What do you mean when you call someone a "goth"?????

[Merelan]

I was wondering and got talking about this today. I know it must have some meaning, but I think it's original one has been lost in the slew of "goth" teens that run around, not knowing why they call themselves that. (not saying all goth teens are just being faddy.)

Is there a meaning? Is it a religion? A lifestyle? Honest, not slamming or looking to make fun of anyone. I am curious and found I could not answer when asked what I meant by a goth.

 

[Wiggles]

often gothic Of or relating to a style of fiction that emphasizes the grotesque, mysterious, and desolate.

Pulled right out of dictionary.com. That's what I think of. That's what I mean when I say it. The black hair and lipstick, torn up clothing, usually frowning.

I think it's more of a lifestyle generally speaking.

 

[glamorilla]

I prefer to think of it as a delicious painful melancholic state of mind.

 

[Mistress]

Pale faced dark hair dark make up....Vampires. New age. Party/Ravers. Morbid...just dark....

<--former.

 

[RastaPope]

When I use it, I'm usually referring to those kids. You know who I mean. The oh-so-morose motherfuckers in the all black clothes and makeup, pales faces, lugging Daddy's credit card to Hot Topic to get the latest overpriced, cheaply produced Goth Wear(tm).

Now granted, I have a couple friends I lump into this category, they're not all on the 'world is a terrible place, im in a pit of despair' kick. But most of them are.

Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason, people.

 

[riff]

Read Ruskin's "The Nature of Gothic."

Just kidding. No not really

 

[sabbathstorm]

I get called goth a lot even though I don't consider myself one. I guess I always think of the more "extreme" goths with pale makeup and the like. Maybe I'm just "goth lite"

 

[explain]

http://www.addamsfamily.com/addams/morticia5.jpg
(http://www.addamsfamily.com/addams/morticia5.jpg)
Well, that about sums it up as far as I'm concerned. Yech!

 

[glamorilla]

http://www.addamsfamily.com/addams/morticia5.jpg
(http://www.addamsfamily.com/addams/morticia5.jpg)
Well, that about sums it up as far as I'm concerned. Yech!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...............

 

[RTWudder]

The Adams family were the ultimate Goths and Morticia......well those eyes could entrance.

 

[glamorilla]

http://www.keeffee.com/titans/images/rave1983.gif

My dream goth girl.

Pale skin,ruby red lips,eyes so sad and a voice like the falling rain. Makes me want to hold her in my arms forever and swear everything'll be allright.

 

[glamorilla]

http://soldier-of-death.net/sargessmilies/Smilies/Glamorilla/TTRaven2.gif

 

[Merelan]

Is it just hair, make up and pretending the world sucks? There has to be more to it. Some "goths" I know, or thought I knew, have been this for ten or more years. A clothing fad doesn't usually hang on that long.

So... are you goth? What are you then? Please...

I like the Morticia look though.....

 

[glamorilla]

I'm definately a "goth"...I don't go much for the fashion of it...very "goth lie" myself in that i always dress in black (the last time i wore color the traffic on my block quite literally stopped and the guy at my corner deli came out into the sreet and asked me what was wrong )...it's a very romantic,desperate attitude

 

[sabbathstorm]

You mean the world doesn't suck? ah hell! I get called goth based on wardrobe, hair, and attitude. I've been this way since high school and just consider myself a little different. My clothing isn't intentionally all black, it's just what I like. I dye my hair black (and crimson) because reds do too much damage (even if I like them best). I had the Morticia look for a while...used to be Storm's pet name for me

I'm just me...as fucked up as can be

 

[Mellon Collie]

My dream goth girl.

Pale skin,ruby red lips,eyes so sad and a voice like the falling rain. Makes me want to hold her in my arms forever and swear everything'll be allright.

I'll take a little of that too please.

 

[Impetus]

I have a goth streak about as wide as my wrist. Could be wider, but it's certainly nothing to ignore.

To me, goth is, quite simply, indulging in a part of my personality that I don't let run free all the time. It's darker in color, but not more evil in nature. It dresses strangely because it wasnts to stand out from the rest of my life. It speaks quietly and enjoys the company of hightly inteligent and creative people. It likes spirituality and believing in magic. It's about being true to myself and playing with the curves of life in a way different from what I normally do. That is all.

-I

 

[J.B.]

<snip>(morticia pic)([url]http://www.addamsfamily.com/addams/morticia5.jpg[/url]) Well, that about sums it up as far as I'm concerned. Yech! [/B][/QUOTE] I always thought this woman was sooo cool! Anyway, I used to be in to all of this.I nevre concidered [i]myself[/i] "goth". I was just "the girl always in black with her black trench coat". (before the whole columbine thing). I was too lazy to get up early every day and try to color-cordinate my clothes so it was eisier to just have all of my clothes in black. My hair is naturaly black. Does that make me goth? It was just the music you listened to, the black or colored hair, either dark red or purple lipsick, etc,etc... Honestly, the people I hung out with were the most honest staight forward peolpe I knew. They wore their quirky-ness (sp?) on the outside I'll take that anyday.. You do eventually grow out of it though.. JB

 

[Silverluna]

As one who is often called "goth" its really become more of a sterotype...you EXPECT all of us to be pale, skinny, black haired mortisha addams and or erotic Elviras...well some of us are...*smirks* but there are many others who dont fit into this mold, but do consider themselves "goth-like" ...

 

[Horny Hippie Girl]

Its more than just a look...Its an attitude, a life style, and at this point a heritage. In my personal opinion, you have to know something about real gothic music to consider yourself a true goth. And I am not talking about Marilyn Manson or Type O Negative. I am talking about Death in June, Current 93, Christian Death with Rozz Williams, Switchblade Symphony, etc. Old school goth. Now that's what I'm talkin' bout!

 

[J.B.]

As one who is often called "goth" its really become more of a sterotype...you EXPECT all of us to be pale, skinny, black haired mortisha addams and or erotic Elviras...<snip>

I wouldn't mind being confused for Elvira

JB

 

[RisiaSkye]

*chortle*

*giggle*

*snort*

I don't call people "goth." I get sick of being called that as some kind of holier-than-thou insult, so why would I bandy it about like it means something?

 

[heterotic]

I think goth refers to an attitude, a way of approaching life. Wanting to experience all of it without filters or fake cheer. I know people who used to dress in black lacy dresses who call those that still do "kinder-goths."

I used to wear all black, or all white often, until I finally decided not to care that I couldn't coordinate colors. I still kinda like the goth look, though. Filmy, lacy black dresses... Mmmm...

 

[thegenogoths]

I guess that I have to reply to this one. "Goth" for me is a lifestyle. I dont wear the makeup (read my sig). I do listen to dark music, cause thats what I like.

I think goth refers to an attitude, a way of approaching life. Wanting to experience all of it without filters or fake cheer.

Thats the best way I have seen it put, good job heterotic

Some people go through their life as shiny, happy people. Others of us dont believe the hype, and are realists.

 

[Mischka]

What hype?