Difference between revisions of "Be Goth"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Dressing the Part=== | === Dressing the Part=== | ||
| − | #[[Dress Goth|Wear black]]. Learn the basics of traditional goth fashion. During the days of when the scene was new, the goths did not know or have a set image as to what goth looked like. They just made it up as they went along, but as goth is a certain style, similarities showed among the members.<ref>Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Everyday is Halloween, p.34 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref> There are many so called "goth" styles out there, however, traditional goth and deathrock are the only ones that are goth whereas other types take inspiration or mix goth fashion characteristics in with other styles, making it become its own thing. Goth fashion includes: | + | #[[Dress Goth|Wear black]]. Learn the basics of traditional goth fashion. During the days of when the scene was new, the goths did not know or have a set image as to what goth looked like. They just made it up as they went along, but as goth is a certain style, similarities showed among the members.<ref name="rf12958">Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Everyday is Halloween, p.34 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref> There are many so called "goth" styles out there, however, traditional goth and deathrock are the only ones that are goth whereas other types take inspiration or mix goth fashion characteristics in with other styles, making it become its own thing. Goth fashion includes: |
| − | #*Darker colours, including purple and reds<ref>Hodkinson, P, (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', The Emergence of a Style, p.47 ISBN 978-1859736050</ref> | + | #*Darker colours, including purple and reds<ref name="rf12959">Hodkinson, P, (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', The Emergence of a Style, p.47 ISBN 978-1859736050</ref> |
| − | #*Satin bodices and corsets<ref>Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, pp.11 ISBN 978-0061669163</ref> | + | #*Satin bodices and corsets<ref name="rf12960">Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, pp.11 ISBN 978-0061669163</ref> |
| − | #*Striped stockings and tights<ref>Polhemus, T (1994), ''Street Style: From Sidewalk to Catwalk'', goths, p.97 ISBN 978-0500277942</ref> | + | #*Striped stockings and tights<ref name="rf12961">Polhemus, T (1994), ''Street Style: From Sidewalk to Catwalk'', goths, p.97 ISBN 978-0500277942</ref> |
#*Frilly or lace gloves | #*Frilly or lace gloves | ||
#*Lace skirts | #*Lace skirts | ||
#*DIY leather jacket, usually of favourite band logos | #*DIY leather jacket, usually of favourite band logos | ||
| − | #*Fishnet tights<ref>Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Fashion, p.181 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref><ref>Hodkinson, P, (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', The Emergence of a Style, pp.36 - 49 ISBN 978-1859736050</ref> | + | #*Fishnet tights<ref name="rf12962">Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Fashion, p.181 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref><ref name="rf12963">Hodkinson, P, (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', The Emergence of a Style, pp.36 - 49 ISBN 978-1859736050</ref> |
| − | #*Winklepickers<ref>Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Winklepickers, p.202 - 207 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref>, spiked heels, pointy-toe lace-ups, shiny thigh high boots or Doc Martens<ref>Goodlad, L and Bibby, M (2007), ''Goth: Undead Subculture'', Introduction, p.3 ISBN 978-0822339212</ref> | + | #*Winklepickers<ref name="rf12964">Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Winklepickers, p.202 - 207 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref>, spiked heels, pointy-toe lace-ups, shiny thigh high boots or Doc Martens<ref name="rf12965">Goodlad, L and Bibby, M (2007), ''Goth: Undead Subculture'', Introduction, p.3 ISBN 978-0822339212</ref> |
| − | #*Garments of leather, lace, velvet, silk or PVC<ref | + | #*Garments of leather, lace, velvet, silk or PVC<ref name="rf12965" /> |
#Dye and style your hair. Hair has always been an important part of shock tactic method of goth, and it usually takes longer than preparing your outfit or make up. | #Dye and style your hair. Hair has always been an important part of shock tactic method of goth, and it usually takes longer than preparing your outfit or make up. | ||
