Goth

(n) Goth is a modern subculture, which was formed, in the punk era, approximately in the early 70s. It is
often associated with a particular style of music and exquisite clothing, which is typically from the gothic era: black
with
velvet
and
leather
being
the
two
primary
materials
worn.
The Goth movement diverged from Punk mostly in terms of influences. While punk was firmly focused on the here
and now, elements of goth culture can be traced to much older literary movements such as Gothic horror,
Romanticism, existential philosophy, and the political construct of nihilism. The subculture attracts creative
individuals often very interested in a variety of academic, artistic, religious and scientific movements; few
subcultures place as great a value on knowledge as the goth rock movement. The Goth movement is often more
disinterested in social and political values than many other subcultures, focusing largely on personal beliefs and
often disregarding wider culture; although like any generalization this does not always stand. (fact-index.com)
Goths are primarily domineered by goth music. In the UK, the names most often mentioned would be The
Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sisters of Mercy and another, less mainstream vision, of Goth music is Goth metal
combining medieval Gothic music with heavy Doom metal. Later, Death Rock (although not immedeately recognized
as such) was declared to have given a major influence to goth music.
Types of Goths
Romantic Goth
Picture a blur of velvet, candle-lit baths, rainy afternoons, a locket of hair: Romantic goths are denizens of the
intuitive sensual world. Every moment is tragic in its passing, every kiss unique and lost in time. Only love
overcomes the senselessness of existence.
Romantic goths are notorious for having disasterous relationships because of their fantastic expectations. However,
when two of them fall in love with each other, the result is a powerful and sometimes fatal relationship that inspires
even normal people.
Mopey Goths
Mopey goths brood a lot. They're very shy. Life is a little too bright, too loud, too hot. They tend to be morbid and
artistic. You can see in their art the beauty of doom, futility, and mortality.
Mopes are easy to spot in club: You can find them crumpled up against a wall somewhere looking forlorn,
sometimes drawing or writing, sometimes watching quietly. They're dreamy dancers.
Fetish Goths
What you notice first: the leather, the rubber, chains, PVC (which is a type of plastic), bolts, buckles, and spikes.
While seemingly prepared for a post-apocalyptic "Road Warrior" existence, their costumes are quite revealing,
suggesting an interest in strange sex. Sometimes they bring whips or riding crops to club so they can smack each
other. Their accessories either hint at or facilitate bondage play.
Perky Goths
PerkyGoths are the glue in goth culture because they meet everyone and introduce people to each other.
PerkyGoths, never go away. But, would you mind not shrieking and laughing at me when I'm trying to look
fashionably doomed?
Raver Goths
Typical clothing is oversized baggy pants, t-shirts, and day-glo accessories. Goggles are worn on the head, not on
the face.
Their musical interests overlap the gothic catalog in the EBM and industrial genres. In addition, they have imported
techno, trance, and breakbeat music into the clubs.
Goth Geek
attitude: It's better than being a plain geek.
clothes: modern
Vampire Goths
There appear to be three sets of vampire goths.
The first is composed of passive consumers of vampire lore. They are like any other kind of goth, but they have
vampires on the brain.
The second group is quite flamboyant in comparison. These are people who refer to themselves as "vampyres,"
spelled with a 'y' to distinguish themselves from the mythological characters. They can be seen sometimes wearing
fangs and capes. The fangs are usually expensive orthodontic devices that are custom-made. The fangs sometimes
get used in consensual play.
Vampyres form cliques inside the goth world based loosly on the clans in the role-playing game "Vampire: The
Masquerade." This is sort of like Dungeons and Dragons, except for vampyres. It's a pretty serious hobby; there are
even conventions for this game.
The third set think of themselves as psychic vampires - drawing psychic energy from their victims. This practice has
religious overtones.
Pagan Goths
Goth culture is largely indifferent to religion. Most types of religions are represented, but the largest number of
goths are uninvolved, other than their jewelry. However, Celtic and Earth-based religions are unusually popular in
this subculture. Goths who practice these religions often consider them to be a part of their gothic identities.
Most pagan goths have developed custom religions, and only draw on Wicca or other aspects of the occult. Many are

also interested in shamanism from non-Celtic cultures. It's worthwhile mentioning interest in different mythologies,
such as Norse and Egyptian.
Ren Faire Goth
attitude: The Renaissance Faire and role-playing games are cool.
clothes: medieval, renaissance, Scottish.
[this material is courtesy to sfgoth.com]