All though there are no real boundaries or guide lines to the Goth Subculture, it is defined as 1) a style of rock music that often invokes bleak, mournful imagery. 2) A performer or follower of this style of music and 3) from a view of Gothic styles or genres as dark and gloomy. Also Goth used to be used to describe a member of a Germanic people who invaded the Roman Empire in the early centuries of the Christian era.
So, what is goth? This is probably the hardest question any goth could try and answer, one may as well ask 'what is society?' as it has so many facets it defies any definitive explanation.
Goth in its simplest form, is a subculture. A group of people who feel comfortable within each others company. There is no specific thing that defines what you need to do or be to fit into the goth scene. People in the goth scene all have different musical tastes, follow different religions, have different occupations, hobbies, and fashion sense.
Why do people become Goths? Most Goths choose this life style because they have been shunned by 'normal' society based on the way they want to live their lives and how it doesn�t fit in with society's traditional life style. Goths are also free thinkers, people who do not follow moral rules based on �this is how it�s done� and �this is what God says�. They listen to the opinions of others and then come to their own conclusions on how they should live. This kind of free thinking often results in rejection in today's society.
All the same this rejection has caused Goths to ban together and associate with other free thinkers. This has been beneficial, especially for the individuals. This lets them have a sense of belonging and friends they can associate with.
There are of course many other reasons one might fall into the goth scene. Perhaps they like the music better, they prefer the clubs, maybe they have goth friends and joined with them, or they are night people and Goths are the only ones up to talk to.
Beyond all of that there really is no clear definition. There are, however, many goth stereotypes. Many people think that Goths are all the same. This is far from true. One of the most popular misconceptions is that Goths only wear black lip stick or purple and black eye shadow. Being a goth lets you do what ever you want with your make-up. It can be as plain and as outrageous as you want it to be. You can use any color and it is a great way to show your individual style and tastes. The pale skin too is a stereo type, but quite popular all though not all choose this.
Another mistake that people make when discussing Goths is the religious aspect. Goths don�t have to be satanic, or any other religion; it really is an open culture. Though most Satanists are Goths, not all Goths are satanic.
Goths also aren�t always obsessed with the idea of death.Not all are depressed and sad. Goths have fun too, though they may not want to show it. Many are just hostile tot he society that has been prone to hurt them. As for style, a Goth cloths aren�t limited to black. Goths can wear any color, but the most popular colors are, big surprise, black, purple, red, and white. Goths usually choose colors that are darker and in turn make there skin more pale looking. Finally Goths are not all whinny and sad. They don�t all think that there world is harder for them and constantly complain about there trivial existence or morn the world they see as so sad. They do however have a easier time and are more comfortable w/ not trying to seem ok all the time. But just like all these examples, some are true for some people, but they are in no way guide lines or rules for the goth culture. People often just makes there misconceptions because they don�t know very much about this life style.
For some years now the goth style has been becoming more and more popular, and with that comes entertainment, music, movies, and literature. Some well know movies include �The Crow�, �Interview with the Vampire�, �Beetle juice�, �The Nightmare Before Christmas�, and �The Rocky Horror Picture Show.�
Along with movies, music has also taken a stand in the industry with up and coming bands including, AFI, Cradle of Filth, The Cure, and Knife in the Water. It has taken shape and the popular growth isn�t expected to change in both America and the UK.
Then for the goth that enjoys to just kick back and read are comic books like Johnny the Homicidal Maniac and Sandman. There are also books like Beyond the Wall, The Bell Tower, and most Edgar Allen Poe literature is associated with the goth scene.
Now a days people have found this culture to be different from the majority and enjoy other Goths company who in turn enjoy there's. They can feel accepted and that�s what everyone wants.