| − | #* During the Batcave days, Siouxsie Sioux inspired girls to back comb their hair to uttermost heights and Patricia Morrison of The Sisters of Mercy influenced others to leave their hair long and black<ref>Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Painted bird, p.66 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref> Bauhaus, Robert Smith of The Cure, Specimen and Dave Vanian all influenced men's fashion and Jonny Slut, keyboardist of Specimen became the face of the band due to his elaborate style and huge, back combed and hairsprayed death hawk.<ref | + | #* During the Batcave days, Siouxsie Sioux inspired girls to back comb their hair to uttermost heights and Patricia Morrison of The Sisters of Mercy influenced others to leave their hair long and black<ref name="rf12966">Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Painted bird, p.66 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref> Bauhaus, Robert Smith of The Cure, Specimen and Dave Vanian all influenced men's fashion and Jonny Slut, keyboardist of Specimen became the face of the band due to his elaborate style and huge, back combed and hairsprayed death hawk.<ref name="rf12966" /> However, you don't need to do anything too extreme everyday. If you prefer to have it long and black, perhaps choppy, you can. There aren't any rules on hair, but goth does have its style. If you're interested in having a certain style you can look up tutorials on YouTube. |
| − | #Wear makeup. Siouxise Sioux's make up motivated many girls to take the time to draw on Cleopatra stylized eyes, and Daniel Ash influenced men to draw on "death brows" which were drawn on in black and then flared upwards. Eyeshadow palettes and colours were mixed in with electric blues, purples and metallics, and female eyebrows were either thin and high arched like Morticia Addams or pointed, triangular and thick like Siouxsie Sioux. If you don't necessarily like the style you don't have to wear it/make your own version, but a lot of fans of the music dressed like this because they were influenced by their idols.<ref>Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Painted bird, p.68 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref> | + | #Wear makeup. Siouxise Sioux's make up motivated many girls to take the time to draw on Cleopatra stylized eyes, and Daniel Ash influenced men to draw on "death brows" which were drawn on in black and then flared upwards. Eyeshadow palettes and colours were mixed in with electric blues, purples and metallics, and female eyebrows were either thin and high arched like Morticia Addams or pointed, triangular and thick like Siouxsie Sioux. If you don't necessarily like the style you don't have to wear it/make your own version, but a lot of fans of the music dressed like this because they were influenced by their idols.<ref name="rf12967">Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', Painted bird, p.68 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref> |
#Accessorize. The more accessories you tend to add, the better your outfit looks. There are tons of accessories that go together with different themed outfits, for example you have fake fangs for a vampire outfit, a corset for a romantic outfit and sunglasses for a traditional outfit. | #Accessorize. The more accessories you tend to add, the better your outfit looks. There are tons of accessories that go together with different themed outfits, for example you have fake fangs for a vampire outfit, a corset for a romantic outfit and sunglasses for a traditional outfit. | ||
#*Other goth accessories include: | #*Other goth accessories include: | ||
| − | #**Piercings, including lip, eyebrows, tongues and belly buttons<ref>Hodkinson, P, (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', Femininity and Ambiguity, pp.48 ISBN 978-1859736050</ref> | + | #**Piercings, including lip, eyebrows, tongues and belly buttons<ref name="rf12968">Hodkinson, P, (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', Femininity and Ambiguity, pp.48 ISBN 978-1859736050</ref> |
| − | #**Sunglasses (much like The Sisters of Mercy), top hats, capes, cravats, riding crops or lunchbox purses. Piercings and colorful contact lenses and fake fangs are also popular.<ref | + | #**Sunglasses (much like The Sisters of Mercy), top hats, capes, cravats, riding crops or lunchbox purses. Piercings and colorful contact lenses and fake fangs are also popular.<ref name="rf12965" /> |
| − | #**Silver jewellery such as silver skulls, human skeletons and bats or religious imagery like crosses made into chunky rings, brooches and necklaces.<ref | + | #**Silver jewellery such as silver skulls, human skeletons and bats or religious imagery like crosses made into chunky rings, brooches and necklaces.<ref name="rf12962" /> |
| − | #**Nail polish. Black, purple and red were incredibly popular colours with goths.<ref | + | #**Nail polish. Black, purple and red were incredibly popular colours with goths.<ref name="rf12965" /><ref name="rf12966" /> |
