GOTH {STEREO}TYPES21:14 Mar 16 2011
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The Original Goth. Whether they were actually around in the 80s or not, the Trad Goth most values the traditional scene from its earliest days, when it began to evolve from Punk.
Trad Goths venerate those original Goth bands - Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Birthday Party, The Sisters of Mercy and anything played in the infamous Batcave club. Other influential bands (e.g. The Velvet Underground) may also be revered as minor deities.
Fashion is, naturally, based on the look from the period, which itself was heavily influenced by Punk - fishnets, leather jackets, piercings - in addition to heavy make-up, HUGE hair and the occassional bit of bondage gear. And, of course, lots of black. When not listening to their extensive record collection, TradGoths may be found enjoying a snakebite & black and a clove cigarette at the local “goth” pub or club.
Sadly, TradGoths often believe that Goth is, appropriately, dead, and the modern scene offers little consolation. New “goth” music genres such as EBM are perhaps their biggest pet peeve.
THE ROMANTIC GOTHS
While TradGoths tend to be all about the 80s music scene, Romantic Goths (or "RomantiGoths") focus on the dark, sensual and mysterious world of Gothic created by Victorian literature and subsequent movies. In other words they’re probably more “Gothic” than “Goth,” if that makes sense. Identifying features are velvet and lace, flowy clothes (often Victorian or Medieval inspired), and a love of poetry and literature.
It is therefore unsuprising that Romantic Goths are typically emotional, creative and dreamy types. Dead roses, crumbling graveyards and old skulls are things of exquisite beauty to these creatures. Preferred bands tend to be those that focus on “brooding” rather than “horror,” and so may include downtempo ethereal bands (eg. Love Spirals Downwards), and folk-ish bands (All About Eve, Faith and the Muse). The Sisters of Mercy and The Cure tend to go down well too. And of course a bit of atmospheric Classical music, especially Bach or Wagner.
CYBER GOTH
Cyber Goths are truly the antithesis of all that is Goth. They like bright neon colours, worship futurism and technology, and listen to dance music that is as different from Gothic Rock as possible.
So why are they called Goths at all? It could be because the music scene gradually evolved from Industrial, Goth’s experimental electronic cousin. It could be that the lyrics of their preferred music genre (Electronic Body Music, or EBM, eg. VNV Nation) are generally too deep and too depressing for other dance fans. It could be because they have weird hair.
Identifying Cyber Goths is easy: they’ll be the most conspicuous ones in the club with their insane pony falls, goggles, futuristic rave-inspired clothing, towering New Rock platforms, and miscellaneous glowing bits and pieces.
Despite being some of the most lively members of the scene, all other Goths seem to loath this type. Especially the Industrial fans. However, it cannot be denied that the cyber scene is huge now, and is getting ever more popular.
THE FETISH GOTH
Kinkyness has been a part of the Goth movement from the beginning since the first Goth musicians like Bauhaus started wearing chains, leather, fishnet and strappy bondage gear on stage. Today the image (and lifestyle) remains popular, with modern Fetish Goths having an even wider range of sexy bondage-related clothes available to choose from. Tattoos, piercings and other forms of body modification are also popular among this type. And they quite possibly all have a set of handcuffs, mask/gag and some sort of spanking implement in their bedside table.
Pretty much every Goth band has written a song about kinky sex at some point, so there’s no real preferential genre associated with Fetish Goths, although 80s New Wave (eg. Depeche Mode) and Industrial (eg. Throbbing Gristle) tend to be more fetishy than most.
As one might expect, the stereotypical Fetish Goth has tried everything at least once everywhere and in every position, with every gender. Or at least that’s what they’ll tell you.
THE HIPPIE GOTH
In the world of Goth stereotypes, you get two sorts: those who think hippies are too optimistic for their own good, and those who are hippies. A relatively abundant species, stereotypical Hippie Goths are nature-loving, follow Paganism and/or Wicca and/or misc. New Age religions, and are into candles, crystals, incense, Tarot, and anything else that can be found at the local New Age shop. The only major difference between hippies and Hippie Goths is the prevalence of black and occult symbols.
Like their hippie cousins, Hippie Goths are quite often vegetarian or vegan, and are dedicated eco warriors or animal rights activists. When not campaigning for world peace, however, they usually know how to have a lot of fun eating and drinking excessively and romping around in fields at midnight as part of “an ancient Celtic ritual.”
