This article was personally written by myself so it's copyrighted � and not available for posting on other websites.
First off I have to say for those of you who rave on about how much you hate "labels", Gothic is a word that describes a subculture that I identify with, and the people who are a part of that subculture. I know it's "cool" these days to deny that you're Goth but then again I never followed trends or fads. If you're thinking Goths are teen angst angry kids who hate the world and worship the devil, I've made this page to set you straight. ^_^
Ok so let's start at the very beginning. The word Gothic comes from the Germanic tribes that were around in the 3rd century BC - the Visigoths and Ostrogoths. Around 1140 AD Gothic art and architecture began to be produced in France, spreading to the rest of Europe throughout the following century. Originally the word "Gothic" was used by Italian Renaissance writers as a derogatory term for all art and architecture of the Middle Ages, which they regarded as comparable to the works of the barbarian Goths (Visigoths and Ostrogoths). Later, as Gothic literature became popular the term "Gothic" was applied to this type of writing because of the dark, mysterious, grotesque and desolate themes which could be likened to the style of the architecture.
Near the end of the 1970's when the punk music scene was breathing it's last breath, bands like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees appeared. They were a different kind of punk, they experimented with dark themes and clothing. The media then labelled this kind of music "Gothic" no doubt because the content of the music and lyrics could be likened to that of Gothic literature.
Therefore the Gothic subculture is primarily music and fashion based. The fans of these bands began to copy the way their idols dressed - in dark clothes with elaborate makeup. So, in the beginning these two elements are all that made up the subculture. Over the years the music has evolved as has the clothing style and new elements have been added to the subculture. Contemporary Gothic bands such as The Cruxshadows, London After Midnight and Switchblade Symphony sound quite different to the first Gothic rockers. Nowadays to be Gothic means not only to listen to Gothic rock and adhere to the Gothic style, but also to have a different outlook on life and to have an interest in the dark and desolate. Most Goths realize the beauty in all things, even the macabre, and death. Goths are generally intelligent, creative people who love to talk philosophy, religion and other things of deeper value and meaning than the norm. Most of us are interested in arts, drama, romance, horror, self expression and the like.
Some may assume that we are Satanists because of our dark clothes. The Gothic subculture has nothing to do with religion. There are Atheist Goths, Christian Goths, Pagan Goths etc, sure there are Satanist Goths out there but not all of us even believe in Satan.
The subculture has nothing to do with self-mutilation, suicide or an unhealthy obsession with death. Yes we acknowledge the "dark" side of life - it creates balance, we need night just as we need day, we need the bad to balance the good. We see death merely as natural, and inevitable therefore there is no need to talk of it in hushed tones.
Some misinformed individuals claim that Gothic is all about "doing your own thing", or that "Goth is whatever you want it to be". This is incorrect, if it was about doing your own thing, these people wouldn't all be dressing in dark clothes like every other person they class as "Goth". While the subculture does embrace self expression etc, there are several common interests which tie us together (as stated above). If it were about "doing your own thing" it wouldn't be a subculture - for it to be a subculture it has to have common interests that link the people together.
So all in all, the Gothic subculture is a group of people (not necessarily teenagers, I know Goths who are well into their 30's) who listen to Gothic rock, are drawn to alternative clothing styles eg: victorian dresses, corset tops etc, who are interested in literature, the macabre and other things which the norm usually shun. Don't get me wrong though, one doesn't just simply "become" Gothic and suddenly claim to have an interest in all of the above. Everyone is different and the Goth subculture is no exception. Some people, like myself have always had an interest in the macabre and spirituality, and some Goths can't stand horror movies or whatever. This article is just to give a general idea of common interests within the subculture. On the other hand, someone who just dresses the part but acts like a complete airhead isn't what we'd consider "Goth", what the subculture is mainly recognized for (apart from appearance of course) is the intellectualism of it's members.
The subculture has nothing to do with singling people out, or giving "preps" a hard time (that is high school rubbish, whereas most of us left high school long ago), it is not about angst or worshipping Marilyn Manson - for a start he is not Goth and most of us despise him. Nor is it about rebelling from mainstream society or rebelling from anything for that matter. Most people can't seem to accept the fact that different people have different tastes and styles and ideas concerning beauty. In my opinion, long black hair, pale eyes, thin eyebrows and pale skin are the epitome of beauty.
We're not freaks, attention seekers or weirdos. Just because we look different and have deeper interests than most of society doesn't mean there's something wrong with us or that we're seeking attention. Open your mind a little, there's billions of people in the world and if we were all the same it'd be a pretty boring place.
If you're wondering what Gothic rock actually is, and thinking it's bands like Korn, Slipknot, System of a Down, Linkin Park, Evanesence and Jack off Jill, here's a list of some of my favourite Gothic rockers. Note that the following are actually artists with talent, whereas the above are simply nu-metal. Big difference.
Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Christian Death, London After Midnight, Ours, Switchblade Symphony, The Cruxshadows, Joy Division, Rasputina, Faith and the Muse, Inkubus Sukkubus, Diva Destruction, Theatre of Tragedy, Strawberry Switchblade, Dead Can Dance, Clan of Xymox, Death in June, Alien Sex Fiend, Diary of Dreams, Nosferatu, and more...
