Goth used to be a subclassification of punk. In the early to mid 80s, it emerged as a subculture in its own right, complete with its own graphic art, literature, music, and fashion. There is so much diversity within the gothic world that its members strongly resist attempts at definition and labeling. Yet there are stereotypes that linger...
Goth as counter-culture:
1967: The hippie counter-culture saw that the world sucked and promised to change it with love.
1977: Punk culture saw that the world still sucked and raised a middle finger in defiance.
1981: Goths understood all along the importance of a good smoke.