# Go thrifting and prepare some DIY. In the original scene, goths did not have complete stores to shop at. They had their creativity and what they found in local thrift stores to work with, meaning there was no "set" goth style (although it ended up looking similar in the end). As punk is DIY, that means goth is too, and will always be a big part of it. Start experimenting with clothes yourself, and make sure they are cheap enough so that if you mess up, you aren't too bothered about it. There are several goth DIY tutorials on YouTube and on blogs to follow if you have no ideas. Meanwhile, some simple tips include: | # Go thrifting and prepare some DIY. In the original scene, goths did not have complete stores to shop at. They had their creativity and what they found in local thrift stores to work with, meaning there was no "set" goth style (although it ended up looking similar in the end). As punk is DIY, that means goth is too, and will always be a big part of it. Start experimenting with clothes yourself, and make sure they are cheap enough so that if you mess up, you aren't too bothered about it. There are several goth DIY tutorials on YouTube and on blogs to follow if you have no ideas. Meanwhile, some simple tips include: | ||
#*Buy or paint patches of your favourite band/anything from Etsy.com and eBay and sew them onto your jacket/garment of clothing. | #*Buy or paint patches of your favourite band/anything from Etsy.com and eBay and sew them onto your jacket/garment of clothing. | ||
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=== Listening to Goth Music=== | === Listening to Goth Music=== | ||
#Learn what goth music is. Members of the subculture consider listening to and appreciating goth rock, post punk, deathrock and darkwave music to be an important part of being goth. Many goths listen to many other different genres, too, but there are certain ones which are considered goth whereas others are considered goth-friendly. It doesn't mean you can't listen to them, it just means that you won't make you "goth" if you only listen to those goth-friendly genres. | #Learn what goth music is. Members of the subculture consider listening to and appreciating goth rock, post punk, deathrock and darkwave music to be an important part of being goth. Many goths listen to many other different genres, too, but there are certain ones which are considered goth whereas others are considered goth-friendly. It doesn't mean you can't listen to them, it just means that you won't make you "goth" if you only listen to those goth-friendly genres. | ||
| − | #*Musical goth characteristics include an echoing tribal beat, 4 / 4 post punk beat or drum machine, funeral synthesizers, flanging guitars that produced cold and brittle effects, distorted guitars, a prominent lead bassline and deep eerie baritone vocals, usually in men.<ref>Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', A New Dark Age, p.22 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref><ref>Hodkinson, P, | + | #*Musical goth characteristics include an echoing tribal beat, 4 / 4 post punk beat or drum machine, funeral synthesizers, flanging guitars that produced cold and brittle effects, distorted guitars, a prominent lead bassline and deep eerie baritone vocals, usually in men.<ref name="rf12969">Harriman, A and Bontje, M, (2014), ''Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace'', A New Dark Age, p.22 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref><ref>Hodkinson, P, |
(2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', The Emergence of a Style, p.36 978-1859736050</ref> | (2002), ''Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture'', The Emergence of a Style, p.36 978-1859736050</ref> | ||
#Find goth bands you like. These can be both in the goth and deathrock genres. | #Find goth bands you like. These can be both in the goth and deathrock genres. | ||
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=== Learn the Background and History of Goth=== | === Learn the Background and History of Goth=== | ||
#Learn the history of the goth subculture. Knowing your background and history of the subculture you are developing yourself into is a very vital part of being goth. This helps you get past the baby bat stage (a "baby bat" is someone who is new to the subculture) and into maturing into the culture, music and fashion. Some important facts about goth are: | #Learn the history of the goth subculture. Knowing your background and history of the subculture you are developing yourself into is a very vital part of being goth. This helps you get past the baby bat stage (a "baby bat" is someone who is new to the subculture) and into maturing into the culture, music and fashion. Some important facts about goth are: | ||
| − | #*In the year 1967, the American band The Doors were described as "gothic rock" and in 1974 Bowie's ''Diamond Dogs'' was called "gothic".<ref>http://rateyourmusic.com/list/Draconysius/goth_-the-history_-the-heresy/</ref> However, it doesn't make the artist or band goth. | + | #*In the year 1967, the American band The Doors were described as "gothic rock" and in 1974 Bowie's ''Diamond Dogs'' was called "gothic".<ref name="rf12970">http://rateyourmusic.com/list/Draconysius/goth_-the-history_-the-heresy/</ref> However, it doesn't make the artist or band goth. |
