And so you are different. And so you want to appreciate the "dark" side of life. Some people might admire you, others look at you like you're a little weird. However, as much as you have been labeled and stereotyped, you really want to determine if the Goth lifestyle, dark, beautiful, but commonly misunderstood, is for you. How to tell if you are? You could take countless quizzes on the internet, consult tons of people, or stare in the mirror for hours on end. This article will take you away from the prejudices, stereotypes and clichés that could get in the way of discovering the real you. Follow these helpful guidelines to figure out if you are Goth. But remember that the real answer to the question lies within you. Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if you are a poser
It is not uncommon to try to identify with a certain subculture while not being suitable. If you want to be honest with yourself, you have to answer this question: "Am I trying to be what I am not?" If you want to reflect yourself in a certain group, impress people and attract attention, you will only lie to yourself, running the risk of losing your essence forever. It is acceptable to love gothic fashion or music but not to be Goth. If you force yourself to act a certain way or go out of your way to look like what you really are not, then you better stop, because you will only lie to yourself. And this will be absolutely clear in the eyes of others. By simply admiring certain aspects of the lifestyle, just try to introduce them into your way of being. Being Goth, in effect, means being yourself and unique, not a follower of the masses.
Step 2. Forget about stereotypes
As is the case with anything that strays from mainstream culture, the Goth lifestyle has been heavily labeled and stereotyped. If you're trying to figure out if it fits you, it's important not to fall into any of the "Goth Rules" preached by posers and people who don't know what it's really like to be. They include commonly misconceived beliefs, such as:
- All Goths wear black. While many Goths wear such clothing, there are many different styles to explore, from Cyber Goth to Romantic Goth. Corsets, long skirts, long hair or burlesque-inspired outfits are just some of the favorite pieces of many Goths. Colors may vary; for example, a Goth girl can dress in pink if she wants.
- All Goths are depressed and suicidal. This is probably the most insultingly false stereotype of all. Many Goths have a peculiar and dark sense of humor, but each person who decides to make this lifestyle their own is unique. All are unique. While not all Goths in this world are happy, you don't have to hurt yourself or cry like a fountain to be happy.
- All Goths take drugs, get drunk and sleep with whoever happens to be. This is also totally untrue. Obviously there are Goths who live in a more unregulated way, but this depends on their personality, even a person who is not Goth can have a lifestyle based on drugs, alcohol and casual sex. There are more moderate Goths and more reckless Goths.
- The Goths worship Satan or evil spirits. This is one of the reasons people don't particularly appreciate them. But it's not true. There are Christian Goths, Jews, Muslims… Be yourself and believe what you want to believe.
Step 3. Evaluate your musical tastes
There are no rules for being Goth, there never have been any. However, taking a good look at your musical preferences can tell you a lot about yourself. Goth is a music-based subculture. Consequently, one person who largely listens to Goth Rock is Goth. Just as the sub-genres of Goth Rock are varied, there are numerous types of music and artists to listen to.
- These genres include the following: Deathrock, Ethereal, Dark Cabaret, Darkwave, Post-Punk, and Gothic Rock. Many Goths also enjoy listening to Industrial music. But Industrial fans (also called Rivetheads) often dissociate themselves from the Goth scene, because this genre of music has different origins. However, the Goths and Rivetheads are often considered siblings, because they share the same spaces every so often. There are other musical genres that are not Goth but which are appreciated by members of the subculture. Examples include EBM, Synth Pop, electronic music, New Age and classical music. Being Goth doesn't mean just listening to Goth Rock. However, it does mean that a good portion of your favorite bands make this kind of music and its subgenres.
- Some of the most influential bands: The Cure, Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Sisters of Mercy, Faith and the Muse and Damned.
- You don't have to listen to Goth music all the time. Remember that you can just be yourself, or you will feel miserable and lost. It is absolutely fine to listen to Gothic Rock for a few minutes and then move on to Pop. This just means that you have a vast musical taste.
Step 4. You could try listening to some of these bands and genres if you haven't done so before
Exploring your musical tastes can be a bit overwhelming, so start with the bands we've pointed out to you. If you like these types of music and artists, try to discover others instead of just listening to what is fed to you on a mainstream level but you don't particularly like.
Step 5. Think about your hobbies and interests
Reflecting on what you particularly enjoy doing is a good way to determine your personal tastes and styles. While they are all different, there are interests and activities that many Goths enjoy. They include:
- Music. Many Goths deeply understand music and are passionate about it. Whether they sing it, play it in a band or just listen to it. Of course your musical tastes will also determine if the Goth subculture is right for you.
- Writing. Poetry, short stories and songs are often part of the literary repertoire of many Goths. The main genres are Gothic short stories and poems.
- Reading. As stated earlier, there are Goths of different types. Many are quite cultured. Some genres particularly popular with the Goths are horror and supernatural novels, dramatic tales and classics. You might like vampire stories or classic literature. You can appreciate both poetry and prose.
- Drawing. Goths tend to have more contact with their artistic and creative side. However, this is not necessary to belong to the subculture.
Step 6. Consider your clothing style
Goth fashion also makes up a large part of the subculture. Its origins can be traced back to the time when fans of artists such as Siouxsie Sioux from Siouxsie and the Banshees, Andi Sexgang from Sex Gang Children, Robert Smith from The Cure and Johnny Slut from Specimen began dressing up as their idols. Nowadays, Goth fashion has evolved and there are many different types. However, there are some common traits, here are some examples:
- Long hair with bright or dark colors.
- Many Goths wear colors like dark blue, purple, red, and black. This depends on everyone.
- Corsets.
- Long skirts or extravagant dresses, such as those of the Victorian era, characterized by lace or lace. Some girls are inspired by burlesque or dress in a classic way, with elegant shirts, black suits, hats and vests.
- The makeup is made up of black eyeliner, deep colored lips and eye shadows. Some Goths, like Cyber ones, like brighter, over-the-top colors, while Cabaret / Romantic / Victorian Goths prefer old-fashioned, classy makeup and darker colors.
- Boots are among the favorite footwear.
- Accessories such as chains, studs, short necklaces or elegant jewelry are suitable for this style. Piercings and tattoos are also popular.
Advice
- Remember not to lose sight of yourself. You don't have to prove anything to anyone.
- The Goth is not bound or held back by the rules. Not all Goths are always sad, depressed, or addicted. Being Goth also means practicing creativity and freedom in the purest way.
- The starting point of the Goth subculture can be found mainly in music and fashion. Goth fashion is a fundamental part of the subculture, and certainly not based only on the use of black. The idea we want to communicate is that there are no rules to be true Goths, otherwise this lifestyle would be absurd and contradictory.
- You don't have to be cold, do drugs, smoke and so on to be Goth. In fact, many of these people are sunny and smiling.
Warnings
- If you're very small, they might call you a poser, other Goths too. If so, go your own way and believe in yourself. Goths are just tired of people wanting to belong to the subculture without really feeling it. They are tired of their style not being respected and stereotyped. If you know that you will be yourself, the opinions of others will not matter.
- Following the gothic "trends" does not make you a Goth.
- Standing out from the crowd will make you a target for bullies.
