Im pretty sure a 'goth' isnt what these kids are claiming it to be..?

Question

.. so what is a 'goth' and why are we labelling kids with dyed black hair who listen to Green Day as such??

Answer 1

The goth subculture is a contemporary subculture prevalent in many countries. 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're damn right!

The word Goth over the years has meant many things. First of the Goths were one of the 'barbarian' tribes that attacked Rome. Later Gothic referred to architecture characterised by ornate arches and heavy use of decoration.
Later still Gothic referenced a literary style that dealt with the grotesque and the sublime (often referencing the aforementioned architecture). Later Gothic became shorthand for early horror stories.

After the punk explosion in the late 1970's a new look was developed. Heavy on decoration and drawing influence from horror images.
Meanwhile some New Wave bands moved in a darker direction. Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees and the Cure. From these partially seperate developments sprung the first 'gothic punk' movement.
Goth music, most trying to copy the better unintentionally Gothic punk bands, quickly fell into underground obscurity in the Eighties (and was all the better for it). The horror influenced look has never really gone away, and is currently associated with some forms of metal music.

As any over the age of 16 knows - one does not have to dress like a Goth to like metal.

Answer 3

The goth subculture began in the UK during the late 1970s to early 1980s. The imagery and influences of this movement were from nineteenth century Gothic literature. This literature was meant to terrorize and entertain people, obviously in a much different manner than other romantic literature of the time. The Goths were an East Germanic tribe that eventually split into the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths in the 5th and 6th centuries. Nostalgia in the late 1700s in the UK for the medieval period led to gothic novels (introduced by Horace Walpole) which are largely responsible for defining the mood of horror and other dark imagery which now surrounds the word 'gothic'.

Answer 4

I would think that they are labelling children who listen to green day as goth as a generic way of describing anyone who has black hair, rather than using the original meaning of someone who is inspired by all that is gothic. It is the same as using emo as a generic description for anyone who listens to metal/hardcore - despite this being pretty opposite to emo. If I was describing someone as a "goth", I would assume that they listened to bands such as The Cult or Queen Adrianna and wore lace/velvet/gothic style jewellery.
I would desribe anyone listening to Green Day as pop punk.

Answer 5

I'm too tired to cut and paste so I'll just tell you that you can probably find a better explanation than I could give you on Wikipedia. Also, person with answer above mine, kids with dyed black hair who listen to Green Day are little snots in dire need of an attitude adjustment.
Sad but true.

Answer 6

Having been to Download festival at Donington Park on six occasions now i would describe a goth as someone who is into the deep dark thrash metal often associated with devil worship such as Cradle of Filth or Trivium. If it were someone who was solely into bland cheesy american pop-rock such as Green Day i would describe them as a skater boi/girl!!!

Answer 7

Hi there,
To download for free Cradle of Rome 2 you can click here: http://bit.ly/1qDAFWj

it's the full version, avaiable for free! very fast to install
Download Cradle of Rome 2 to build the glorious Rome with the power ups you earn in each one of its 100 different levels and create the greatest city the world has ever known.
It's surely the leader game of its type.

Answer 8

Kids as young as 9 or 10 think they are 'Goth'!
There are still true Goths left in the world..There are certain kids (well 16 upwards) that listen to Marylin Manson...they think Heroin is romantic..that call themselves goth.but basically they are all middle class kids from VERY good homes who mummy and daddy pay for everything..ask them who Bauhaus are they haven't a clue..ask them them why are they Goth..they wouldn't have a clue!

Answer 9

Goths to me all dress in black , dye their hair black , the girls wear snazzy tights lol , they have numerous piercings and are quite morbid in their mood , music they like would include , green day , marlyn manson , mychemicalromance ,bullet for my valentine , lost prophets and the rasmus etc .. I know because my daughter is goth ( altho i wish she wasn`t and im hoping it to be a phase lol )

Answer 10

I assume it is just a pop culture term people came up with because they resemble a specific group of people from history. Appearance in this modern age take precedence over substance. Many are just confused.