| − | #*Some people cite Nico as the first to record a gothic album; either ''The Marble Index'' or ''The End''.<ref>http://www.gothicsubculture.com/articles/undead.php</ref> | + | #*Some people cite Nico as the first to record a gothic album; either ''The Marble Index'' or ''The End''.<ref name="rf12971">http://www.gothicsubculture.com/articles/undead.php</ref> |
| − | #*The song credited to have birthed the goth rock genre is the 1979 single ''Bela Lugosi's Dead'' by Bauhaus.<ref>http://www.gothicsubculture.com/origin.php</ref><ref>Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, p.9 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref><ref>Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Music, p.133 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref> Peter Murphy, lead singer of the band, said that the song was supposed to be written tongue-in-cheek and that their mistake was performing it naive seriousness, which changed the way the audience understood it.<ref | + | #*The song credited to have birthed the goth rock genre is the 1979 single ''Bela Lugosi's Dead'' by Bauhaus.<ref name="rf12972">http://www.gothicsubculture.com/origin.php</ref><ref name="rf12973">Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, p.9 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref><ref name="rf12974">Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Music, p.133 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref> Peter Murphy, lead singer of the band, said that the song was supposed to be written tongue-in-cheek and that their mistake was performing it naive seriousness, which changed the way the audience understood it.<ref name="rf12971" /> This song was also played at the beginning of ''The Hunger'', a film popular among goths.<ref name="rf12975">http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/pictures/the-30-greatest-rock-roll-movie-moments-20130221/20-bauhaus-bela-lugosis-dead-in-the-hunger-1983-0693481</ref> |
| − | #*Goth rock or gothic rock is a sub-genre of punk rock which was born out of the British post punk scene in the late 70s / early 80s.<ref>Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, p.7 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref> | + | #*Goth rock or gothic rock is a sub-genre of punk rock which was born out of the British post punk scene in the late 70s / early 80s.<ref name="rf12976">Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, p.7 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref> |
| − | #*A nightclub on London's Dean Street named "The Batcave" opened in 1982<ref | + | #*A nightclub on London's Dean Street named "The Batcave" opened in 1982<ref name="rf12958" /><ref name="rf12977">Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, pp.9-10 ISBN 978-0061669163</ref><ref name="rf12978">Goodlad, L and Bibby, M, (2007), ''Goth: Undead Subculture'', Introduction, p.2 ISBN 978-1783203529</ref><ref name="rf12979">Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Music, p.134 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref> by members of Specimen that catered towards this new flourishing scene. Although the club never named themselves as a "goth club", the club helped bring all the forming elements of goth together.<ref name="rf12980">Polhemus, T, (1994), ''Street Style: From Sidewalk to Catwalk'', goths, p.97 ISBN 978-0500277942</ref> |
| − | #*The subculture took inspiration from Gothic architecture such as castles and cathedrals; the Romantic movement originating from the late 1700 and 1800 century and Gothic literature such as ''The Castle of Ontranto'' by Horace Walpole where the use of the word "Gothic" was first used in literature<ref>https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-origins-of-the-gothic#</ref>, ''Frankenstein'' by Mary Shelley, ''Dracula'' by Bram Stoker and the works of Edgar Allen Poe.<ref>Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, pp.7-8 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref><ref>Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Fiction, p.55 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref> | + | #*The subculture took inspiration from Gothic architecture such as castles and cathedrals; the Romantic movement originating from the late 1700 and 1800 century and Gothic literature such as ''The Castle of Ontranto'' by Horace Walpole where the use of the word "Gothic" was first used in literature<ref name="rf12981">https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-origins-of-the-gothic#</ref>, ''Frankenstein'' by Mary Shelley, ''Dracula'' by Bram Stoker and the works of Edgar Allen Poe.<ref name="rf12982">Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Am I a Goth?, pp.7-8 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref><ref name="rf12983">Roberts, C, Livingstone, H and Baxter-Wright, E, (2014), ''Goth: The Design, Art and Fashion of a Dark Subculture'', Fiction, p.55 ISBN 978-1780978864</ref> |
| − | #*Goth subculture draws inspirations from ancient Celtic, Pagan, Egyptian and Christian mythology and religions and goth fashion combines high chic, antique, retro-kitsch, punk, fetish and secondhand trash elements<ref>Goodlad, L and Bibby, M (2007), ''Goth: Undead Subculture'', Introduction, p.2 ISBN 978-0822339212</ref> | + | #*Goth subculture draws inspirations from ancient Celtic, Pagan, Egyptian and Christian mythology and religions and goth fashion combines high chic, antique, retro-kitsch, punk, fetish and secondhand trash elements<ref name="rf12984">Goodlad, L and Bibby, M (2007), ''Goth: Undead Subculture'', Introduction, p.2 ISBN 978-0822339212</ref> |
=== Getting into the Goth Mindset === | === Getting into the Goth Mindset === | ||
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#Enjoy the creativity of the subculture. Express yourself. Write poetry, paint, or take photographs. Start a band and play goth music. The goth subculture is full of creative people who like to participate in that culture. | #Enjoy the creativity of the subculture. Express yourself. Write poetry, paint, or take photographs. Start a band and play goth music. The goth subculture is full of creative people who like to participate in that culture. | ||
#*Oftentimes, people don't understand or respect the goth subculture. If someone is giving you trouble, just walk away. Don’t waste time arguing. Being friendly and kind to everyone and you might change their perception of goths for the better. | #*Oftentimes, people don't understand or respect the goth subculture. If someone is giving you trouble, just walk away. Don’t waste time arguing. Being friendly and kind to everyone and you might change their perception of goths for the better. | ||
| − | #Listen to yourself. Don't let anyone tell you what to do, including other goths. If The Cure doesn't do it for you, but you are really into Johnny Cash, so be it. Don't let anyone tell you you're not "goth enough" for superficial and otherwise unimportant reasons. The most important thing is that you're you, and you're trying to participate in a community that accepts that.<ref>http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8996-goth-subculture-may-protect-vulnerable-children.html#.UnKSfxa_P_c</ref> | + | #Listen to yourself. Don't let anyone tell you what to do, including other goths. If The Cure doesn't do it for you, but you are really into Johnny Cash, so be it. Don't let anyone tell you you're not "goth enough" for superficial and otherwise unimportant reasons. The most important thing is that you're you, and you're trying to participate in a community that accepts that.<ref name="rf12985">http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8996-goth-subculture-may-protect-vulnerable-children.html#.UnKSfxa_P_c</ref> |
#*Develop your own style naturally by being influenced by what you read and feel, not by following "How to" lists. If you have a genuine interest in a scene, you will naturally be influenced as you get into the subculture. Do what makes you happy. | #*Develop your own style naturally by being influenced by what you read and feel, not by following "How to" lists. If you have a genuine interest in a scene, you will naturally be influenced as you get into the subculture. Do what makes you happy. | ||
=== Getting Involved with the Community === | === Getting Involved with the Community === | ||
#Take part in Goth events, festivals and clubs. Every year, and in several different countries across the world, goth clubs are open and festivals are planned. You can really take part in the goth community if you attend these and listen to what other goths have to say, especially since there will be people who have been into the subculture for 30 years or more, or even since it was born. | #Take part in Goth events, festivals and clubs. Every year, and in several different countries across the world, goth clubs are open and festivals are planned. You can really take part in the goth community if you attend these and listen to what other goths have to say, especially since there will be people who have been into the subculture for 30 years or more, or even since it was born. | ||
#*Some festivals, events and clubs are as listed: | #*Some festivals, events and clubs are as listed: | ||
| − | #**''World Goth Day''<ref>http://worldgothday.com/</ref> | + | #**''World Goth Day''<ref name="rf12986">http://worldgothday.com/</ref> |
#**''Return To The Batcave'' in Wrocław, Poland | #**''Return To The Batcave'' in Wrocław, Poland | ||
| − | #**''Release The Bats'', a deathrock club in Long Beach, California<ref>https://www.facebook.com/releasethebatsclub/</ref> | + | #**''Release The Bats'', a deathrock club in Long Beach, California<ref name="rf12987">https://www.facebook.com/releasethebatsclub/</ref> |
| − | #**''Whitby Goth Weekend'', Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK<ref>http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/</ref> | + | #**''Whitby Goth Weekend'', Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK<ref name="rf12988">http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/</ref> |
