Goths are a diverse group, but there are certain common interests and values within the subculture. What unites many goths is a shared love for music, art, fashion, and a fascination with the darker, more introspective sides of life. Here’s a breakdown of some of the things goths typically like:
1. Music
Music is a central part of goth culture, as it shapes much of the aesthetic and atmosphere of the subculture. Some popular goth music genres include:
- Goth Rock: This genre is one of the foundational aspects of the goth scene, with bands like The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, and Siouxsie and the Banshees at the forefront.
- Darkwave: A genre that combines elements of gothic rock with electronic music, featuring artists like Clan of Xymox and The Frozen Autumn.
- Post-Punk: Bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and Echo & The Bunnymen are often loved by goths for their melancholic and introspective sound.
- Industrial: For those into harsher, more electronic sounds, industrial music (like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Skinny Puppy) is popular.
- Deathrock: With a punk edge, deathrock bands such as Christian Death and 45 Grave are staples of the goth music scene.
2. Fashion
Fashion is one of the most visually striking aspects of goth culture. Many goths love to express themselves through their clothing and accessories. Common elements include:
- Black Clothing: Black is the quintessential goth color. Whether it’s flowing Victorian-inspired dresses, corsets, or sleek leather, black is a dominant theme in goth fashion.
- Victorian and Romantic Elements: Many goths love the elegance and drama of Victorian, Edwardian, or even medieval-inspired clothing, including lace, velvet, and intricate details.
- Accessories: Silver jewelry, particularly with motifs like skulls, bats, crosses, and ankhs, is popular among goths. Many also enjoy wearing chokers, large rings, and platform boots.
- Makeup: Dark, dramatic makeup is a key part of the goth aesthetic. This includes black eyeliner, dark lipstick, and pale foundation, often combined with bold accents in red or purple.
3. Art and Literature
Goths are often drawn to art and literature that explores darker themes or aesthetics. Some favorites include:
- Gothic Literature: Classic Gothic novels like Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde are beloved by many goths.
- Edgar Allan Poe: Poe’s dark, macabre poetry and stories like “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” resonate strongly within the goth subculture.
- Surrealism and Dark Art: Visual artists like H.R. Giger, Edward Gorey, and Francisco Goya, known for their eerie, unsettling, or surreal work, are often admired by goths.
4. Themes of Darkness and Mystery
Goths often find beauty in things that are considered dark, mysterious, or morbid. This interest goes beyond mere aesthetic preferences and reflects a deeper exploration of life’s more complex themes:
- Death and Mortality: Rather than seeing death as purely negative, many goths appreciate the contemplation of mortality as a way to enrich life, a concept often reflected in their art, music, and fashion.
- Occult and Supernatural: Some goths have an interest in the occult or supernatural topics, such as tarot, witchcraft, or astrology. This can include exploring ancient symbols, magical practices, or mythological themes.
- Haunted and Abandoned Places: There’s often a fascination with old, eerie locations like graveyards, abandoned buildings, and haunted houses, which evoke a sense of mystery and timelessness.
5. Community and Inclusivity
Despite their often solitary or introspective appearance, goths value a strong sense of community. They enjoy:
- Goth Clubs and Events: Many goths love to attend goth nights at clubs, where they can dance to their favorite music, meet like-minded individuals, and fully immerse themselves in the scene.
- Goth Festivals: Events like the Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig, Germany, or Whitby Goth Weekend in the UK bring goths together from around the world for music, fashion, and celebration.
- Inclusivity: The goth subculture is known for being accepting of outsiders and people who feel “different.” Goths often value diversity and inclusivity, welcoming people of various sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds into their community.
6. Alternative Film and Media
Goths tend to enjoy movies, TV shows, and other media that reflect the themes of the subculture:
- Horror Films: Many goths love horror movies, particularly those that focus on psychological horror, gothic aesthetics, or supernatural elements. Films like The Crow, Interview with the Vampire, The Addams Family, and Edward Scissorhands are classics within the subculture.
- Tim Burton Films: Tim Burton’s gothic and whimsical style has made films like Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas favorites among goths.
- Anime: Some goths enjoy anime, particularly series that explore darker themes or aesthetics, such as Death Note, Hellsing, and Vampire Hunter D.
7. Philosophy and Introspection
Goths often have a reflective, introspective nature. They value:
- Exploring Deep Emotions: Goths are typically comfortable with exploring the full range of human emotions, including sorrow, melancholy, and existential angst. Rather than shy away from these feelings, they may embrace them as part of the human experience.
- Questioning the Norm: Goths often value intellectual and philosophical conversations, particularly when they involve questioning societal norms, conformity, or the status quo.
- Individualism and Non-Conformity: Many goths prioritize self-expression and rejecting mainstream cultural expectations. They may feel a sense of pride in being different or unique and often value creativity and authenticity over following trends.
8. Nature and the Night
While goths are often associated with urban environments, many enjoy nature, particularly when it reflects their aesthetic sensibilities.
- Nighttime and the Moon: The night holds a special allure for many goths. The quiet, mysterious atmosphere of the night appeals to their love for the unseen and the unknown. The moon is a frequent motif in goth imagery.
- Dark, Ethereal Landscapes: Many goths appreciate nature when it reflects a darker beauty—forests, misty lakes, or overcast skies may hold more appeal than sunny beaches.