Can someone explain to me the idea behind the "Goth" image?

Question

I went clubbing the other week and one of the rooms was devoted to "goth" night... Many people dressed in black leather and PVC etc etc... Obviously I'm guessing it originated from "Gothic" but even then the traditional "Gothic" I think of refers to architecture and it's not all that dark/black really!

Answer 1

It began in the United Kingdom during the late 1970s to early 1980s in the gothic rock scene, an offshoot of the post-punk genre. The goth subculture has survived much longer than others of the same era. Its imagery and cultural proclivities indicate influences from nineteenth century Gothic literature, mainly through horror movies.

The goth subculture has associated gothic tastes in music and fashion. Gothic music encompasses a number of different styles. Common to all is a tendency towards a “dark” sound and outlook. Styles of dress within the subculture range from death rock, punk, androgynous, some Renaissance style clothes, or combinations of the above, most often with black attire, makeup and hair.

Answer 2

you are right the main idea of GOth comes from the Gothic peroid, As that was not so much a dark peroid in history but does have the greatest reference to vampires and the afterlife and ocult. BUt morden BAby goths as like to call them have taken the look from the neuromantic peroid and fetish scene. It has become more of a fashion than an alterntive making it a main stream. There is but very fiew older goths that join in with these baby goths choosing more to step back from this scene and choose a more adlut approch, I can only speak from my personal experiences I have been labled as a goth in the past and feel that bands in the main stream now that in the past would have been the alterntive are to blame,

Answer 3

I think the fashion and dress sense has more than likely come from traditional "Gothic Bride" fashion.
I don't dress as a goth, I dress as a punk, but still, I think Gargoyles etc are gloomy, maybe not dark/black, but still got the edge of .. erm .. secretism? Hiding behind black clothes and make-up has secretism too.
I get confused by people, when they think I'm dressed up as a goth, and it's weird because most associate goths as dark, quiet, secretive people who live quiet lives or have had upset childhoods. I'm the total opposite of that! But still I understand your point... but I'd associate it with Gothic Brides. =)

Answer 4

people who say I am a real goth, not like the posers, are actually poser goths. If you were a real goth you wouldn't be bothered about proving it all the time. Anyway, Goths are usually teenagers or confused people in their 20s. If you find any older than that they are REAL goths are just that little bit immature.

Answer 5

"Goth" is an expression of ones self and life style it is not an image to be flaunted about poseur goths are goths just for the fashion ... i am a goth a true one .......i would know0.~

Answer 6

Dracula?

Answer 7

goth is just an offshoot of the 70's punkers.

Answer 8

It's like kids who misbehave...they'd rather do something wrong to get your negative attention than not have your attention at all. You noticed them, right? That's the point..."Hey, look at me!"

Answer 9

they think it makes them look good, like rebellious. to sort of pi*ss off your mum because she thinks black should be only worn for funerals.

Answer 10

I Just feel sorry for them when it's summer, what do they wear then???????