| − | #**''Wave Gotik Treffen'' in Leipzig, Germany<ref>http://www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/english/</ref> | + | #**''Wave Gotik Treffen'' in Leipzig, Germany<ref name="rf12989">http://www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/english/</ref> |
| − | #**Numerous goth clubs around the world<ref>https://www.vamp.org/Gothic/clublist.html</ref> | + | #**Numerous goth clubs around the world<ref name="rf12990">https://www.vamp.org/Gothic/clublist.html</ref> |
| − | #Learn goth slang.<ref>http://www.rebelcircus.com/blog/goth-slang-actually-means/</ref> Goth slang is an inside joke within the community and by becoming familiar with the terms, you may feel more at home. | + | #Learn goth slang.<ref name="rf12991">http://www.rebelcircus.com/blog/goth-slang-actually-means/</ref> Goth slang is an inside joke within the community and by becoming familiar with the terms, you may feel more at home. |
#*Some goth slang phrases and their definitions are as followed: | #*Some goth slang phrases and their definitions are as followed: | ||
#**'''Goth Points.''' A fictional points system which, every time you do something particularly gothy (example, listening to Bauhaus while dying your hair a shade of ebony), adds points to your card. | #**'''Goth Points.''' A fictional points system which, every time you do something particularly gothy (example, listening to Bauhaus while dying your hair a shade of ebony), adds points to your card. | ||
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#**'''Baby bat.''' A new and willing to learn member of the subculture. This is different to a poseur. | #**'''Baby bat.''' A new and willing to learn member of the subculture. This is different to a poseur. | ||
#**'''Goth In a Box.''' A term to describe someone who dresses in complete outfits from Hot Topic. This is frowned upon as goth has its roots in individualism and DIY. | #**'''Goth In a Box.''' A term to describe someone who dresses in complete outfits from Hot Topic. This is frowned upon as goth has its roots in individualism and DIY. | ||
| − | #**'''Bat-caver.''' A frequent visitor of the 1982 nightclub The Batcave, but now refers to someone who is an older goth and was a fan of the music played there.<ref>http://igothablog.blogspot.co.uk/2007/11/goth-slang.html</ref> | + | #**'''Bat-caver.''' A frequent visitor of the 1982 nightclub The Batcave, but now refers to someone who is an older goth and was a fan of the music played there.<ref name="rf12992">http://igothablog.blogspot.co.uk/2007/11/goth-slang.html</ref> |
| − | #Teach people about goth. As a member of the subculture, it's important that you teach baby bats and people willing to learn about the scene. This stops the spreading of misinformation and gives baby bats the correct information they need to be able to develop into the subculture. If the media's "definition" of goth reaches them first, they may feel they're obliged to participate in negative stereotypes like attempting to worship the devil or self harming. Above all of this, too many baby bats have been unintentionally throwing goth customs and traditions that make goth what it is out of the window.<ref>http://thegothicalice.tumblr.com/post/148950458874/the-problem-with-some-young-goths-and-the</ref> Forgetting the background, history and unifying elements of the subculture makes it lose all value and meaning. Without the background and history, goth would not be what it is today. Goth did not go from a complete social subculture with music and fashion relations to someone's opinion, or simply just a "mindset". | + | #Teach people about goth. As a member of the subculture, it's important that you teach baby bats and people willing to learn about the scene. This stops the spreading of misinformation and gives baby bats the correct information they need to be able to develop into the subculture. If the media's "definition" of goth reaches them first, they may feel they're obliged to participate in negative stereotypes like attempting to worship the devil or self harming. Above all of this, too many baby bats have been unintentionally throwing goth customs and traditions that make goth what it is out of the window.