Goth is a Lifestyle; Not Just an Aesthetic

With the surge of a subculture that I’ve been a part of for most of my life, it’s really sparked something in me to write this. Now, I’m sorry if it’s going to sound very gatekeepie, but I think it’s a good opportunity to talk about the culture as a whole, how it came to be and how it’s not just about the aesthetics.

It’s Not Just Aesthetics

Yes, usually I look like the queen or king of the night when I go out. Other times, I just throw on a band T-shirt, anime or Terrifier shirt paired with some cool pants or skirt. And that’s okay! Because it’s NOT just about the clothing. A lot of the younger baby bats think it’s only about the clothes, but it’s not! Goth runs through your veins inside and out. Not every goth you see is going to be looking like a super villain or Morticia Addams. Most are just in comfy black clothing.

Also, another point I need to make, you don’t need to buy all your stuff at places like Dollskill, Killstar, Shein, etc. The goth look actually stemmed from DIY. It was about reusing a lot of what already existed in your closet, cut up and layered. It didn’t have to look “clean”. You could even use the random chains you find lying around your dad’s garage to use as a belt! It was about making a fashion statement, to look different from everyone else.

Most importantly, it’s about having fun with your clothes and makeup! Not about what is popular or trending!! And keep in mind that if you’re not into the trad goth look, you are STILL goth! There are many kinds of goth, and that’s what makes this subculture so awesome!

And don’t be afraid to look like the dead. We embrace death and see beauty in it. The aesthetic isn’t a costume; it expresses a worldview.

Political Views

Yes, being goth has everything to do with politics. You can NOT be a conservative and be goth. The whole subculture was built on rebelling against the “norm”. It was about breaking away from the mould; the conservative mould. The one that tells us that women should be a certain way, religion this, religion that, etc. You’ve heard it all and probably know exactly what I mean.

Anyway, the subculture came out of the underground amongst a group of people that felt like they were the black sheep. They didn’t want to be in suits, go to church, have that nuclear family with the white picket fence. They wanted to be different, but society shunned them for it. Goth was and very well, and still is, about anti-establishment.

The whole point of being goth is living your life going against that. And because I’m such a big One Piece, here’s a reference for you, don’t be a celestial dragon!

Of Course, the Music!

Here we are, the biggest thing that makes up the subculture. The music! Goth was born from the punk and post-punk era in the UK, starting in the late 1970s. The time when bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, etc were huge.

Now, before I go on, it doesn’t make you less goth if you enjoy The Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, etc. People can like what they want to like. If you’re listening to the same bands over and over again, it gets a bit boring. Everyone needs a bit of variety and we ALL have guilty pleasures. It just comes down to your main taste. That’s where the music sets you apart from the mainstream!

Anyway, most people mistake punk for goth. But we know that isn’t the case. So let’s lose the eyeliner and fishnets for a bit here and just talk about the music and how it all started.

Punk is yelling about society. They’re angry about it.

Goth is more, “Hey, we’re living IN this society and here’s how we feel.” It’s a more internal view, more melancholic, and very much draws on despair.

As for sounds, it was about setting the mood. It was more theatrical; very atmospheric. That goes for guitar riffs and vocals.

Over time, the genre evolved into industrial, EBM, cyber, metal and even emo.

When goth music started, a lot of the fans didn’t look the way you think. I’m talking about the traditional goth look. It literally just started out as people who enjoyed this music that lead them to eventually start dressing like their favourite band members. The look caught on in the scene and, to this day, is going strong.

And here’s an important thing to remember. Please don’t be pretentious and ask someone their top 5 songs from a band. Not all goths have to love The Cure, etc. Every era of the genre produces great music that creates a new generation of goths. You can introduce someone to a band, but their not knowing the band doesn’t make them less goth. Unless they really are just into the aesthetics and nothing else. At that point, it’s just cosplay.

Embrace the Weirdness

Being goth in this day and age is very much in line of just embracing everything that is weird. We love horror and anything creepy. It’s about loving all the weird aspects of yourself and not be afraid to show it with confidence!!

Goths Are (Love)ly

Which leads into one of the biggest misconceptions is that goths are violent and into worshipping in the most vilest ways. We can probably thank Hollywood for that. Just because goths love horror and creepy things, it doesn’t mean we are evil. In fact, it’s quite the opposite!

A lot of goths are accepting of everybody. Don’t believe me? Go to any event filled with them and you can experience it for yourself! Even that metal concert, there are tons of goths there mixed in with the metalheads. See how they treat people, even in a mosh pit.

So yes, goths are accepting of anybody! We love the queers, the freaks, the weirdos and all the people that got picked on in school. We actually hate violence. Hell, a lot of us are very romantic, poetic, with some twists. Think Morticia and Gomez Addams. See why you can’t be an extreme conservative and be goth? Because we don’t hate people of different colors, orientation, etc.

Goths are just lovely people who have a style that almost creates a wall to protect us and our hearts.