Anyone might know a "goth", whether through parenting a teenager who's decided to wear all black and layer on the eyeliner or sharing an office with a coworker who paints his fingernails black and enjoys listening to Bauhaus and the Cure. Here are some things outsiders should know about the gothic subculture, especially parents unfamiliar with the concept.
What is the Gothic Subculture?
In 1979, the lead singer for the musical group Siouxsie and the Banshees used the term "gothic" to describe their sound. Prior to that moment in history, the term had mainly referred to architecture and fiction. Other musical artists were exploring similar sounds, and their fans gravitated toward the word as a description of the style they enjoyed.
Goth has been around for a long time. As such, people who identify as goths are anywhere from teenage to middle-aged. The subculture as a whole tends to enjoy literacy (especially Victorian and Romantic poetry and fiction, such as Edgar Allan Poe), high culture, and music and movies and art with a dark aesthetic. This article focuses on some common myths about the teen subculture.
Goth is Not a Religion
The goth subculture welcomes people of all religions; fans visiting a gothic rock concert might include Christians, atheists, Pagans, and people of many other religious creeds. Due to the gothic interest in a horror-movie aesthetic, some have confused gothic culture with Satanism and other unconventional religions, but the reality is that the gothic subculture is based around a set of artistic and creative interests, and is compatible with all kinds of religious beliefs.
Wearing Black Doesn't Mean Depression
While a staggering number of teenagers suffer depression at least once – a mental health issue that's keenly important to parenting and society – these recognized signs of depression in teens are far more important than what they wear.
Creative expression is usually an asset to mental health, including self-expression through clothing. Every teenager is developing a sense of self; strong and sometimes rebellious aesthetic preferences are a healthy part of that process. Gothic teens are often very interested in life and self-expression, and those interests should be encouraged. Conversely, if a teenager shows lack of interest in life, seems withdrawn or unusually upset, or talks about suicide, the people in his or her life should react to those warning signs by seeking medical attention.
Goth is Not (Always) "Just a Phase"
Teenagers play with different aesthetics; a teenage goth this year may be seen in tie-dye the next. Nonetheless, gothic fashion isn't only a teenage affectation. It's been around for three decades, and people of all ages enjoy the music, clothes and glamour-heavy style that are the hallmarks of the subculture. Parents should keep open minds; they may even rediscover songs that were popular from their own youth!
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