<ref name="rf4494">http://thegothicalice.tumblr.com/post/148950458874/the-problem-with-some-young-goths-and-the</ref> Forgetting the background, history and unifying elements of the subculture makes it lose all value and meaning. Without the background and history, goth would not be what it is today. Goth did not go from a complete social subculture with music and fashion relations to someone's opinion, or simply just a "mindset". |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Only do this if you know you're goth but don't know how to get started. This article is more for baby bats than anything. Goth is not something you "become", it's something you are. Very much like punk. It's very rare someone wakes up and decides to become part of an entire subculture when they already know who they are. It takes a considerable amount of effort to find interests of yours which have associations with the subculture. Goths are goths without trying, so if you feel you have to force yourself to like anything goth (especially the music), perhaps the subculture isn't for you. | *Only do this if you know you're goth but don't know how to get started. This article is more for baby bats than anything. Goth is not something you "become", it's something you are. Very much like punk. It's very rare someone wakes up and decides to become part of an entire subculture when they already know who they are. It takes a considerable amount of effort to find interests of yours which have associations with the subculture. Goths are goths without trying, so if you feel you have to force yourself to like anything goth (especially the music), perhaps the subculture isn't for you. | ||
| − | *If you are truly goth, you should be interested in it. Therefore you should naturally want to research it and find out more. This is the first step to truly being goth.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIcHD-cV9T0</ref> | + | *If you are truly goth, you should be interested in it. Therefore you should naturally want to research it and find out more. This is the first step to truly being goth.<ref name="rf12993">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIcHD-cV9T0</ref> |
*Your goth fashion is not and shouldn't look like a costume. Put time, effort and DIY into your outfits. It shouldn't look like you've just walked straight out of Hot Topic, or any other chain store that caters to the alternative mainstream. That's not creativity and being an individual. However, you ''may'' buy bits and pieces from there, just don't purchase a full outfit. | *Your goth fashion is not and shouldn't look like a costume. Put time, effort and DIY into your outfits. It shouldn't look like you've just walked straight out of Hot Topic, or any other chain store that caters to the alternative mainstream. That's not creativity and being an individual. However, you ''may'' buy bits and pieces from there, just don't purchase a full outfit. | ||
*Labelling yourself "goth" does not mean you're a fake or a poseur. It's just a describing word given to someone who has aesthetic, fashion and musical associations with the subculture. Saying you're not goth would mean that you don't consider yourself part of the subculture and if you do, you do. | *Labelling yourself "goth" does not mean you're a fake or a poseur. It's just a describing word given to someone who has aesthetic, fashion and musical associations with the subculture. Saying you're not goth would mean that you don't consider yourself part of the subculture and if you do, you do. | ||
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*Some members of society think goth is a "choice" or "lifestyle". It's not, no one decides to "become" goth one day. Most goths tend to get into the subculture because they've had a darkly inclined mindset from when they were young, and that's prompted them to seek dark literature, film, music and clothes later in life. | *Some members of society think goth is a "choice" or "lifestyle". It's not, no one decides to "become" goth one day. Most goths tend to get into the subculture because they've had a darkly inclined mindset from when they were young, and that's prompted them to seek dark literature, film, music and clothes later in life. | ||
*Having a Gothic mindset alone does not make you goth, as the subculture is based off music. It would either make you darkly inclined or a dark romantic. All goths are dark romantics but not all dark romantics are goth. | *Having a Gothic mindset alone does not make you goth, as the subculture is based off music. It would either make you darkly inclined or a dark romantic. All goths are dark romantics but not all dark romantics are goth. | ||
| − | *Don't believe online quizzes which determine what subculture [or, the word some people use, stereotype] you are part of. Most are often inaccurate as most creators of these quizzes haven't done any research or have made one for a bit of fun; not intended to take it seriously.<ref>Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Why you shouldn't believe everything you read on the Internet, including those silly quizzes, pp.25-29 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref> | + | *Don't believe online quizzes which determine what subculture [or, the word some people use, stereotype] you are part of. Most are often inaccurate as most creators of these quizzes haven't done any research or have made one for a bit of fun; not intended to take it seriously.<ref name="rf12994">Venters, J, (2009), ''Gothic Charm School'', Why you shouldn't believe everything you read on the Internet, including those silly quizzes, pp.25-29 ISBN 978-0-06-166916-3</ref> |
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