When it comes to music, Hippie Goths may be found meditating to dark folk (eg. Faith and the Muse), ethereal (eg. Cocteau Twins) and Pagan rock (eg. Inkubus Sukkubus), in addition to regular folk and New Age. Older Hippie Goths may listen to Fields of the Nephilim, The Cult and the more psychedelic end of the 80s spectrum (eg. Tones on Tail).
THE J GOTH
Japanese “Goth” should probably not be called “Goth” at all. Although the fashions sported by the alternative crowd in Harajuku (Tokyo’s equivalent of Camden) were largely inspired by the Western Goth movement, J-Goths tend to enter this subculture via different roots: either anime “cosplay” (dressing up as your favourite anime character) or through Japan’s own alternative music scene: Visual Kei, often thought to be started by the Japanese rock band X-Japan.
Visual Kei bands vary hugely in sound. They can either take the form of heavy metal (eg. Dir~en~Grey) or something more like cheesy Euro-pop (L’Arc~en~Ciel, Malice Mizer). What’s important, however, is the band’s look, which takes Goth, Punk and Glam elements and blends it all into a unique, androgynous combination. Very often, these mostly all-male bands will attempt to look as feminine as possible (to the point of dressing in drag).
This style has recently come full circle, with Westerners now borrowing fashion elements from the Japanese. The most popular and distinctive of these is undoubtedly the “Gothic Lolita” look (a kind of cross between Goth, Victorian fashions, Alice in Wonderland and French maid), which has now become a part of the Western Gothic spectrum.
THE RIVETHEAD
Rivet Heads, or Industrial Goths, often do not consider themselves “Goths,” although their preferred music and fashion can be found in the same shops and they’ll happily go to Goth clubs. The scene all started with the band Throbbing Gristle forming their own label, Industrial Records, for a new genre of extremely weird experimental electronic music. For some Rivet Heads, this is the only “real” Industrial music - bands like SPK and The Leather Nun which spawned from this scene of the early 80s.
However, in the modern era the Industrial scene has come to resemble a dark, rough, dystopian version of the Cyber scene. The modern Rivethead may listen to Darkwave bands resembling a heavier form of EBM (Wumpscut, Skinny Puppy), or even the commercial “Industrial Metal” bands (Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, KMFDM).
Industrial fashion is somewhat like Cyber in its futuristic appearance but is generally more monochrome, less polished and often has a military influence. It is also undeniable that Sc-Fi movies such as The Matrix have inspired the look of many Rivet Heads - a lot of them will refuse to remove their trenchcoats even in the sweatiest clubs.
THE PERKY GOTH
More of a general attitude than a true type, Perky Goths know how to have a good time. Abandoning the dark and gloomy Gothic stereotype, these Goths are cheerful, friendly and often bouncy to the point of hyperactive. They see the gothic lifestyle primarily as a way to have fun.
Because they often don brighter colours and readily dance crazily to the more upbeat music in the gothic spectrum, Perky Goths are often associated with the Cyber scene. However, you’ll find plenty of Perkies in all other aspects of the scene, from Death Rockers to Victorian vampires. The key point is, these Goths do not make the mistake of taking themselves too seriously.
The typical Perky Goth loves all the cheesiest and silliest aspects of Goth, including cute things, 80s cartoons and TV shows and anything to do with Halloween. While music tastes are diverse, typical Perky Goth bands include 80s electropop (eg. Strawberry Switchblade), silly-as-hell Death Rock (eg. Alien Sex Fiend) and comedy artists (eg. Voltaire).
THE 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 angsty poetry or diaries of their doom and gloom, or else lurking in shadowy corners of clubs, 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 behaviour 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 snakebite & black and a hug and they’ll eventually come around.
THE DEATH ROCKER
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, in a suitably zombified form.
Most easily recognised by their layers upon layers of ripped fishnets, band logos and enormous hair, Deathrockers listen not only to the 80s Goth Rock classics (Christian Death, Specimen and Alien Sex Fiend being notable examples), but also a new breed of crazed artists such as Cinema Strange and Tragic Black, as well as other genres such as Horror Punk and Psychobilly. As long as it’s mad, bad and features zombies / bats / death, it’s all good.
Deathrockers may also be characterised by their love of old horror movies (the cheesier the better), and very often, a good (if slightly twisted) sense of humour.
