Gothic Subcultures Part Ii

8. Mopey Goth

The most common Goth stereotype held by non-Goths, the Mopey Goths are the ones who take the whole “dark and gloomy” aspect of Goth far too seriously. They feel that to be Goth, one must never appear to be remotely happy. They will most often be found at home in their rooms, writing angst filled poetry or diaries of their doom and gloom, or else lurking in shadowy corners, waiting for someone to come, and try to talk to them (so they can tell them that they’d rather be alone).As for music, anything goes provided that it is as dark and as torture-ridden as their souls. They’re also the type who will most likely wear the most black, and will most likely paint their room black (and possibly the lightbulbs, too). Other Goths tend to find this type annoying for their self-centered nature, their attention seeking behavior, and for moaning about their life which usually isn’t really all that bad. But one shouldn’t be too hard on the poor old Mopey Goth. Most of the time, they are simply moody teenagers (and we all know how bad it can be to be a teen), and they’ll soon see the lighter side of the dark and start enjoying their chosen lifestyle. They may, alternatively, be any other type of Goth on a bad day. In which case, just give them a hug and they’ll eventually come around.

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9. Deathrocker

These creatures are regarded by some as the “missing link” between Punk and Goth, hence their extremely similar appearance and musical tastes to the Trad Goths. However, while the Trad Goths tend to believe that Goth is dead, the Deathrockers see that Goth is still alive and twitching. Most easily recognized by their band logos and enormous hair, Deathrockers listen not only to the 80s Goth Rock classics, but also a new breed of crazed artists, as well as other genres such as Punk and Psychobilly. As long as it’s crazy and features bats and death, it’s all good. Deathrockers may also be characterized by their love of old movies (the cheesier the better), and very often, a good (if slightly twisted) sense of humour.

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10. Baby Bats

Spooky kids, Kindergoths, Mallgoths...these pre-teen or early-teen types are known by many names, most of which are derogatory. They are often regarded with scorn and contempt by older members of the Goth community. Their crimes? Generally, not being old enough to remember the 80s, not being rich enough to afford a “proper Goth” wardrobe, and not being wise enough to know the “right” music to listen to or the “right” amount of make-up to wear. It is true that, while Baby Bats often consider themselves “Goth,” they show quite a number of differences from members of the original scene; they tend to show a preference for metal, wear clothes that reflect metal/skater fashion, and tend to go for a “shocking” rather than “aesthetic” appearance. As the older Goths are painfully aware, the media also considers these kids to be “Goth.” While this can be annoying for Goths who do not want to be associated with the Baby Bats (particularly the ones who are in it for shock value), one must remember that it was the media in the first place who popularized the term “Goth” to describe the original music scene. So, how we define what is and what is not Goth is very difficult these days. Very frequently, Baby Bats will start to grow more “sophisticated” in their clothes and music tastes, and become some of the most passionate members of the Goth community. For this reason too, they are to be respected, not shunned.

When "the horns" are pointed outward it means "Rock On!"

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11. Corp Goth

It all began when the Goths started growing up and having to find jobs. They wanted to work in an office (you need a good income to afford all those clothes and CDs after all), but they still wanted to retain their “gothyness.” The result? The creation of “Corporate” or “Corp” Goth. These Goths attempt to find a balance between clothes that are “Goth,” and clothes that conform to the dress code at work. Your co-worker may be one of these types if they have a liking for dark suits (often vintage or retro style) velvet, hats, brocades, silver jewelry in the shape of spiders, crosses, and of course, pinstripe. You may also find the odd cuddly bat, skull-shaped pencil holder, or other oddity on their desk. Or (dead giveaway) they might come in on a Monday morning having forgotten to remove their black nail polish from the night before. The Corp Goth look has become popular throughout the subculture, and has fused with Cyber and other Goth styles to become a fashion all of its own. Hence, you will see many Goths sporting pinstripe or velvet suits regardless of their age or occupation. As for the Corp Goths who do work, their job can almost always be described as “working with computers.”

Guy

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Girl
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12. Christian Goth

Christian goth is a real genre of goth as opposed to popular belief. Christian goths are similar to Trad goths, Corp goths, and Romantic goths. Many Christian goths are denounced by poseurs, even though crosses and other religious symbolism are involved. Christian Goths are controversial, due to their contradictory nature. There are Christian goth bands out there. These are Saviour Machine, Undish, and Dead Artist Syndrome. There are also good white metal bands such as- Horde, Antestor, and Slechtvalk. You know you are a Christian goth if you: are a Christian, enjoy the darker aesthetics, prefer heavier music, especially Christian death-doom and white metal, have a biblical code of conduct.

Flyleaf’s genre isn’t Christian goth, but their clothes here kind of are, but Christian Goths can dress in many variations of Goth fashion.
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13.Victorian Goth

One of the biggest influences on Gothic fashion has been the imagery in Gothic literature and their movie counterparts, particular that of Victorian writers. Victorian fashions like corsets, lace, frock coats and pale skin are popular throughout the scene, but maybe none wear them with as much style as the Victorian Goth. Like their Victorian role models, the Victorian Goths wish to convey an image of decorum and dignity. Clothes must be smart and, for many, historically accurate (corsets are to be worn beneath one’s garments, of course). Ball dress and mourning garb are particularly prominent in the scene. Victorian Goths may also indulge in activities that were popular in Victorian high society, including theatre, masquerades, tea parties and poetry. And, naturally, any kind of Dickensian or other Victorian festival that gives them an excuse to parade around in costume (not that they need an excuse). As for music, opera and classical are the true Victorian Gothic genres, and Victorian-inspired bands.

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14. Medieval Goth

“Gothic” is normally used to refer to castles, cathedrals and other such ancient masonry, hence the prominence of Goths who have a particular interest in all things medieval. Dressing in garb (loosely) based on that of the medieval period, you may find these Goths at Renaissance Fairs or re-enactment society events. Of course, their dress and activities do not have to necessarily be strictly “Medieval:” blending with Tudor or Celtic elements seems perfectly fine, too. Naturally, Medieval Goths have an enormous sense of history, and may also be found in museums, castles, churches, and ancient monuments. And when they go to cemeteries, they actually look at the names and dates on the gravestones. When they get married, they have medieval-themed weddings and live in a house filled with pre-Raphaelite prints and gargoyles. Medieval Goth music may comprise of classical and Gregorian chants combined with folk, ethereal and, of course, Mediaeval Baebes. Generally, all female Medieval Goths would secretly like to be Morgan-le-Fay from the Arthurian legends, and all male Medieval Goths have a fixation with swords.

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15. Metalhead

Where Metalheads fit in the Gothic spectrum is an incredibly complicated issue, and a controversial one. On the one hand, many Goths (and Metalheads) point out that the two subcultures are separate entities, having different origins and music tastes, and other disparities in clothing and habits, and that the common confusion between the two is merely the fault of an uninformed public. But on the other hand, the two groups do have enough similarities (particularly in a tendency to wear black and a love of things dark) for the two groups to mix, and more and more these days one will find crossovers in fashion and music. Moreover, there are a number of Metal genres and bands that both sides can be found listening to, including the so-called “Gothic” or “Doom” metal genre or bands that use Gothic imagery, and arguably sound more “Gothic” than the original Goth bands. Not to mention the confusion the “Industrial Metal” genre puts on the issue. It all ultimately depends on one’s definition of “Goth,” and whether it is sound, image or behaviour that determines the subculture.

Sorry about the Watermarks
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