" in them doesn't mean that all the people who like them cut themselves up for no apparent reason.
But sadly, there are very many people who call themselves goth, are all depressed and STUPID, and listen to those bands just because they think that they're going to be cool because they're listening to *ooh* death and suicide and brokennes... god, people like that make me angry. Sooo angry.
2. People use this to describe themselves when they are ignorant little bastards that have nothing better to do in life than mope around, be depressed, and talk about suicide. There is a better label for these people: posers.
3. Usually creative, strong, independent thinkers who are fun to be around and generally don't care about popularity. They attract friends who are like them, who aren't necessarily gothic but enjoy a good time and know how to think for themselves. Even if people you label "gothic" and stay away from look scary, actually try talking to them. You'll find that generally they are funny and interesting and aren't afraid to say what they think.
4. Goth music. Buahaha. Good stuff. Think Nine Inch Nails. Yaay. o0
5. People are not always poser goths just because they like "poser" bands like Linkin Park and Evanescence. Though they are NOT goth bands, there are some truly gothic people who just enjoy their songs because they like the tunes and stuff. Just because a few of Evanescence's songs have the word "suicide" in them doesn't mean that all the people who like them cut themselves up for no apparent reason.
But sadly, there are very many people who call themselves goth, are all depressed and STUPID, and listen to those bands just because they think that they're going to be cool because they're listening to *ooh* death and suicide and brokennes... god, people like that make me angry. Sooo angry.
1. Your history teacher: "So you've got your West Goths, and your East Goths, and the Vandals, and they invaded the Romans, and..."
You: -Not listening- Zzzzz...
2. Rich ass kid who has nothing beter to do than whine: "I'm a goth, my life sucks, go away, I think I'll kill myself now, BTW do you know I'm actually a vampire?"
3. Some... person: "You know that goth girl that always looks uber scary? Well I actually talked to her, and she's really nice..."
4. Duh: Avril Lavigne = NOT goth music NEVER NEVER NOOOO
5. a) I guess I like Linkin Park and Evanescence, but I'm not a suicidal freak or anything... I just like the way their music sounds.
b) Lyk OMG i'm a goth and i can prove it look i LOVE evanescence and lp and i slit my wrist...
You: -Not listening- Zzzzz...
2. Rich ass kid who has nothing beter to do than whine: "I'm a goth, my life sucks, go away, I think I'll kill myself now, BTW do you know I'm actually a vampire?"
3. Some... person: "You know that goth girl that always looks uber scary? Well I actually talked to her, and she's really nice..."
4. Duh: Avril Lavigne = NOT goth music NEVER NEVER NOOOO
5. a) I guess I like Linkin Park and Evanescence, but I'm not a suicidal freak or anything... I just like the way their music sounds.
b) Lyk OMG i'm a goth and i can prove it look i LOVE evanescence and lp and i slit my wrist...
by Yunie October 31, 2004