THE 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 jewellery in the shape of spiders/ ankhs/ crosses, and of course, pinstripe (so Tim Burton). You may also find the odd cuddly bat, skull-shaped pencil holder, or other oddity on their desk. Or (dead give away) 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, Fetish and other Goth styles to become a fashion all of its own. Hence, you will see many Goths sporting pinstripe corsets 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.”
THE 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 such as Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker. 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, but Victorian-inspired bands such as Rasputina are also acceptable.
THE MEDIEVIL 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 (Loreena McKennit), ethereal (Faith and the Muse) 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.
THE 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 and spooky) for the two groups to mix, and more and more these days one will find crossovers in fashion and music. Clubs that play both metal and Goth music are certainly not uncommon.
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 (Type O Negative, Theatre of Tragedy) or bands that use Gothic imagery (Nightwish, Lacuna Coil), and arguably sound more “Gothic” than the original Goth bands. Not to mention the confusion the “Industrial Metal” genre (Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein) 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.
THE EMO GOTH
Although the term “Emo” has been around for over a decade or so to describe a particular genre of Punk, it has recently become a buzzword of the 21st century to describe the features of the contemporary youth fashion movement. Visually a hodgepodge of many different styles including Punk, Retro, a touch of urban Japanese and Goth, it was inevitable that Emo would start demonstrating crossovers with Goth at some point.
Those Emos who cross over more than most into the Goth spectrum can be identified by their dyed black hair, black nail varnish, black eyeliner and a love of skulls and piercings. They will blend all these elements with other “typical” emo elements, such as Converses, horn-rimmed glasses, stripe and star patterns, and accents of bright colour (very often pink).
Emos, like Goths, enjoy their music, and Emo Goths (or Gothy Emos) may listen to My Chemical Romance, The Rasmus or Funeral for a Friend (great Gothy name after all).
Emos have a reputation for being rather moody, as do Goths (see Mopey Goth), so one would expect an Emo Goth to be ultra-moody. This may be true of some, but many are too fond of children’s cartoons, old computer games, cute accessories and Tim Burton films to really be considered uber-dark.
THE VAMPIRE GOTH
Pale, brooding, adverse to sunlight and attracted to strange period clothing. It’s no wonder that Goths became so strongly associated with vampires as early on as Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” Naturally, there are Goths out there who take their love of vampires one step further. They’re the ones who might don black capes and sunglasses when they go out during the day, join “vampire societies,” and whose bookshelves are filled with Anne Rice and White Wolf rule books. They’ve watched all the Dracula movies out there and are planning on visiting Romania next summer (failing that, Whitby). And they’re very partial to red wine, but not so keen on garlic.
Quick to pick up on the popularity of vampires within the subculture, a large number of Goth and Goth-related bands have done a “vampire song,” although more vampire-friendly ones include Nosferatu, Inkubus Sukkubus and, of course, Theatres des Vampires. Because they generally don’t take themselves too seriously and love Goth for both its romantic grace and its cheesy overtones,
Vampire Goths are normally very fun people to be around. Just don’t let them get too close to your neck.
THE GEEK GOTH
Essentially, all Goths are Geeks. After all, how can one devote so much time into dressing up, reading old literature and collecting obscure music without being somewhat Geeky? You will hence find typical Geek traits in all Goths, but some will be more Geeky than others.
The typical Geek Goth tends to place less emphasis on Goth as a fashion, and more on its overtones of dark fantasy. So while they may not look as spectacularly Gothic as other Goth Types, their knowledge of the symbolism and artistic influences behind Goth is very often superior. They are more inclined than most to indulge in role play, read sci-fi, fantasy and horror novels, and watch cult TV shows and films with Gothic appeal. Geek Goths are also more likely to be into computer games and anime than other Goths. You are far more likely to find them in Forbidden Planet than in a goth club.
Geek Goths are some of the most intelligent, creative and open-minded Goths you’ll meet. Fittingly, they frequently have diverse and eclectic taste in music, although they may be more attracted to bands who regularly sing about Lord of the Rings, Cthulhu or other subjects with a high Geek interest.
THE GOTHABILLY
What do you get if you mix Elvis Presley, The Cramps, a bunch of old horror movies and a splash of lounge? Bizarrely, you get Gothabilly - a rare and exotic breed of Goth with rather eclectic tastes in both music and wardrobe.
With styles originating from “Rockabilly” (American 1950s rock n roll) and “Psychobilly” (1980s punk with a heavy rockbilly influence), Gothabilly is visually and musically a play on retro, kitsch aesthetics - but with a dark twist. Like Deathrock, which often shows many overlapping traits with Gothabilly, the music and imagery is frequently tongue-in-cheek and deliberately cheesy. As such, many Gothabilly bands sport such creative names as Nacho Knoche & The Hillbilly Zombies, Cult Of The Psychic Fetus, and Vampire Beach Babes.
Gothabillys tend to be some of the brighter Goths out there, with their vivid tattoos, cherry accessories and ubiquitous polka dot clothes.
THE CABARET GOTH
The sexy, extravagant world of cabaret and burlesque is a natural partner for Goth; indeed, corsets, garters and black suits have been a Goth staple for many years. Hence, the birth of “Dark Cabaret” was perhaps a natural inevitability.
The look, feel and sound of Cabaret Goth is typified by the Dresden Dolls, although there are many other bands and artists who have toyed with burlesque imagery and music: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Voltaire, Sex Gang Children and the infamous Tiger Lillies, to name but a few. Even “goth” metal artist Marylin Manson has flirted with burlesque (quite literally, if we count Dita Von Teese).
Enthusiasts insist that true cabaret and burlesque must be as classy as it is sexy; a skill at which Goths excel above most others. Female Cabaret Goths beautifully combine corsets, lace and feathers with high heels, garters and tassles. The men? Well, they often resemble peculiar cross between Dracula, Charlie Chaplin and a mime: but they have a style and class that is all their own.
THE STEAMPUNK GOTH
The antiquated, refined elegance of Victorian Goth and the rough, edgy futurism of Rivetheads may seem a completely incompatible combination. But, thanks to a particular genre of fantasy, the two have been successfully wedded to create the Steampunk Goth.
Steampunk is, in essence, science fiction that takes place the low-tech setting of the past (very often the Victorian era). In Steampunk, you may find steam-powered robots, clockwork computers and complex contraptions made from wood, brass and wheels. The merging of Victorian imagery with quirky technology is doubtlessly of huge appeal to many Goths, but perhaps the most important links between Steampunk and Goth culture are the Victorian writers who inspired the genre, including Mary Shelley and Edgar Allen Poe.
Steampunk Goth fashion is highly creative, incorporating elements that evoke Victorian technology such as clocks, keys and cogs. Although Steampunk is not a music scene, acts such as Rasputina, Emilie Autumn and Abney Park have all been cited as having Steampunk appeal.
THE FAERIE GOTH
There are Goths who like vampires, Goths who like zombies, and then there are Goths who are drawn to the mysterious world of the faerie. Blending elements of Romantic and Hippy goth together with a dusting of New Romantic, the Faerie Goth style conjures images of fantasy and folktale. Just add wings and glitter for a final touch.
Music that has been most closely associated with Faerie Goth is the ethereal genre - the slow, atmospheric melodies from the likes of Cocteau Twins, Black Tape for a Blue Girl and, naturally, The Changelings.
Faerie goths can be found in frolicking in forests, moonlit meadows or, failing that, deeply engrossed in a book of magical tales of old.
THE TRIBAL GOTH
In the past, “Tribal” Goth was a vague, rarely used label for Goths who flirted with primitivism - bone jewellery, dreadlocks, beads, braids, heavy body modification and anything else “ethnic.” In a way, this Goth is perhaps closest to the original Goths - the Visigoth tribe - from which we get the scene name. However, in recent years, “Tribal” Goth more often refers to a highly specialised and distinctive Goth type - the Gothic Bellydancer.
When Turkish and Egyptian bellydance became popular in the USA, a new style - “tribal” - developed. Due to its mysterious, sensual nature and ties with goddess worship, it had instant Goth appeal and before long many Goths were donning black hipscarves and heaps of jingly jewellery. In short time, “Gothic Tribal” bellydance was born.
Modern Tribal Gothic blends traditional bellydance clothes and accessories with Gothic motifs. Many dancers also invoke the “tribal” aspect of the style using accessories made from shell, bone, wood and other organic materials. Music preference is highly dependent on what music fits the dance. Bands popular among Gothic Bellydancers include Corvus Corax, Collide, Maduro and Knossos.
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