Why goth?

Probably more important than the question of, “what is goth,” is the question, “Why are goth’s goth?" What’s the psychology behind the culture?

One of the primary underlying concepts behind the culture was that following the technological advancements and breakthroughs of the 1970’s and 80’s it seemed as if science had become capable of explaining everything.  This brought to a close much of the mystery and magic those who would become goth experienced in their childhood and wanted to maintain.  Our souls cried out for a continuation of those things of wonder and mystery.  We didn’t want to see that pass away. 

Goths sought for that wonder in things science did not yet (and in many ways still does not) have an explanation for: psychology and death.  If there are no monsters under our beds, then we would manifest the appearance of creepy beasts in the real world by wearing those guises ourselves.  We became that mystery, that magic.  One may be able to debate against the existence of vampires and like creatures, but it is practically impossible to argue against the psychology of someone who willingly takes on the traits of those dark creatures.  Often gothic themes walked the razors edge of insanity, happily providing that as cause for our indulgences; this was more often suggested to our friends rather than those in a position to do something rash about it, such as institutionalization.  This served to keep the subculture in a realm of dark mystery, untouchable and powerful.  

In my opinion, actions in contrast to these things are the most un-goth acts one may undertake.  Normalizing goth culture, trying to incorporate banal things into what is considered goth, these things disqualify someone from the title of goth. 

Reverence for, or at least preoccupation with death set us apart from all but the most fringe occupational groups.  For a community looking to distance itself from a society that had wholeheartedly accepted a more plain and mechanical paradigm, the ultimate unknown is an easy direction in which to turn.  If one were to look at the death many goths interest themselves with one discovers a very romanticized view.  Many goths portray death as a peaceful eternal state, for the most part untouched by many of the less seemly aspects of rot and maggot-breeding that accompanies the mortal passing.  The emotional catharsis brought on by those remaining after a loved one sloughs off this mortal coil was brought to the forefront while often the manner of death was sublimated.  The death goths pay attention to, contemplate and write poetry about doesn’t usually include window washers falling from heights or usually even old age or cancer.  It centers on romanticized imaginings borrowed from Edgar Allan Poe and Baudelaire.  For goth purposes, this works perfectly though, as non-goths rarely make this distinction and just assume that goths are off their rocker; obsessed with one of the most taboo subjects of our time. 

Association with mythical beings, particularly vampires, was another natural extension of the Gothic embrace of things beyond science.  The internet provided us with access to concepts we’d had to have gone far out of our way to research. We began to latch onto ideas like “psychic” vampires, shapeshifters and occult religions.  Some experimented with and acquired a taste for drinking blood, an act that normative society would innately have difficulty accepting.  Much as many goths in the 2000’s claim they have nothing to do with vampires, the association is unmistakable.  Modern fiction, theater and cinema had by the 70's and 80's already romanticized the very idea of the vampire, had made them beautiful and powerful.  Adoption of these ideals was natural for goths, and made the subculture stronger. Not all goths adopt supernatural themes, but all goths should acknowledge the part that has played in constructing gothic culture - in the same way that while I haven't enjoyed a single Joy Division song I've ever heard, I willingly acknowledge and applaud them for laying the foundation for our culture.

Another aspect I've never seen anyone discuss but likely has a huge impact on the growth of the culture was the turning of the century.  Particularly during "major" date changes humans of all cultures have entered a seemingly universal apocalyptic mood.  With this acting on the human consciousness, making the leap to goth was easy, particularly in the 90's when we arguably saw the majority of growth.

All of these events and processes have culminated to create a culture that is more than just fashion or music, is one of the strongest conglomerations of individuals outside of whole nations, and will last longer than anyone will imagine.