What do people think about the goth/punk subculture?!?

Question

I don’t call my self goth but I do dress like it; I just don’t really see why people have to label things all the time. But it will take forever to explain! To me it’s a way of expression and how one chooses to see the world and among other things. Being goth or punk doesn’t have to do with worshiping devil. Even though people will find some goths that aren’t Christians.
This will clarify the subculture. “For people with the gothic personality, their involvement is not merely a rebellious phase, but part of their inner self. Those likely to become interested in Goth and remain involved in it will usually possess most of the following characteristics and traits beforehand: individualistic, reflective, artistic, creative, introspective, emotionally focused and driven, sensitive, non-violent, moody. They are likely to have distaste for authority, possess above average intelligence, and be social misfits. Most are interested in the beautiful, the mysterious and the supernatural”.

Answer 1

I think it's the most wonderful thing there is, especially the goth subculture. In this distraught society which can only produce mindless drones (I refuse to be part of them), I feel this is where I truly belong. This is my wonderland because I'm easily accepted no matter how weird I may seem to this pathetic idiocy called society. With my gothic counterparts, I can easily find the beauty in the most forlorn things and not be shunned. I don't consider myself goth but I do want to be an active part of the gothic scene so I do my best to find out about forums I can join and take part in! I may not be goth but I do find some of the clothes associated with that subculture lovely; the corsets, the long flowing Victorian skirts, the Victorian jewelry and hats (I go more for the romantic/vampiric/lolita goth look), etc.

The sad thing is, as you point out, people in this society aren't so accepting of this. Why? Because they're different. At school, for example, students are preps, gangsters, etc. If you're not part of this then you're weird. If you don't feel like wearing those hideous pastels that literally blind you from ten miles away and like darker colors (me, I really like black although it's a shade and not a color) then you're weird or creepy. If you wear black all the time, then you worship the devil or are part of some macabre/evil religious group. That's why we have all the poseurs of today. Those who are so stereotyped, who understand nothing of the goth/punk subculture, try to be "goth" or "punk" or "emo" because it's in. This subculture is a refuge for me. An escape from this heinous little place called hell... this is where I go and I can be truly happy.

It hurts me when I see people made fun of because they see the beauty in something that is considered ugly by today's standards. Insults like these come from people who are stupid, ignorant and feel threatened of something different. Feeling so, they must gang up on us souls and attack us, to keep us "vile, horrible human monsters" away. It's funny at the same time. Like I remember going to a library and these two preps looking at me and whispering about me. They weren't too intelligent because I could hear what they were saying: "Oh my god, she's so creepy and goth. Look at her clothes and she's black too. I thought she'd be gangster..."

This just shows society's inaptitude to accept anything out of the norm!

Answer 2

I agree on a number of these things....as I spent quite a considerable amount of time growing up amongst the 1980's punk/goth/industrial scenes.....

but there is still a simple reality that there are a LOT of poseurs and fakes in that "culture" like there are in all other types of subcultural phenomenons.

I've met an absolute ton of genius-level theorists, artists, writers, musicians, and so forth within that scene.....Kevin Ogilvie for example...a.k.a. Nivek Ogre....his mentality and understanding of world political environments blew me away.

On the flipside, I've met a lot of both teenaged children, as well as 20 (and sometimes 30-something) "adults" perpetuating the whole grrr angst thing a bit much....so that it's more rebellion and silliness over anything substantial, like say, a societal viewpoint or a way of life.

As I said though, you see this everywhere.

Answer 3

I love the ideals it holds apart from all the 'teenage angst', self harming and such which should be saved for the EMO sub-culture, and you will find that some of the most beautiful music, architecture and art are classed as gothic as in referring to a time period long ago. Personally I could never be goth cause I never have time to do all my make-up in a morning, hehe (once in a blue moon I might wear eyeliner!), and some of the clothes ie intricately designed fragile stuff that is for a special occaison if you ask me, or stuff with long sleeves or those netted skirts to get caught in buckly boots, lol. Love the clothes, music, ideals, photography, art, etc. but I can't be classed as one of them, I'm more of a fan if anything!

Answer 4

I really believe that if it makes you happy then do it. WHO CARES what people say about the way you express yourself. What you are dealing with is a typical steriotyping situation, and as long as you do your part to prove all the people doing the talking wrong, then you are doing your part. You have to be comfortable with yourself, and if this does it for you then, congrats. It is so very rare to find someone who is happy with who they are... you must really be a gem. Don't let anyone ever tell you who you have to be. You have your own paths to walk, and they will never visit your personal choices of which path to take. Just think... if we were all the same then this world would be such a boring place wouldn't it? Be you and be happy.

You know you can find A LOT of non-christian people in all walks of life. Your beliefs are also your own, but take heart, those people have their own choices of what to believe as well.

Good luck to you, keep your head up high, and I hope this helps you!

Answer 5

I don't concider myself goth, anymore. I'm not big into the club scene which is a big thing for goths. I'll always be a little goth inside. I like goth photography, some clothing, and my favorite musican is Voltaire. I've noticed as I've gotten older I've shed a lot of my anst. Being goth is not being a Satanist, etc. They are two completely different things.

Answer 6

I know a lot of goths and a lot of punk people. I like most of them. Some can get a little melodramatic and annoying. But most are cool and smart. I wear a lot of black just because I like the color, and I'm geek that likes role playing games and fantasy so people think I am. I'm also Wiccan so that doesn't help! My mom always contects goths with Satan and it drives me nuts. I try to tell the difference, but she is stuck in her ways.

Answer 7

I think the "goth" culture these days are just playing apart. The original goth has died out or died out in the mid-90's. The kids today just do it to irritate there parents and fit in with a crowd. This sub-culture is just a faux culture.

Answer 8

This goes back to the saying Dont judge a book by its cover. We have one life to live and we should live our own and stop worrying and talking smack about people that they don't look like or dress like. You have to just consider the source. It is a way to express yourself. We are in the USA where we have a right to do just that. Plus it is 2006, not 1950 anymore.

Answer 9

I think people's opinion suck...If you spend your whole life depending on what people think then you will turn into a leech. LOL. No, but really...what you are is what you are and why should you give a crap about what people think about that. Be proud to wear dark clothes and chains and stuff. YOU think its cool and that is all dat matters. It is all in your mind that other people are important cuz guess what...they arent going to buy you new clothes now are they.

Answer 10

I think it is an odd, and eventually for most, a regrettable and embarrassing phase. But you certainly have the right to take the journey. Peace be with you.