A fact not known to many is that today, 22 May, is World Goth Day.
May 22, 2017
Review Online 2 minutes read
POLOKWANE – The Official World Goth Day site defines it as “a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate its own being, and an opportunity to make its presence known to the rest of the world.”
World Goth Day originated in the United Kingdom in 2009. BBC Radio 6 featured a number of music subcultures throughout a week in May, including Goth music. Goth DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin Oldgoth got an event up and running. It was decided that May 22 would be the day when this event would be held regularly. For those who celebrate the occasion, “being” goth is all about enjoying the music and style of the movement, however, it is often confused with satanism and vampirism.
Even though the media will portray goth as less than friendly and safe, it’s actually a very open-minded, intellectual and creative culture. Studies show goth students are generally the smarter of the bunch, the ones that enjoy reading and learning, and they often become lawyers, doctors, or managers. These learners aren’t encouraged to drop out of school, in fact, they’re encouraged to continue learning and exploring classical literature.
To put it simply, a goth is someone who finds beauty in things others consider to be dark. They love all that is dark and mysterious. That doesn’t mean goths are evil, it just means they have a different perspective that is not necessarily popular. Another misconception is that goths are unkind, violent or lacking in humour, but quite the opposite is true. Goths love to laugh but their humour is more of the black comedy sort. They aren’t sad because they like dark things – dark things make them happy and inspire them. Goths are often intelligent, romantic and artistic realists.
Common myths include:
1. Goths are satanists.
This misconception arises from the fact that goths like to wear dark clothes and are often seen on their own, and the same is said of satanists. Goths, however, choose to wear dark clothes because it is considered mysterious and not because of its satanistic connotations
2. Goths thrive on hurting themselves.
There is no subculture that owns self harm or drugs, and goths are typically peaceful in nature, they don’t like destructive acts. Anyone has the ability to feel sad and hurt themselves. Just because someone is goth, does not mean they self harm or are depressed.
3. Goths believe they are vampires.
While there are many in the subculture who obsess over vampires, a very small minority would actually believe that they in truth, are vampires, and it’s actually linked to the vampyre subculture, which is completely different.
4. Goths are all white and they all have black hair.
Even though the pale skinned look is incredibly common and almost a key marker to identify many in the goth subculture, it’s not a requirement. People of all skin types, hair and eye colors are freely able to participate in the subculture.
5. All Goths listen to heavy metal.
This is not true. Romantic goths and Victorian goths prefer softer music, such as classical and opera, and then there are Cyber goths who enjoy techno music.
This video explains everything in greater detail:
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