How to Be Goth

Goth is more than a choice of clothing, dying the hair black or trying to look morbid. Being Goth is about a conscious choice to reject mainstream perceptions and standards, not just about wearing black clothes. The black clothes and pale makeup belong to the realm of the surface gothic.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Realize than mainstream society is not working for you and that an alternative is necessary. Goth is to pull away from what is accepted and explore what has yet to be accepted. This mind set is essential for anyone who really wants to be Goth.

2. Understand that the word Goth has historical origins and has little to do with dark clothing and pale makeup and is derived from an ancient tribe called the Visigoths. The Visigoths invaded ancient Rome and the term was interchangeable with barbarian. Today, the Goth heritage remains in the network or clan of Goth followers and the perception of non Goths towards Goths as something abnormal, barbaric and strange.

3. Comprehend that the choice to wear muted colors or all colors at once (black) is about the perception of power and not a fashion choice. Many Goths see the darker tone as an absorption of light and energy, therefore of power. True Goths often reject the idea of dark clothing as a superficial branding tactic and realize that clothes regardless of color mean little.

4. Accept that being Goth will lead to distorted perceptions about you as a person by Goths and non Goths alike. Most people don't understand why people try to seek alternate perceptions about the world and may criticize your choices. Saying nothing is the easiest reply but a chance to educate is also an option.

5. Know that being Goth does not mean simply listening to those bands and musical genres dictated by teenagers in black clothing. The true Goth looks for the music that offers an alternative perception, an unusual beat and a rejection of the overly constructed and branded bands. A Goth who listens to what other Goths tell them to listen to defeats the true purpose of adopting a non-conformist lifestyle.

6. Read books and websites that offer alternative perceptions or reject the mainstream concepts of society. These texts don't have to be modern as the desire to break free from societal norms has a long history. Consider such authors as Voltaire, Marx, Erasmus and Hegel and not just the modern writers of vampire and fantasy novels that have nothing to do with being Goth.

7. Conclude that Goth is more than surface impressions but is about conscious choices in art, philosophy, perceptions and lifestyle.

[akumaxkami]

on 8/8/2009 Goth is a genre of music and the modern subculture of Goth came from that, not from this Visigoth stuff you're talking about. Same word, completely different background, thank you very much.

So, in essence, a Goth is someone who follows the music scene and identifies with the lyrical content and tries to emulate the look of their favorite Goth bands.

Being involved in things like Edgar Allen Poe or cemetaries is "gothic" - used as an adjective, please note.

Goths can be interested in "gothic" ideas or things, but it's not mandatory.