WHAT IS GOTH? 🦇 goth is a music based subculture

[Alyssa_The_Weird]

Exactly! Some chick claimed to be a goth because she was dressed up like an e girl of all things. I asked her what her favorite goth band was and she went “what? thats not what goth is”. Then her little friends told me I’m adopted and that I should off myself.

[zaknafein_aconite]

Posers are worse than lazy, they're entitled too. If anything could be goth, goth would mean nothing. Keep it real, fellas! \m/

[Scareaddict]

If people just googled it, and googled what ACTUAL goth music is, we wouldn’t be having the problems we do 😭

[thatexcalifornian]

For some odd reason, this wasn’t easily found in the early 2000s despite the rise of the Internet. Once I started listening to goth music, I’ve fallen in love with it. Nosferatu, paralyzed age, the Cure, etc.

[megmcguigan]

I wish more people knew this instead of thinking that it involves a ton of money buying clothes. People are just being lazy, and I actually find that sad. I'm 52 and have been into the music since 86.

[DoffySmokes]

yeh, alot of people think punk is a clothing style. lol and they also think its an aesthetic

[xXpercdprncessXx]

GOTH AND EMO AREN'T THE SAME THING! THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

[SpookySammy]

I had some kid on Insta telling me they didn't care how many clubs and gigs I'd been to over the last 20 years and called me a poseur 😂🤣

[misfit-]

If someone’s not calling you a “freak” or the classic” is not halloween yet” “are you a vampire?” “witch” staring at you or avoiding you in public you are not goth enough

[josephperkins]

no Goth is not simply a music based subculture, theres more to it..ITS A WAY OF LIFE

[josephperkins]

Beyond the Music: Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of the Goth Subculture
Goth is often pigeonholed as a music-based subculture, primarily defined by its unique genres such as post-punk, dark wave, and industrial. While music is undoubtedly a vital component of Goth identity, it is far from the only element that characterizes this rich and diverse community. In this article, we will explore the various dimensions of the Goth subculture, demonstrating that being Goth encompasses more than just musical preferences; it is a holistic lifestyle interspersed with art, fashion, literature, ideology, and community engagement.

1. Aesthetic and Fashion
One of the most recognizable aspects of the Goth community is its distinctive aesthetic, which is manifested through fashion. Goth fashion is characterized by:

Dark Colors: Predominantly black clothing is common, though deep reds, purples, and other dark hues also play a role.
Distinctive Attire: Many Goths wear items such as lace, leather, corsets, and Victorian-inspired clothing, often incorporating elements from various subcultures, including punk and romanticism.
Accessories: Gothic fashion often includes accessories like chokers, platform boots, silver jewelry adorned with symbols like skulls or bats, and dramatic makeup featuring pale skin and dark eyeliner.
The focus on aesthetics allows Goths to express individuality and artistic flair, creating a visual language that transcends mere musical affiliation.

2. Arts and Literature
Goth culture is deeply intertwined with various forms of art and literature. Many Goths are passionate about literature, especially Gothic novels, poetry, and horror fiction. Classic writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker have inspired a literary ethos within the community, leading to an appreciation of darker narratives that explore themes of death, existentialism, and the supernatural.

Moreover, visual arts play a crucial role in the Gothic experience. Many Goths enjoy creating or appreciating visual artwork, whether through painting, graphic design, or photography. The interplay of light and shadow, along with haunting imagery, permeates Goth-inspired art, further solidifying its identity beyond music.

3. Ideological Underpinnings
The Goth subculture is marked by a distinct ideology that celebrates individuality, self-expression, and an acceptance of darker aspects of existence. Central themes include:

Existentialism: Many Goths are drawn to existential questions about life, death, and the human experience, often reflecting on the struggles and beauties of mortality.
Romanticism: The appreciation for the sublime and the tragic is a core principle, celebrating beauty in darkness and melancholy.
Feminism and Social Commentary: Many Goths engage in discussions around gender identity, sexuality, and societal norms, using the community as a platform for critical dialogue about social issues.
This ideological framework invites a holistic understanding of being Goth, where music serves as only one of many outlets for expressing these ideas.

4. Community and Inclusivity
The Goth community is known for its emphasis on inclusivity and acceptance. Many Goths seek solace and belonging in a space that allows them to express themselves freely, making friendships with others who share similar interests and values.

Social Gatherings and Events: Beyond music, Goths participate in a variety of social events, including art shows, poetry readings, and themed parties, fostering interpersonal connections and community-building efforts.
Online Communities: In the digital age, many Goths connect through online forums and social media platforms, where they share not only music but also art, literature, and personal stories. These platforms help to cultivate a sense of belonging, transcending geographic barriers.
5. Beyond Stereotypes: Intersectionality in Goth
Understanding Goth as a multifaceted subculture requires acknowledgment of its intersectionality. Goth is not a monolith; it encompasses various identities and perspectives from diverse backgrounds, including issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Many people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and allies find a home within Goth, contributing their unique experiences to the tapestry of the subculture.

Celebrating this diversity enriches the community and allows for a wider range of voices within the realm of art, literature, and ideology. It challenges the often narrow definitions of what it means to be Goth and reaffirms the subculture’s commitment to individual expression and acceptance.

Conclusion
While music plays a significant role in the Goth community, it is merely a part of a larger whole. The intricate connections between fashion, art, literature, ideology, and community engagement illustrate that being Goth extends well beyond musical preferences. Embracing all these elements fosters a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a member of this diverse subculture. Ultimately, Goth is a celebration of darkness, mystery, self-expression, and community—a rich tapestry that invites individuals from all walks of life to explore and express their unique identities.

[Exploring-rw]

Gothic culture has actually been around since Sparta times

[smokyquartz]

I googled goth before google. Thats how goth I am.

[LivingDeadBoy]

Or people google it and refuse to believe it and continue about their day being a poser

[Alex_Lakemoon]

Goth is a music based subculture and left political views. Reminder that if you are conservative you cannot be goth, you'd be an actual poser

[thinker]

Who destroyed Goth culture promiscuous women. I'm not saying you have to be a virgin, but promiscuity destroys everything that is not meant to be promiscuous.

[kikithepupper]

lol i know you're a millenial like me because you still use "xD"

[gutsvr]

Am I poser if I enjoy dressing goth but don’t listen to the music?

[loveinstars]

do they have an eyebrow cut and is that cultural appropriation

[ThatRandomGiy]

The goths are not a subculture. It was a germanic tribe from the 2nd century to the 6th century. There are famous people that were goths like Alaric Theoderic the Great and Ermanaric