What do you think of goths and gothic subculture?

Question

Not the 14-year-old mall-crawlers who listen to Slipknot, but real goths. If you don't know what a goth is, please don't respond. Anyway, if you do, what do you think? What aspects of gothdom do you like or dislike? Please be polite, but speak your mind. P.S. To any thirteen-year-old who says "ew why wud U B goth thats' wierd", your comments are not appreciated.

Answer 1

I recently answered a similar question about what Goth "is". I think it addresses your question regarding subcultures. I've quoted it below.

"There are a lot of different ways to answer this question because "Goth" means different things to different people.

For some, being "Goth" is simply an extension of a musical culture that had its roots in punk rock. It's a way of identifying yourself to others with similar interests. For example, when I was a teenager (80'-90's) if I saw someone wearing Doc Martins or black lipstick, the odds were good that that person liked the same music I did. At that time it was things like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, New Order, Nine Inch Nails etc...

The look of "Goth” usually consists of a lot of black. There are, however, plenty of sub-cultures within the Gothic and each has their defining characteristics. Some of the variations are:
Musical (dress like the bands you like)

Vampire (classic Goth sometimes with prosthetic fangs and a belief system drawn from Vampire lore)

Pagan (will often dress in a Goth manner, but will often display images from the Pagan belief system or worship of the Earth Mother. The Pentagram is one of those symbols)

Fetish (Gothic appearance, but with an S/M twist. These people often have a focus on relationships involving power exchanges. Fetish wear often consists of clothes made of leather, latex and vinyl. There are varying symbols that can be worn to indicate one's preferences. A collar if you're a bottom or a confident swagger for a top.)

Rebellion (some young people are simply looking for a way to stand out, or be identified with a group outside the so-called "mainstream"

These are all HUGE generalizations and not hard and fast rules by any means. As to the point of dressing Goth, it's no different than any other fashion choice. It identifies one with a particular group the same way a string of pearls and a cardigan sweater identifies someone to a different kind of group. And sometimes, someone may just think it looks cool and there's no ideology behind it at all.

I was a "Goth" for many years and now I'm not. I don't disdain those who are, but I simply didn't need to distinguish myself in that fashion anymore. Some of us grow out of it, and some of us make a style for life. Either way, it comes down to the person you are inside and not what colors you wrap yourself in."

As for your specific question, I've always been fond of the dramatic look of Goth as well as some of the belief systems that accompany the various subgroups of Goth.

What I'd dislike about Goths, is that they often have a very exclusionary attitude. I find this ironic since many people become gothic because they have been excluded from “so called” mainstream society because of their beliefs or aesthetic preferences. I also dislike the notion that they are somehow superior. Every new generation of Goth thinks they are the first in the world to discover it.

There's also a certain knee jerk anti-establishment set of ideals that goes with the Goth persona. Many Goths simply adopt the views of their fellow Goths with out actually investigating the information for themselves and drawing their own conclusions. Again this is ironic since, outwardly Goths often preach open mindedness, but all too often fall into the sheep like mentality that they claim to be escaping in the first place.

I only know these things from my personal experiences as a member of the "Goth" community in its many forms. It is only in retrospect that I have been able to come to these conclusions. Obviously I have no objection to the Goth look or lifestyle, but you specifically asked about dislikes as well as likes.

Answer 2

There is too much variation among goths for there to be much meaningful description of goths in general. Many goths have crude wrongful intent and others have fine rightful intent. Dress also varies greatly between goths, such that 'gothic dress' means little more than a large amount of black. The most common trait among goths is narcissism. Hopefully in the future the goths will sub-divide themselves into more meaningful classifications.

Answer 3

What do I think of goths and gothic subculture? Not much, to be perfectly honest with you. I don't spend a lot of my time thinking about "groups" of people. I prefer to see people as individuals rather than whatever "thing" they associate themselves with.

Love the PS!!

Answer 4

Being a goth is not wrong, it's simply a way of life that is different from most people.

Answer 5

I feel like the people who have a true understanding and appreciation for the gothic culture should be celebrated. I think the lil punk a** nut sacks who have completely tarnished the culture should be locked up and forced to listen to Barry Manilow!

Answer 6

not a goth myself but have freinds who are and they are cool people. not just for the 'look' but 'cos they have to put up with w-a-n-k-e-r-s giving them s-h-i-t all the time.i dont know if you're from us or uk but if in or from uk you should check a place called whitby.they have a goth fest every year (not sure which month,soz) and thats where bram stoker wrote dracula

Answer 7

Goth chicks are hot and give interesting conversations.

Answer 8

i think its pretty silly if you get down to it, i used to hang out with a lot of goths, they just look ridiculous and want to much attention, i think its a phase in life people go through, you don't see many 50 year old goths now do you, life is to short to look that depressed

Answer 9

I think they are odd, but I don't think any less of them. They are choosing to dress and live their life in a certain way that wouldn't work for me, but apparently works for them.