Six feet deep into the goth subculture

To some, ‘goth’ portrays flinty expressions over a haunting appearance. It depicts the macabre nature of a subject that rattles the spine in amusement. For others, it may be the simple glint of mystery and misery in one’s voice or eyes. Regardless of how many shapes the goth subculture has taken throughout history, it remains one of the most recognizable and significant.

The ever-changing social culture of the 1970s gave genesis to the goth scene that most think of today. The ‘otherness’ and shared morbidity of the clique brought solidarity in outcasted individuals. Themes of this era included a (usually) colorless wardrobe, obscene and abstract fashion, dark and brooding romance, etc. Yet, the roots of this iconic subculture span generations before the 70s conceived ‘modern-day goth.’

Gothic literature of the late 18th and 19th centuries spearheaded its eventual fascination with dark romanticism, science, and the occult. Gothic fiction entertained new worlds of terror and wonder with Victorian ghost stories and the Hammer Horror films of the 1930s. However, goth would make a grander entrance with the addition of music.

Gothic rock hadn’t emerged into the music scene until the 1960s, sweeping the late 1970s and early 1980s punk from dandy to decay. Pioneers of the era, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Joy Division mesmerized youths of the era. Many of the bands were part of a broader new wave/post-punk generation, and it was common for them to deny their connection to the goth term. Instead, the label would be developed through fans. It’s only now that modern groups begin branding themselves with the term before anyone else does.

Founded in 1982-2002, Propaganda Magazine was the longest-running counter-culture publication amongst gothic subcultures. Its creator, Fred H. Berger, globalized the influence of goth to an international stage. Since its genesis, the scene has rebirthed through many eras, including American death rock and industrial-goth music.

Echoed by youths, ‘goth’ was intended to strip the normalcy of middle-class materialism and elitism. Misfits created their own culture far from conformist America. The subculture now houses generations of varying styles, from the choppy neon hair of cyber-goths to studded straps and chunky boots of Emos. Although goth no longer holds a specific definition, its grim beginnings are hailed throughout decades of culture

Written by Stacey Martinez  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published January 8, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature