Goth: An ambiguous definition

What is goth?  You've heard this question thousands of times, asked by baby bats, and non goths alike.  You've also heard just as many different definitions, given by different goths.  Why so many different definition for goths?  Because goth in itself is ambiguous.  Everyone has their own definition for what goth is, and isn't.

The Core of Goth

If you ask the ever so famous, what is goth question, you'll get a million different answers, with a few key points, where most, if not all goths agree on.

1. Goth Music

2. Goth Fashion

3. Goth Art/Literature

These three topics are half of the answer to 'what is goth'.  The other half, comes form everyone's thousands of ambiguous definitions.  What I'm getting at, is you can have your own definition of goth.  I understand what you're thinking, How do I know what is goth, and what isn't?  If I seen someone famous, like Snookie dressed in all black, my first thought wouldn't be goth.  My first thought would be Are you kidding me?  and roll my eyes at the sight.  Wearing all black doesn't make you goth.  If you have a deep appreciation for the darker side of life, then yes, I would say that is goth.  

This is a hard subject to I guess explain somewhat, with so many different definitions, and all of them right.  I don't want to say that goth is what you make of it, but at the same time, it's true.  If you think that part of goth is wearing fishnets and you like them, go for it.  Remember, you don't have to like strictly things that are viewed as goth.  Like I said, goth has an ambiguous definition, and it gets confusing.  Also, don't let elitists bring you down.  There are sticklers like that in every subculture, including the mainstream.  Have fun with it, and be true to yourself.        

Anti-Goth Grant (did I read that right?)

Yesterday was the first I've heard of this from Stripy Tights and Dark Delights.  I have to say, I'm both shocked (maybe not that much), and disappointed that people would actually agree to give a grant for Anti-Goths.  I mean, how are they suppose to battle goth?  Break out the US military, and try to 'kill' it off, like a giant, rampaging monster?  

The Anti-Goth Grant Ends

This baffles me, really!  To ask the US government for money to combat a harmless subculture, or even the idea of goth, is just silly.  It would be like asking the government for a loan to combat against Trekkies (a fan of Star Trek).  It can't be done!

One good thing did come out of this though.  Now instead of battling goth, the people of Blue Springs are aiming towards goth acceptance (better late than never).  I really hope it works out for them, and maybe change a few minds about the negativity that surrounds goth sometimes.

   

The Halloween goth costume debate

I know a few blogs have already touched on this subject, but I felt like writing about it.  There have been a lot of talk about how during Halloween, non goths will dress like goth as a costume.  The amount of people hurt by it, and the amount who are alright with it, seems to be split right down the middle, with a small percentage on the fence.

Against it: 

I can see why one would roll their eyes when a non goth is walking down the street during Halloween, dressed to the nines in goth wear.  What a goth wears everyday isn't a costume, it's them expressing their fashion sense.  Having a non goth wear something that a goth would wear everyday for Halloween, can stir up some hurt feelings.  

The main point of this argument, is that if a goth would to dress in American Eagle clothing for Halloween, and explain to people that it was a costume, non goths would feel offended and hurt that someone would be wearing their fashion like a joke, or think that the goth is making fun of them.  Now, if a non goth did the same to a goth, the goth would feel the same way, and feel like the non goth was making fun of their way of life. 

Ok with it:

On the other hand, many goths feel that everyone has the right to dress how they want to, even if it means to dress goth for Halloween.  No one wants to be the costume police, and no one wants to get told what costume they should wear, or how to wear it.  Is the non goth going to ruin Halloween, just because they are dressed like a goth?  Most likely not.  It's Halloween, and one shouldn't let what another person is wearing, ruin their time. 

My two cents:

I'm on the fence with this one.  I can see both sides of the debate, and why it can be an issue.  I do agree that what I wear on an everyday basis, isn't a costume, but how I express myself.  However, I also agree that everyone should have the right to wear whatever they want to.  

