Now, this is a complex topic because Goths themselves are a complex bunch.

Goths aren't just a simple sub-culture that the media can quickly define and market to (although, the attempts have been made in the past). They're a sub-culture with their own sub-cultures and believe it or don't, many of the individuals in these sub-sub-cultures actually don't like to be classified at all.

But, in a nutshell they have many similarities:

Black Clothing
This is a no-brainer. If you've ever seen a group of Goths it's easy to recognize their similar clothing. They tend to enjoy loose-fitting black clothing. Both genders enjoy wearing long black coats (even in Florida!) and you can kind skirts on both Goth males and females. Black boots are also important. When they're going out they tend to wear very nice clothing that can best be described as vintage. Everything from nice suits for the guys to vintage corsets for the ladies can be seen. They take pride in how they look and will often spend a great deal of time just getting dressed.

Dark Hair
Hair color for Goths usually is black, but quite often you can find literally every color of the rainbow on their pale heads. You can find some rather intense reds, dark blues, or even the occasional green.

Clove cigarettes
Goths can't get enough of these highly carcinogenic smokes. You can always smell them a few hundred feet away. Generally one Goth will buy a pack and the rest will bum off of them.

Music
Goth music originally came from the Punk scene and older bands like Joy Division and Bauhaus started as punk bands. Later the music gained a style of its own opening the door for other bands like The Sisters of Mercy, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and The Mission.
Please note: Marilyn Manson and Evanescence are NOT Goth bands.

Now that we know what makes them similar, let's explore some of their differences:

Attitude
Contrary to popular opinion, not all Goths are obsessed with death and decay. Most are fascinated by it, but they also love life and can be considered quite perky in their dispositions (the character Abby from "N.C.I.S." is a shining example of a "Perky Goth").

Religion
Goths come from all over the religious spectrum. While quite a few of them embrace religions like Paganism and Witchcraft, you'll also find a great deal of Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and even Mormon Goths.

Jobs
Another assumption is that all Goths work in coffee shops, book stores, or tech support call centers. This couldn't be further from the truth as many Goths have gone on to have great jobs in upper management in large corporations, have opened restaurants, and even sell used cars. In other words, they do the same jobs as the rest of the "normal" people.

Makeup
Not all Goths feel the urge to paint their faces white and put on tons of black eye makeup. Actually most of them keep their faces modestly clean.

All Goths Hate Emo Kids
Okay, this generalization is true. Even Goths need someone to pick on.

Learn more about this author, David Furritus.
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