home | help

Top: Society: Subcultures: Gothic

Just what makes one a "Gothic" or "Goth" one might ask?
First, the term itself needs to be defined. A history buff might know that the Goths were a group of Germanic barbarians that invaded the Roman Empire between the 3rd and 5th centuries. Lovers of art and architecture will at once recognize Gothic architecture often seen in massive stone cathedrals, marked by very tall thin arched windows with elaborate stained glass designs. The art itself is dark and morbid, revealing the macabre interests of the Medieval Europeans. A more recent definition of Gothic refers to a movement in literature in the 18th and 19th centuries. Gothic literature is noted by gloomy settings, mysterious and often violent events, and psychological terror of some sort. Some widely known authors of Gothic tales are Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allen Poe, and H.P. Lovecraft. What is known as the Gothic subculture today is actually an offshoot of the punk movement of the 1970s. Groups like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees took the punk styles from bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash and gave it a darker sound. It was actually Siouxsie Sioux herself who is credited with coining the phrase ?Gothic? in reference to music. Some other noted Gothic bands over the past 20 years are The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, The Mission UK, Fields of the Nephilim, Christian Death, Curve, Rosetta Stone, and many others. It was the dark clothes and ghastly makeup worn by those early Gothic bands that inspired what has become typical Gothic fashion. Some characteristic of this fashion are dark colored clothing: blacks, dark reds, blues, and purples. Many often wear clothing made from leather, or in newer times PVC, or pieces of fetish attire, such as corsets and bodices. Bondage clothing, shirts or pants adorned with zippers and strap that constrict movement have become recently popular. Both males and females may be seen wearing makeup, which often consists of white, or very pale foundation, with dark colors on the eyes and lips. The dark, elaborate clothing was first meant as a backlash against the colorful clothes of the disco era. Goths may read many of the aforementioned authors and may be interested in Medieval history. Many goths also have an interest in alternative religions such as Paganism, Wicca, even Buddhism, although many are atheist. Although Goths may enjoy the darker things in life, many of them will dispel any rumors of being evil or malicious in any way.

Art

Gothic ('gä-thik) of or relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents. A fashion and music movement characterized by black clothes, dramatic make-up, and dark, moody music styles.

Fetish: Not a part of the gothic subculture, though the two may meet under some circumstances (everyone has their vices). Please consider this before adding fetish sites. I am in the process of sending these sites elsewhere, as soon as there is an elsewhere.

Baywatch rejects in latex, bathing suits, vinyl, plastic wrap, duct tape, horse tack, etc.. count as "Fetish" only and need not apply here.

Subjects in graveyards, forests, cathedrals, lace, sheers, ribbons, hair extentions, gowns, boots, etc.. photo reproductions of artwork, period style clothing, gothic sites with fetish art, gothic subjects in fetish wear, endless other possibilities, possibly "Gothic:Art:Fetish Art". I may reject it, send it to the afforementioned spot, or write you personally and ask why it belongs here.

Personal pages. Personal pages that are mostly related to the artwork of that person will go in this section. Personal pages with some artwork, links to artwork sites, or lists of favorite artists go to Gothic:Personal Pages (back one directory to hit this branch).

Make sure that your page has something to do with this sub culture, and is art-oriented. It is preferred that your site is mostly related to this subculture, if not completely. Exceptions will be made, based on amount of relevant content.

Directories

A directory is, but not strictly limited to the following: an information bank, guide, reference, index, catalog, and or register. A directory is similar to a travel guide. For example, if a person desires to gain knowledge in a certain subject area, or perhaps locate individuals with similar interests or just experience subject matter that is foreign to them, then a directory is a logical starting point.

This directory deals with the genre of gothic. The sites contained in this listing are those that have numerous listings, links, information and other relevant data concerning the gothic subculture.

Fashion

For sites about gothic fashion. These can include e-zines, tips and tricks, do-it-yourself projects. These should NOT include any site which has items for sale. Those can be directed to either Clothing or Shopping as appropriate.

Home and Garden

For do it yourself projects, tips, ideas, etc. NOT for sites selling products. These can be better placed in Shopping .

Personal Pages

Personal home pages with a gothic theme, and may also include horror, the occult, and vampirism.

• Open Directory Society: Religion and Spirituality: Esoteric and Occult: Magick: Chaos
• Open Directory Society: Subcultures: Industrial

Copyright © 1998-2004 Netscape