Goths are often misunderstood because they don’t fit into society’s expectations. This subculture often looks aesthetically different from other cultures.
For example, they often wear dark clothes. Many people believe that they are antisocial or even dangerous.
This couldn’t be further from the truth since many goths are pacifists. But what exactly makes someone a goth? What do they believe? Discover below.
What Are Goths?
Goths are a subculture found in modern society. They have their own beliefs and values which make them unique.
This gothic subculture has been around since the late 1970s and 1980s and has been inspired by Gothic paganism and punk rock.
There is no monolithic or singular definition of what being a goth means. It depends on who you ask and how you define it. After all, though goths share certain qualities, everyone is different.
Goths are often linked to darkness and the color black. This is because they see value in darkness while others are more afraid of it.
Due to this, goths tend to adore things that are strange and mystifying. People should praise the ability to see elegance where others cannot.
Because of this, many goths enjoy watching horror films. Moreover, the punk and rock music genres are adored by this subculture.
Their identity is based on these preferences. So if you want to understand what goths think about, then watch some scary movies!
The following are some common characteristics shared by most goths:
- They love the dark.
- They are fascinated with death and the macabre.
- They like to dress up in black clothing.
- They are usually introverted.
- They can be very eccentric and are often seen as mysterious.
Of course, it is important not to stereotype. Not all goths will represent these qualities. In fact, some will be the exact opposite of them. For example, some goths can be confident and extroverted.
What Do Goths Believe?
Though Goths share a culture, they often have different beliefs. This is because they are individual people, who can have different belief systems.
Some may be religious, while others aren’t. Others may be spiritual, while others might not be.
Goths may be pagan, Buddhists, Christians, Satanists, Jews, atheists, or pretty much any other belief or religion you can think of. Ultimately, there is no belief system that unites all Goths.
Instead, they are connected by their championing of goth culture. They may wear similar clothes or like the same bands. However, it doesn’t mean that they all agree on everything.
What Do Goths Look Like?
Goths are often stereotyped as having pale skin, long hair, and wearing black clothing. While this isn’t always true, it does help us get an idea of what goths look like.
There are generally two different types of gothic clothing: retro and modern. Vintage gothic clothes tend to be inspired by the Victorian period. However, some goths are also influenced by the Elizabethans.
These include the likes of Edwardian and Tudor styles. Many goths inspired by these periods wear black clothes, specifically black dresses.
Modern gothic fashion tends to be inspired by the punk movement. This includes grunge, industrial, and glamorous styles.
The latter is especially popular among young women. Goths inspired by the punk movement tend to wear items of clothing such as fishnet stockings and corsets.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in some connecting goths to fetish fashion.
Aside from black, goths also frequently wear red and purple. White may also be worn, though it is normally used as a contrast with black.
Goths frequently utilize tattoos and piercings, such as nose or lip piercings, to enhance their aesthetics.
They may also wear bold makeup, which can be used by both men and women to create an androgynous look. If you are interested in challenging gender norms, goth culture may be a great place to start.
Among the iconic influences of gothic fashion are Sid Vicious, Siouxsie Sioux, David Bowie, and the fictional character Morticia Adams.
What Is Goth Culture?
Goth culture is defined as a subculture of alternative lifestyles, music, fashion, and art, influenced by its fascination with death and darkness. Goth culture tends to be characterized by:
Darkness
Most goths love dark colors, including black, purple, and red. They also enjoy using darker shades of lipstick and eyeshadow.
Death
Gothic fashion is often associated with death. It is also known for being heavily influenced by the macabre and morbid.
Fashion
This group is known for dressing in unusual ways. Of course, their fashion only seems unusual to people who are unfamiliar with the subculture.
For example, many dress in black clothing. They may even go so far as to use fake blood.
Music
Goths listen to a wide variety of music genres, including heavy metal, rock, and punk. Some prefer more obscure music, while others enjoy listening to mainstream pop songs.
Art
Often they are very creative when it comes to art. They may draw, paint, sculpt, write poetry, or make jewelry. These artistic passions allow Goths to express their identities.
In many ways, these characteristics are more important than the beliefs of a goth, as they are often the foundation for someone joining this subculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Term “Goth” Offensive?
No, the term is not generally considered offensive. However, it can be used as a derogatory insult by people who feel disdain for goth people.
What Are The Differences Between Goths And Emos?
Emos are those who have a strong affinity for rock music, dark clothes, and excessive eyeliner. Because of this, many people believe that goths and emos are the same.
However, goths tend to be more dedicated to black clothes than emos. While emos like darker outfits, they still regularly wear bright colors.
Meanwhile, it is rare to find a goth who likes bright clothes. Emos are also less influenced by the past, while Goths draw inspiration from the Victorian era.
As a result, emo culture is noticeably different from the goth scene.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many misconceptions about goth culture. People assume that all goths are depressed and introverted. In reality, most goths have fun lives and are social individuals.
They just like to dress up in awesome outfits and have fun with their hair. Hopefully, this guide has allowed you to develop a deeper understanding of what makes someone a goth.