Something to consider is that some people like to wear costumes of a certain profession.  If someone wears a nurse costume, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are making fun of nurses.  Some people like the sexy factor, and others might wear the costume because they respect them, or even wanted to be one at one time.  Another thing is during Halloween, goth is accepted, and even encouraged.  Maybe someone felt like they want to be goth, but are afraid of what their friends and family will say, so they wear a goth costume for Halloween, and that way they can be what they want, without getting judged.  On the other hand, maybe someone isn't a goth, but has an appreciation for the subculture, so during Halloween, they dress in a goth costume, to show their appreciation.  There are a lot of factors to why a non goth would dress goth for Halloween, and not all of them have something to do with making fun of the subculture.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I agree that everyone has the right to wear whatever costume they want for Halloween, without persecution, or ridicule, even if their wearing something that you don't agree with.

     

Goth things I could never got into

I've been busy as of late, so sorry I haven't posted.  For this segment, I will talk about the goth things that I didn't get into and why.  

At some point when one is involved with the goth subculture, they find things that they like and dislike about it.  It's ok not to like everything about goth, and it in no way makes you any less of one.  This is very well explained in Darling Violetta's blog (which I recommend everyone to read).  Thanks to her, I decided to write this entry. 

1. Corsets

I know, it's a shocker.  I do not like wearing corsets.  I don't like how it's snug on my body, and how constricting it can be.  Yes, they make my figure look nice, but I can't handle the tight fabric around my body.  Corset tops like the ones from Tripp, I like because it's not too clingy,  but still tied like a corset.  Maybe if I wore a corset that was better fitting to my body, then I could get use to wearing one.

2. High Heels

I like a good pair of Too Fast heels like any other person.  However, they are the most uncomfortable things that I have ever worn.  I have no idea how women can wear them, to be honest.  I do like the heel's designs, but if they don't support my feet, and if I have way too many issues walking in them, then sadly, I can't wear them.

3. Dreadfalls

I have nothing against people who wear dreadfalls.  I like the colors and how they can make an outfit pop.  I just never gotten into wearing them myself though.  It's a case where other people look good in them, but I don't think I do, and that's why I never wear them.

4. Bustle Skirts

I like the victorian goth look, and I really like some of the skirts with the ruffles.  I'm not too fond of the bustles though.  As a woman with wide hips, a bustled skirt will make my hips and bum the main focus of my outfit, and I'm not too thrilled about that.  So, I like to avoid these as much as possible.

5. Newer Horror Movies

As a fan of the horror genre, I have to say that a lot of the newer movies have been lacking in plot, but have been engrossing in gore.  I miss the older, classic movies, where the plot was at least somewhat original, and the gore wasn't the main focus.  With the CGI tech, it seems that a lot of people just want the awesomely new graphics, instead of a nice, solid, storyline.  Actually, I remember watching The Future of Fear on Chiller, and they said their opinions about over using CGI in horror movies.  I have to say, I agree with them.  If you use too much CGI in a movie, the movie looks fake, and distracts the viewer from what's going on.  If they use a mix of CGI and old school special effects, the movies won't be overly fake, but appear to be real (even if some of the elements are obviously fake).  

6. Poetry

I'm probably going to get a lot of eye rolling for this, but I'm not that much into poetry.  I absolutely hate writing it for one.  Everytime I try to attempt at a decent poem, I write it, then when I go to read it, I cringe at how depressing it sounds (eventhough I don't remember putting anything remotely like that in it).  I do however, like to write Haiku, and I do well in that.  But writing a decent, non Haiku poetry, is not within my talents.  

7. Spiders

I really hate the feeling of something crawling on you, and spiders are no exception.  I don't mind spiders, but they're not my favorite things either.  I like to wear spider jewelry.  I really love my earrings of a black spider.  However, I have a fear of spiders, and if I feel something crawl on me, I get weirded out, not to mention lots of goosebumps.  So, I don't see myself owning a tarantula anytime soon.   

8. Drawn on eyebrows

This is a case of to each their own.  I don't think I would look good with drawn on eyebrows.  There are a lot of pictures of goths who look wonderful with drawn on eyebrows.  I just know that it's not right for me, and think that I would look horrid with them on.