It is important to know where the word "gothic" comes from,
however there is a notable difference between ancient
Gothic culture and the modern gothic phenomenon.

Goths of ancient history were a nomadic people
who had a reputation for ruthless violence.
Ancient Goths were also a religious people;
their beliefs were based around worship of pagan deities.

Historians of modern gothic subculture generally agree that
its beginnings were in the late nineteen-seventies,
developing as an offshoot of the punk rock movement in the UK and USA.

Mainstream society took notice of punk's anti-social and rebellious deeds
and became somewhat nervous considering
the social upheaval it underwent a decade before.
Radio stations wouldn't play punk, clubs avoided booking punk shows,
and police targeted punk fans whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Punk was raw and full of feeling.
People who lived near a scene heard about it through word of mouth or fanzine.
Many others never knew about punk until years after the first wave had long passed.
Punk gained momentum without the help of the Internet,
music videos or mainstream radio exposure.
It was underground and punks demanded it stay that way.

Industrial music saw its beginnings in the late seventies with the likes of Throbbing Gristle.
Kraftwerk and pre-Dare The Human League paved the way for a later genre,
which was broadly referred to as new-wave.

Gothic fans were quite careful to keep pop culture out of their scene;
in fact when asked by an outsider if they were gothic most would answer "no".
Like punk, gothic subculture retained its distrust and contempt of the mainstream.
Goths wished to be left alone,
however the unique and interesting qualities of the subculture
would soon prove to be too much for the mainstream to resist.

The Gothic subculture is very strongly rooted in literature and history.
Members of the culture (called Goths) tend to be interested in the morose lore of the Gothic style.
Favourite works include classic pieces by Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Lord Byron.
The Enlightenment is an inspirational period for Goths.
Some wear clothes from this time, such as poet shirts and dusters.
The ways of thinking revived in this term correspond with the subculture,
especially the notion that everyone is equal.

This “clique” also encourages originality and outward expression.
A common way of showing one's feelings and beliefs is through manner of dress.
Goths break down useless social barriers;
thus one can expect to see a certain amount of cross-dressing within the movement.
The dark colours Goths are frequently seen wearing were originally symbolic
of angst caused by mainstream society and a rebellion against the idea
that the only acceptable way to dress is in bright hues and mainstream trends.
Also, black absorbs everything, much like Goths want to absorb and feel the entirety of life.
Another characteristic of the community is the make-up.
Dark eye lining in unique and elaborate designs is often seen.
Make-up is usually found on both sexes,
a practice that can be traced back to overlooking outdated boundaries.

Looking Gothic is only part of the expression;
there are common feelings and thoughts found in participants.
One important ability is being able to find beauty where others can't or won't.
It is crucial to remember that no ideas are required to be a Goth;
however, one who doesn't share these ideas probably wouldn't enjoy being in the culture.
The aforementioned places where Goths find beauty may be dark, but are not evil.

Links to all things Gothic

Gothic Auctions
A Study of the Gothic Subculture
Dark Postcards
Dark Side of the Net
Darkness
Darkside Gothic
Gothic Beauty Magazine
Gothic Radio
Gothic Weddings
Gothic.Net
Gothic Rose
Gothic Underworld
Gothic Rosary
How to Dance Gothic
Gothic Dolls
International Gothic Association
NYC Gothic
Spooky Links
International Goth Club Listings
The Literary Gothic
Living Dead Dolls

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