Can someone tell me what being Gothic is *truly* about?

Question

I know the correct answer; I want to see who knows their facts and who succumbs to the mass media stereotyping and ignorance of today's modern society. So go on, don't be shy. Humor me.

carole - Thank you! Yes, and the remains of the true Goth culture are present in today's world. I myself am a Goth and I'm a devout Christian, honor student, nine-year martial artist, and I've been approached by numerous classmates and other people, both younger and older, for advice on certain things like love or problems they might have. I was once very depressed; I almost took my life in March of this year but I'm a lot better now! But that's not the meaning nor basis of Goth. It's being unique and not being afraid of being unique. You shouldn't care about what society thinks of you because they put you in a stereotype with the clothes you wear. People shouldn't be ignorant and they should learn who you truly are.
Oh, and music preferences of true Goths are very broadened but Bauhaus still is around with rivetheads (subculture of Goth); not sure about Sisters of Mercy. I myself listen to Razed in Black mainly.
But thanks for your time and wisdom, elder "Goth". :)

Damian * - Gothic does describe architecture and WAS a group of barbarians way back in pre-medieval Europe. However, the society and subculture that formed in Italy and Great Britain during the Rennaisance, believe it or not, was movement revolving around the arts and literature. As stated before, a lot of TRUE Goths are intellectual. As for the clothes; Goths wear whatever they please, it's just that it's harder for one to stereotype a Goth who isn't dress as one, make sense? Being truly Gothic stems from the urge of creating something, be it music, art, literature, something with woodwork, cooking, etc. It's not as bad as people make it and those who listen to the news and public lies and the poseurs who litter the streets, they're just ignorant.

Miss Mary Mack - A very truthful statement you have just made and I'm impressed. Hmm... Well, based on its history, I'd think that it was truly about non-conforming to society and not bending to the will of others by dressing a certain way to "attract" others or pretending to be someone you're not. But from the teachings I've learned from, it's about remembering the past but keeping a clear view on the future. That and to create; art, music, literature, even food or something inedible like sculptures or something to like that. But.. a very valid point you have made just now and I'm impressed.

Answer 1

This question is asked so often on this site... and the answers are almost always the same, unfortunately.

Today's kids have no idea where or why the movement originated, nor do they care. At best, their idea of "being goth" is for the sheer enjoyment of shocking people. Evolving is not in their vocabulary... thus when told that Manson isn't goth they revolt, instead of taking the time to ask why.

Sites like vampirefreaks.com and gothornot.com bow to the masses, and promote the known stereotypes all too well. In this, we are given more of a reputation. Fingers are pointed in our direction when something goes wrong... and immediately the media picks up on it.

Hot Topic has become the sanctuary for all things dark and spooky. If you can buckle it, zip it, or lace it... and it's some shade of black... you will most likely find it being worn by 2,500 teenagers who all claim to be "unique".

/rant

To answer your question, goth is interpreted differently by everyone. Darkwave bands that I listen to are scoffed at by the cyber-girl with the pink yarn hair. The velvet corset donned by the pale skinned siren (under the sun parasol) would never be worn by the deathrocker in the torn fishnet. There are so many sub-categories under the one that it is often difficult to explain the similarities between us all.

Unfortunately, the scene has become catty and judemental. Where it used to be about the music, and the coming together of youths who were disillusioned by the outside world, it has become a huge fashion statement... with media support. Gothic Beauty magazine has subjected us to the "Vampire Queens"; the girls who are "gother than thou" and who will hit you with a snide remark concerning your make-up/hair/boots or anything else they deem "tacky".

Those of us who refuse to sucuumb to dancing to VNV or Apop are no longer goth but "deathrockers".

We've become what we hate. Labels, fashion whores, snobs. To the very extent that some of us loathe the term 'goth' and replace it with anything else: new terms that have the same meaning, but don't sound quite as harsh.

So what is being gothic truly about? Because individualism is out.

Answer 2

As I understand it, being goth has to do with living outside of conventional society and nonconformity. Goth kids may be forced to go to school but they will not conform to society rules - they want to be set apart from the masses. Some of them seem depressed and identifying with the music more - some are just touched by it, though the darkness of dress does imply darkness of feeling.

I generally find goth kids to be very smart and generally more well rounded in their education and more politically aware than regular kids. At least that is how it was 20 years ago when me and my friends were goth.

Peace!

PS - I always wonder about today's Goth Music. Is Bauhaus and Sisters of Mercy still a staple or have they been replaced long ago?

Answer 3

im not sure what it means today but gothic used to describe a style of architecture from the middle ages or medieval era. Its also used to describe barbarism or crudeness. gloomy, misterious, sinister. For some, it is a way to express themselves or to fit in with a group, Maybe to be rebelious. punkers have mohawks and combat boots. gothics have black lipstic and fingernails. Remember, Americans have no real culture of their own so we search for other cultures to try to give our lives more meaning.