Gothic Lifestyle

The term Gothic comes from Germanic tribes which ruled over Europe during the Middle Ages. Gothicism was popularized through literature and it became a distinguished culture in the mid 19th century. Goths have always been considered as odd and attention seeking individuals by people who consider themselves to be normal. Goths are people who regard themselves as misfits in the mundane everyday life of mainstream culture. So, they have created a lifestyle for themselves, which gives them the freedom of portraying their distinctiveness and individuality. Though Gothic lifestyle still faces numerous criticisms, it has evolved as a rich sub-culture which connects every goth to the other.

Gothic lifestyle is a way of living, where the Goths follow their own set of values and attitudes. They have a distinct culture, which includes architecture, literature, dressing style, appearance, art and music. The fact that is most popular about Gothic lifestyle is their sense of dressing. Black is the color that is associated with the Goths. However, other dark colors like blood red, purple, dark green and blue are also popular among the Gothic people. Even their appearance is distinguished with a pale base and dark make up. They prefer their hair to be straight and pitch black. However, merely dressing up like a Goth cannot make a person one. Being a Goth is more about the attitude that a person has. Gothic people choose this lifestyle because they feel detached from the mainstream culture and lifestyle. Gothic lifestyle gives them a sense of independence, where they can, not only express their emotions and feelings, but also live life in a way that is unacceptable in the conventional society.

Death is another important element that is connected with Goths. Human beings in the conventional society live in the fear of death. However, Gothic people follow an attitude that is totally different from that. They revel in the concept of death and take it as a natural extension of life. Goths are known to have an attraction towards darkness and depression. Their detached and depressed faces are a reflection of the darkness and sadness that encompasses the existence of all human beings. Goths in a gloomy way enjoy the darkness that life offers.

The attitude and style of the Goths are reflected in their architecture, arts, music and literature. Goth music has been influenced by several eras and can be divided into four main sections, which include Medieval, 80s - Dark Wave, Dark Techno/Industrial/EBM and Dark Metal.

Gothic literature developed during the Romantic age, with the writings of writers like Byron, Shelley, etc. Along with the works of these writers, Goths are interested in reading works of Dante, Tolstoy and also historical books, Greek mythology and the Bible.

Gothic lifestyle is an alternative way of living life, which consists of people who share the same thoughts and views. Goths do not chose this lifestyle because it makes them cool and different, but because they feel comfortable in the Gothic world. In short, Goths are no different from human kind, only their perspective is.