What is Goth?

Hello there readers and welcome to my blog. In my introduction post, I explained that this blog will cover things  from Goth, video games, and art. To start things off, I thought I'd touch up on the "What is Goth" subject.

So what is Goth you are probably wondering? Isn't it about devil worshiping, sacrificing animals, being obsessed with death, and worshiping Marilyn Manson while decked out in Halloween gear? Simple answer is no. Goth has been around practically forever but I'm going to speak about the modern day concept. And yes, I am aware that the original Goths were a Germanic tribe but like I mentioned, I'm talking about the modern day style.

 

Robert Smith, lead vocalist of The Cure

Going back to the beginnings. Goth got it's bearings from the 1970s Punk scene and gained lots more attention during the 80s. Somber, melancholic, and dark? Yes, these definitions can very well be accurate for the style. It was a music based subculture that started in England and got it's basis from Post-punk music. Some well known bands that helped breath live into the movement were Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure, commonly known as the forefathers of Goth. Often, these bands played in all sorts of Goth-oriented clubs and developed large fan bases over time. It's been said that Bauhaus' single "Bela Lugosi is dead" is thought to be the beginning of the Gothic Rock scene.

In general, early Goth was the darker and somber sister of punk music. With the proto Goth bands in mind, they actually had characteristics that were quite different from each other with Siouxsie Sioux's rebellious, domineering tone to Robert Smith's more melancholic and somewhat ethereal tone. And by the late 80s, the style was out and thriving and produced even more bands to help carry the torch from Christian Death, Sisters of Mercy, Sex Gang Children, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission UK, and many others. 

It's not surprising that a lot of people don't realize that this was where Goth originated. Whether people believe it or not, it genuinely WAS a music based subculture and wasn't just about fashion but that's for a completely different topic. "Isn't Goth music all depressed and Satanic?" Nope, not at all. While there are quite a few Goth bands who sang about darkness and melancholy, there were others who had all sorts of messages, including positive messages as well.

 

Siouxsie Sioux (From Siouxsie and the Banshees)

 So why do Goths like things that are considered dark, creepy, or morbid? Well, it's because there are people out in the world who can find beauty in these things. Like for example, cemeteries. "Normal" people would find these places boring and depressing. but to someone like a Goth, they often find it very historic and peaceful. Bats? Some people find them creepy and grotesque. Others find them interesting and misunderstood. The color black? Well, black is thought to mean "evil" but to a lot of us, we find it a respectable color. I mean, it goes with anything so that has to count for something right? But in all seriousness, not every Goth has the same interests and the best way to learn about them is to get to know one. And contrary to popular belief, there are Goths who don't always wear black. Also to note, Goths aren't wearing costumes. This is how they dress on a day to day basis (some more extravagant than others) and it's a part of them.

Goth is about finding the beauty in things where others wouldn't necessarily find it. It's about realizing that the world isn't so black and white and that just because something is dark, doesn't mean it's evil. And to those who think Goth is about suicide and wanting to die, that is so far from the truth. In fact, most Goths enjoy and embrace living. As far as death is concerned, they respect that it's a part of life and that's where it ends. "Goth is for Devil Worshipers".Not in the slightest. Goth is NOT a religion and quite often, the individuals who have a religion, vary. From my personal experience, I haven't actually met one who was a Satanist. Fun fact, Satanism isn't the same as Devil Worshiping.

Back on topic, Goth has evolved over the years. There are so many different types of Goth styles around and it usually depends on the individuals preference. Some even mix and match their own styles. There's practically something for everyone honestly. And not just the styles of fashion but also the music has expanded as well. From Deathrock, Darkwave, Industrial, New Wave, Coldwave, EBM, & even Dark Cabaret (a darker form of cabaret-jazz-circus type music).

Unfortunately, the subculture has divided some over the years. There are some Goths who think the style evolving is breathing life into the scene while others think that it is harming the subculture by becoming more mainstream and becoming a shell of what it once was. It's really a mixed bag and depends on the individuals outlook.  

I hope that this little summary helped you understand a little bit more about the subculture. I didn't go into every detail but just the general background. If you have any questions, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more!

Currently listening to: "When it comes" - Incubus

Currently watching: King of the Hill