Of Someone Not Sure About Goth - Am I A Goth?

I get asked this question frequently - and I am going to try to give you a perspective that may help you in recognizing if you're into Goth.

Question: How do you know if you’re into Goth?

The goth subculture is a multifaceted subculture that developed in the 1980s and has undergone various transformations since then. Its members often express themselves through fashion, music, literature, and other art forms. If you are curious about whether you might be a goth, here are some factors to consider:

  1. Fashion: Goth fashion often features dark, muted colors, such as black, dark red, and dark purple. Clothing may include fishnet stockings, corsets, lace-up boots, and Victorian-inspired clothing. Gothic fashion is often associated with an alternative, subversive, and counter-cultural aesthetic.

  2. Music: Goth music encompasses a wide range of genres, including post-punk, new wave, and darkwave. Common themes include melancholy, introspection, and a fascination with death and the macabre. Bands like The Cure, Bauhaus, and Joy Division are often cited as quintessential goth bands.

  3. Literature: Many goths are drawn to literature that explores dark, introspective, and existential themes. Works by Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, and Anne Rice are often popular among goths.

  4. Lifestyle: Goths are often associated with an appreciation for the darker side of life. They may enjoy horror movies, art that explores death and decay, and a fascination with the occult or supernatural. Many goths also embrace non-traditional spirituality or religious practices.

  5. Attitude: Goths often have a non-conformist, individualistic attitude. They may feel alienated from mainstream culture and may be drawn to subversive or underground movements. Goths may also be drawn to activism and social justice causes.

As such, there is no golden rule to this. If you identify with one or several of these factors, you may be a goth, or you may not be a goth.

However, it's important to note that goth is a diverse subculture with many different interpretations and expressions. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to identify as a goth is a personal one that only you can make.

With love ~