Shit Goths Do

Don't conform! All dye hair black and wear black and look like they arrived from a Tim Burton Film...

Warning: Use of the word Goth is plentiful and abundant. Because this is a Goth blog and post and it's a word we use a lot because we are Goth. GOTH GOTH GOTH GOTH GOTH

Okey dokey! Tonight's post is inspired by some of my favourite pictures on the internet which are all, not surprisingly, Goth or of Goth relation.

They come accompanied with a beautiful list of Shit Goths Do. This post is strictly for the amusement of other Goths and those who just "get it" rather than "get offended by it."

Before we begin, dost thou recall those babybat days of olde where one tried simply everything they saw at least 3 different Goth icons do? Well that's the media's fault righty there. One thing Gothy babes and boys don't do is conform, right? Well I believe we all do conform. We all conform to at least 1 Goth stereotype we see commonly appear on our computer screens, TV shows, Goth related dating sites, Facebook pages and Goth magazines. Even the musically acquainted Goths (ESPECIALLY THEM) are our biggest influences. The "look" of Goth is an aesthetic created by the original scene and media took it to dramatic levels: Black hair, black clothes, pale skin and morbid expressions. Yes, some of us may turn around and say, "oi I just like all that stuff" and may or may not identify themselves with Goth. However, I believe we are conditioned by the media to prefer one thing to another because it is "Goth" or more "Goth" than this or that yadda yadda. Here's an example, when meeting another Goth would you tell them how much you idolize Lady GaGa, or bullshit your way into making them believe the biggest Bauhaus fan ever? I could honestly say, I wont admit to another Goth that I love Evanescence because that band, is not Goth. What's worse is, it's considered Poseur Goth. Do you ever look in the mirror at your natural hair colour and piercing-less body and think "I don't look Goth"? I know I have. There is a huge deal of pressure to be what is considered "Goth." I can tell someone I am Goth and if I'm not wearing makeup or elaborate clothes they will say "you don't look it" and it really bums me out because on those days that I'm just not feeling it, my confidence is shat on even further when my Goth ego is denied. Yes, its a stupid, insecure thing to get pissy about but honestly, not feeling Goth enough is a terrible thing. I am a slave to the Goth media. And I am sure at least 30% of you are too. I like my Ginger hair and bushy eyebrows that don't match and I am keeping them because that's me, and I know I'm Goth. However, I am certain you have committed at least 2 of these darkly-inclined trope sins: 

Possibly my favourite example of Goth in the media

#1- Shaved eyebrows

Where did this even come from? I would seriously like to know. It's not just a Goth thing but we do tend to get crazy with the styles and arches and patterns and are famously renowned for it. 

Viktor "Joji" Grey

#2- Dodgy Black Hair Dye

Ok so you've decided to go Goth. What's the first thing you do? Dye your hair the same colour as your PVC skirt. Sure there's a bit of regrowth and it makes you look sickly but hey, it's Goth....Right?

What Richmond said

 #3- Going Through the Whole bottle of Liquid Liner

This one is easy to explain, the Punks did it, New Wavers did it, New Romantics and other Alternative and Androgynous groups did it so the Goth's followed. This isn't necessarily a stereotype specifically to Goth but there are definite feels for this in any Goth's books.

Hello Siouxsie <3

#4- Fishnets and Stripes

Nothing says 80's quite like some ripped fishnets layered over each other and Tim Burton made Stripes our go-to for socks and accessories.

Cute pig tails <3

#5- Boots!

I swear it's a Goth dress code to wear black boots... I wear boots... In summer too... THEY JUST LOOK COOLER THAN SANDALS

Delicious.... I bet they are Pleaser...

#6- Posing on Gravestones

Oh my goodness every time you search Goth you will find woeful black-clad beings flaunting their Demonia's on the last resting places of the decaying. Personally I find this disrespectful but it is as common as a bad Deathhawk day.

I've seen worse but I bet Gramps 6 feet under is cracking a stiff one

#7- Spikey Choker Bracelet Doo Dackies

This is also incredibly common and one of the main things that make the normies go "Oh that's so Gothic." TV shows featuring Goth's have always chucked these accessories on the characters, for example Abby Sciuto (NCIS), Lisbeth Salander (Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest), Misa Amane (Deathnote) and Nancy from The Craft just to name a few.

Double Spikey Neck Chokey Chokeroos

#8- Adopting A Sexuality

Oh you know there is something wrong when you CHOOSE to conform to the stereotype of "all Goths are gay, bi or some weird sexuality." I am openly Pansexual (I like Kitchen utensils hehehe) but not because it's unusual and interesting but because it's me it's my preference. I know plenty of straight Goths, homosexual Goths and homophobic Goths. So never think that being straight is not Goth because yes you can have an open mind, but don't force yourself to like something you just don't.

Now, Kiss...

#9- Writing and Enjoying Depressing Poetry

A past time of many people, I presume, however depressing poetry doesn't make you any more or less Goth. If a Goth came up to me and started reciting Poe then I would feel really awkward and walk away...

HA memes....

#10- Being a Loner and/or Strictly With The Scene

Smoking Cloves with the other Goths and listening to The Cure whilst deeply internalizing the afterlife, does not make you any more Goth than that Afro-Goth guy who has a pretty blonde Girlfriend and enjoys playing soccer behind the gym with all his mundane friends. If you are Goth, you may get along with other Goths or just clash so terribly that hell freezes over. Whatever the situation, don't weed out friends and hang out with certain people because it seems cooler or raises your Goth points because at the end of the day, who you choose to hang around shouldn't effect who you are.

Naawwww :3

So to finish up this post, all I really have to say is be yourself and be who you want to be. Alter your appearance, change your taste in music, play around with different designs and fabrics and go crazy. Be aware of the cliches, media tropes and stereotypes and if you can, have fun with them! Because to be perfectly honest, Goth is what you make of it.

Leedle leedle leedle lee

Listening to: Dreckstuck by Centhron