Urban Tribes

Goth
Bjarki y Tara

What is goth?
This is probably the hardest question any goth could try and answer, one may as well ask 'what is society?' as it has so many facets it defies any definitive explanation. Goth in its simplest form, is a subculture. A group of people who feel comfortable within each others company. There is no specific thing that defines what you need to do or be to fit into the goth scene (except of course the implied black clothing). People in the goth scene all have different musical tastes, follow different religions, have different occupations, hobbies, and fashion sense.

Why do people become goths?

Most goths become goths because they have been spurned by 'normal' society because the way they want to live their lives does not fit in with how most people are told to live theirs. Goths are free thinkers, people who do not accept the moral rules of society because they're told 'This is just how it is' or 'This is what God says!'. Rather goths tend to listen to what you have to say, and make up their own mind. This kind of free thinking and rejection of dogma earns only rejection in todays society.

History of Goth
History of Goth Modern goth (ignoring where the name itself originally comes from) started in the early 80's as part of the punk subculture (which is itself was a rejection of most societal values, and anything considered part of the 'norm'). The phrase was coined by the band manager of Joy Division, Anthony H. Wilson, who described the band as 'Gothic compared with the pop mainstream'. The term stuck, and as punk eventually died, Goth survived and became its own subculture. The punk clothing and hairstyles mellowed, and the core 'rejection of society' attitude alone lived on in the gothic subculture. Over time this itself has been modified to be more of a 'no more blind acceptance of society's values' as opposed to rejection because it was there to be rejected (and because you could get away with it!).

Gothic Poetry
I can cry
Can you not see me? My eyes are filled with tears Can you not hear me? Iv been crying all these years I guess I've hidden it inside Pushed it as deep as it can go I guess I'm a pretty good actress And never let it show I'm afraid they see me weak For just a single moment of the day I'm afraid they see the little girl Not the bitch that's tough in every single way Only a select few have ever seen at my worst Very few people have ever seen me cry I apologize to those They are not your problems, but mine But as strong as I look I have so many fears And as tough as I seem I've shed too many tears.

Death
Death Speak my name for it simplifies fact. Life and death are not in similar pact. The fool does not respect my fate, comprehend when I heed or hate. The vigilant do not escape my stalk, nor bear witness that I breathe and walk. The suffering call on my grim and name. Salvage the souls in my persistent aim. The false learn my fatal touch true. Value the factors which I cannot provide you. The brave stand their ground with might. Beware my gentle whisper in the night. The shadows take form in my disguise. Behold, my pets, I do not compromise. The suicidal speak my name forever. Take heed mortals, I leave them never. The impious moan with fear and scream. Morality awake! I am not a dream. Speak my name for it simplifies fact. Life and death are not in similar pact.