No, I do not live under a rock or anything. I have a vague but uninformed idea of what Goth is. It's more than just dressing a certain way right? Another users questions made me realize that I do not know anything substantial about Goth and it's following.
205693
Being goth really has nothing to do with being depressed, worshiping the devil, or wearing all black.  Most goths are perfectly happy, although they are frustrated by all the evil and stupidity in the world.  Most are Christians, Agnostics, or Atheists.  And goths wear many different styles of clothing.  Not much really does unite goths as a group, but they tend to accept the evil and death in the world were as most people try to pretend it's not there.  Generally, they're gentle, intelligent, have a biting wit, are non-violent, and are more sensitive than most.  For a better explanation, check out www.goth.net/goth
600300
Because gothic - not real gothic, but what they think is gothic - is becoming more popular, due to media exposure and trendsellers like Hot Topic. They co-opt the look without taking part in the intellectual process, making it more and more difficult for outsiders to tell what's goth and what's not. Every time some 14 -year - old claims 'i am goth and i luv hottopic and slipkot and evenesence' a very small piece of me dies. Anyway, I asked and answered some questions on similar subjects. Look in my best answers column for some more information.
188805
No real goths are Satanists, the two outlooks just don't mesh.  You can't think be sensitive and artistic while purposely offending people.  It just doesn't work.  To answer your question, the problem are the pseudo-goths (aka Mansonites) who claim to be goth and Satanists.  Since there are ten of those fakers for every real goth, how goths really are gets ignored.
639539
I'm not, (only 24) but my husband and most of my friends are.  Some wear band t-shirts and black jeans, some wear nice tailored clothing in black, and some just go all out and wear uber goth clothes.  For some reason, people don't mind as much when you're an older goth, they just think you're dressed up for something or have a job that requires that outfit.  For the goths that I know who don't appear to be goths at their work (like a high school teacher I know) they're just themselves at all times, and don't care if their clothes aren't "goth enough."  Most older goths have normal lives, many are married, most have regular jobs, but most also enjoy expressing themselves through various art forms such as sculpture, poetry, and painting.
257138
Yhea, they are annoying.  But if you think about it, no one really knew what they were doing when they were a tween or teen.  At that stage in life we're all just trying things out in an attempt to find out who we are.  It drives me nuts when kids think that they're goth, emo, or punk, but then I remember all the stages that I went through, and I realize that they can pretend to be whatever they want.  Its just important to make a distinction between the real thing and teen rebellion.
270860
I can understand...from what I have seen on this site, there are more people asking questions trying to get attention or be "cute" than that really need help. (Not saying this about you...just in general). Same goes for people answering the questions...Can't tell you how many "I don't know"s I have read on here as answers. Immatuirty sums it up in a word.
316098
Sounds more like a gothic metal band or a grunge/indie band - I kinda like it, I know names's a little gross but it's hard with attitude just like metal music so it goes with it quite well.  And this is from someone who doesn't like metal so you've got a full unbiased opinion there!!!!  Clever little boy you've got there I must say!
630810
The other day I looked in the mirror and saw a goth. She was wearing a suit because she's a grown-up now and does not go to clubs and shows and cemetaries as much as she used to. Goths come in all shapes and sizes- I just wear my fishnets on the inside these days. Maybe you passed by a polite looking business-woman on the street the other day, not knowing that she was listening to The Mission UK on a blacker-than-her-soul iPod.
586817
No, its a bad reason. Gothics are no longer considered unusual, but are rather main stream. Maybe he is looking for acceptance, or trying to figure out what he really wants to follow, or just piss people off. You'd have to ask him more about it to know for sure.
