One word of warning- this might not belong to this section of Personal stuff and if it doesn't then you can imagine that you are kicking my butt.

So I was thinking, what do others think of goth people? I have been called goth, just because I wear black. Now I'm not sure what to call myself so I just go with gothic punk.(:P) Now because of my wardrobe is mainly just black, I have been called a lesbian, which is kinda true since I know I'm bi-sexual, but at the time, it hurt.

Anyhow, I wanna know what you guys believe what Goth is. I have been told by my good friend that it's people who are sad and depressed, but I'm sure that's just us being human beings soooo... yeah. Anyways, opinions NEEDED! Like as soon as you finish reading this :D

I personally believe that sub-cultures are stupid and only little kids think they're a part of them, but that's only my opinion. Also, a sub-culture doesn't make you who you are. If I told you goths were all dark and mysterious and don't talk to people then that doesn't mean you should go out and do that, you should be yourself. And just because you wear all black doesn't make you anything, don't feel like you need to give yourself a title just because who you are goes along with that title.

"this might not belong to this section of Personal stuff and if it doesn't then you can imagine that you are kicking my butt." I like you already lol. Being Goth is having a certain type of perspective on life, but the word Goth has been used as a title to a style of dressing and makeup. I like black clothing, but I'm not Goth, and never had been called so. Goth is associated with the style of not only wearing black, but using dark blue/purple/pink hair dyes and dark black hair dyes. Goth isn't really an insult, it is more of a style than anything, but like I origianaly stated it is also a perspective on life, not neccesarily being "sad and depressed" as your friends have said, but seeming to dwell on the more... "darker" side of life. A lot of Goth people are said to be somewhat poetic in this sense of perspective.

>>2
Along with what this guy is saying, there really is no sub-culture that you can really define someone as because it varies to much in what people think. This story is it's own example of this, some people apparently think wearing all black is Goth, while some think you have to go as far as wear all black, dye your hair, and hate life or something to be Goth. It varies to much for there to be any correct definition. Ether way, who cares? Just do what you like, and don't worry if what you like is considered "Goth", "Lesbian" or fucking "Insane" for that matter. Your not Goth your you, and you just might happen to be Goth, or you might not be, your always just You.

So happy that there's a thread asking about Goths~

As a Goth, I am here to answer your question!

The Goth subculture began in Britain in the 80's as a following of certain post-punk bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, The Cure and The Sisters of Mercy.

At the same time, there was also a similar subculture beginning in America called Deathrock.

These days, Deathrock and Goth are considered to be the same because members of the subculture often listen to music from both genres.

In fact, the idea of being "Goth" has nothing to do with dress sense at all, it's all about the type of music you listen to. Actually, you don't even have to listen to the music, you only should only be a fan and appreciate that type of music.

The reason that most people stereotype Goths as merely people who like dressing in all black is because the original Goth bands wore black, and fans of the music wore black in order to show their dedication.

I hope that I did a good job a giving a short explanation on what Goth is without repeating myself too much.

Here's a video that probably does a better job at explaining it: http://youtu.be/ljLdUtAegDU

I never understood why people make fun of goths "emos" and such because we are the types of people who probably have knife or blade on us somewhere. hints the "emo" thing. why would you make fun of someone who could pull an knife on you???

>>6 I carry a knife all the time. I use it during class, work, and during free time. Wanna know the difference? For me it's a tool, not a weapon (or in your case a toy). Get over yourself (unless you're apt use it on yourself, in which case get help).

@7 I like to think of it as all of them. I don't use it during class though. Don't feel like getting arrested anytime soon.

>>7 Wildlife major in college. Naturally that one tends to be variable.

@9 so much more understandable as to why you'd have a knife in class now xD

Back to OP!

I've been called emo before, simply because I always wear black and my hair long and swoopy. I've also been called just about every word in the book of obscenities, but even still. I define gothic style as black with lots of lace and dark-colored jewels/rhinestones. I define gothic punk with black and spiky/studded with a few chains on the waist. Or suspenders. Those work too. I consider metal to be shredded jeans, white torn-off t-shirt, and worn black leather/pleather vest. Just don't bring anything pointy to school, okay? Weapons on gov't property is grounds for arrest, and I personally came very close to it once.

>>6 haha fag

This thread is going to be painfully hilarious.

W-wow. I didn't expect this many people to reply o-o um, thank you.
@3/4 thank you! I'm an akward child and usually called boring...
@5 wow! Thanks for the history.
@7 And as for the knife thing, I just carry a pair of sharp scissors in my bag in case I need to stab something. Otherwise I bite people. (On mom mom)

And to just about everyone else, thank you for your input. I really appreciate it. I'm not sure if I'm truly goth or what, but your responses help. :D thanks so much.

>>13
No problem you seem very fun to talk to, like the simple things you say (Exp. "Otherwise I bite people. (On mom mom)") are things I find amusing in people :) I hope we could be friends :D see you around the posts

There are a lot of good youtubers that talk about goth and what it is and how to deal with people one good one is leahmouse

Goth is a subculture and fashion trend that's generally quite sombre. It's often confused with scene subculture/fashion, which is fucking ridiculous since they are not the same thing at all.
The fashion, art, music and fiction that is termed as goth can be fantastic. However, the fans can be absolute dickbags, particularly with their romanticisation of death and mental illness, which is where the 'people who are sad and depressed' misconception came from.
Read: I adore goth fashion, art, music and fiction but I hate most fans because they suck ass.
(going to regret posting this in three, two, one...)