619619
Probably people need to do more research. At the same time, each of those groups DO have goth/satanic leanings in their music/lyrics. I'm sure there's more to them than that, but people often look at the surface rather than digging in.\n\nPersonally I don't really like any of those bands, from what I've heard lyrically it's too obscure/negative. But, on the same token we all come from different backgrounds, have different perspectives, and so yeah you probably won't convince everyone that they're the best, except for yourself and your friends of course ;) :)
475368
First of all, the phrase "dress punk" is one of the most fucking stupid things I've ever heard.  You seem to be suggesting that people can't do or wear what they want, and can only wear the punk "uniform" if they completely abide by the laws of the stereotype.  If you're so punk, why are you so obsessed with labels? \n\nSecondly, the fact that there even is such a thing as punk clothes is insanely depressing.  Punk is NOT supposed to be about fitting into a fucking stereotype.\n\nYou're right though- it's the way you act that makes you punk, if you wanna call it that.  I'm a fan of punk music- and I'm not talking about modern crap like Green Day or Fall Out Boy.  I think punk as a subculture is kickass- it had a drive and a purpose.  It had ideals.  Punk as a stereotype, though- as a trend or a fashion statement- pisses me off.  While you might assume that because I dislike punk as a fashion statement that I also dislike people who "dress punk", that's not the case.  I don't believe in the phrase "dress punk".  People can dress however the hell they want.  If they like the look, whatever.  But if they're doing it in order to look punk because they think it's cool, that's fucked up.\n\nI'm honestly not trying to insult you, so I'm sorry if it came off that way.  I was a little pissed at first, but I really can't blame you for your statement.  I'm just trying to make a point...  I don't consider myself punk, but I listen to punk music, my hair is dyed bright red, I wear a lot of black, and I've got a thing for leather, and because of that some people jump to the conclusion that I'm trying to make myself look punk in order to be cool.  I'm not.  I like punk music.  I dyed my hair for fun, and for myself- not anyone else.  I like extremes, and black is an extreme.  And honestly, who doesn't like leather (except for vegetarians, who are some of the coolest people in the world)?  And another thing- I probably could call myself punk if I wanted to, and I wouldn't piss off too many people.  But the point is, I don't want to.  I don't feel the need to cram myself into some label, because I'm not that predictable.  There's more to me than that.  \n\nI don't know if I'm making sense, but there it is.  And uh...  after rereading this, I realized my first paragraph or two may have been a little harsh.  While I won't edit it, I will apologize if I came off as a bitch.  I don't know you, and I can't really judge you.
478882
I used to be.  Well, I'm still a Christian, but I used to be very goth.  I'm not sure my closet saw colors other than purple red and black and maybe a touch of bright pink in like four years.  I did grow out of it (although sometimes I still get into a funk and dye my hair black for old times sake....my husband hates it).  I went to a contempo church where there were a lot of goth christians.  We loved to attention it brought to us.  People would come up to talk to us about our strange and dark appearance and we would take the opportunity to share with them our beliefs if they wanted to listen.  We never did door to door stuff and rarely approached people about it.  We let them come to us.  If looking like people who played in the copier toner brought them to us, we would look like people who played in the copier toner.
412218
Well, there is a very good historical answer above, but to me being goth is the embrace and beauty of the darker side of things, life and human emotion...make no mistake...it is not evil things. Embracing being sad as much as being happy, for it is also a human emotion. \n\nPeople of course will always take it too far.....to those I would remind them that life will suck if you pretend (or allow yourself) to be angry or sad all the time...plus other people won't really wanna be around you. \n\nI, as a younger me, was all out gothic....clothes, makeup, friends, music, etc...now I don't look like that, I will go to a bar even if it doesn't feel like a cave or dungeon, have hip hop and country friends, dress to suit my profession, listen to all types of music, but you know what...most people can still tell that I have gothy tendancies.\n\nAnd yah..I would marry the real life version of that character from Corpse Bride.
677300
Right on!!  I live a sheltered life, honestly... out in the middle of nowhere, where everyone you know goes to your church and everyone in the community is one great big family.  I was shocked to learn of some of the things that people believe, for instance, I didnt know that there was an actual religion called Satanism, and they go to church at the church of satan!  What??!  \nAfter asking some of my questions on here, I have learned a whole lot.  There are soooooo many people who are lost, and I never realized that until now! (BTW - I'm 20yrs old)
40624
If you're talking about the Amy Lee who heads Evanescence, I would say that's a matter of your personal definition of what a goth is.  To most people, I think she would appear as one,(possibly quite scary) and I would classify her music as goth rock.  But that's only about her appearance, clothes, and music.  Personality may also come into play.\n\nBut, no matter what, she totally rocks.
560964
You speak as if the need for employment and money doesn't exist.\n\nI am Goth but I can't wear all the cool stuff I want, pierce my parts and cruise the clubs every night like I always dreamed.\n\nI have a job. A place where a non-goth majority has over ruled certain communities.\n\nSometimes Goths can fall in love with a non-goth and we don't want to scare them away so fast.\n\nWhen it comes to your soul you are either Goth or not. \n\nThe clothes, piercings and even albums shouldn't speak for the way you feel.\n\nEither you have Gothic thoughts or non-goth thoughts.\n\nI have no clue what "im part goth" is.\n\nIt must be frustrating.
40615
well, to each his own. If you like the gothic thing, well okay, that is you and that is whoever else. Everyone is different and everyone has their own preferences that is what makes our world so special and so wonderful. \n\nSome people just have their opinions about things and just have to rudely and openly voice themselves to others. Those are the types of people that have issues and they think that picking on someone else is going to make them look better when in reality, in my eyes it belittles their character even more. \n\nLet it go. :) You are who you are and if that is what you like, well then GO FOR IT!!!!!!!! Imagine what the world would be like if we were all identical :P \n\nGood luck. Smile:) and ignore the sharp tongues ;)