Goth has nothing to do with politics.

Goth has nothing to do with politics! It’s frustrating how people now try to attach political labels to every subculture, especially goth. Back in the day, goth was about the music, the aesthetic, the dark poetry, and the fascination with mystery and the macabre. It wasn’t about aligning with any political agenda. In fact, many of the early goths were more on the conservative side, if anything—more focused on art, individuality, and avoiding mainstream culture than trying to push a political agenda. I’ve spoke to many elder goths who explained that politics were not relevant in the goth scene and people were allowed their own views whether that was left or right… when I told them people are being invalidated as “goth” if they have conservative views it was a shock. It’s pretty clear our generation have lost the plot and are trying to force political views on everyone.

Sure, there was some punk influence in goth’s origins, but goth itself grew to be a deeply personal subculture, where the focus was on exploring darker aesthetics and themes, not trying to change society. It was always about introspection, not activism. These days, people have tried to turn it into some kind of political statement, but goths never needed politics to make an impact. It’s a culture, not a movement, and that’s what makes it timeless.

There’s this strange push lately where people—especially some in Gen Z—are trying to reframe goth as something it never was: inherently political. They’re claiming it’s always been a statement against social issues or a vehicle for activism, but that just doesn’t align with the roots of the subculture. Goth emerged as an introspective, artistic response to darker themes in life, exploring beauty in the melancholy and the macabre, not as a political movement.

The irony is, goth was almost an escape from the political noise, a space where people could delve into personal expression without needing to pick a side on every issue. Gen Z’s reinterpretation tries to assign modern ideologies to something that was always focused on individuality and art. Sure, some goths today might have strong political views—that’s just life in 2024. But saying goth itself has “always” been political is rewriting history. At its core, goth isn’t about activism or changing the world; it’s about exploring the depths of emotion, aesthetics, and art for their own sake. Trying to turn goth into a political platform kind of misses the point entirely.

Absolutely. You’ll find a lot of these so-called “goths” online who’ll argue that goth has always been political, but let’s be real—that’s not the case. This perspective is mostly from people who spend way too much time online, getting into endless debates and trying to reinvent the subculture by cherry-picking what suits a particular narrative. They’ll argue endlessly on social media, trying to paint goth as a radical, political movement when the original goth scene was not about aligning with political ideologies.

The truth is, goth has its roots in music, art, and fashion, not in any political agenda. The essence of goth is about exploring darker emotions, beauty in the shadows, and a rejection of mainstream trends. You can’t rewrite history just because it fits an online argument or feels relevant in 2024. Sticking to the facts is important here—goth was about finding identity through aesthetics and self-expression, not about taking sides in the culture wars. So, let the chronically online have their debates, but remember that goth has a real history, and it’s not as political as some might want to make it.

I’ve always been curious about this, because a lot of piercings and certain tattoos in obvious places would limit your job options. I personally work a blue collar job

I never really dressed gothic or alternative but it’s always interested me. I would really love to seeing as I’ve always loved the gothic/alternative style but I feel like I wouldn’t be taken seriously. (Especially as a male, 17 if that matters). For example, anytime I see any political post with someone sharing their opinion who dresses more alternative the comments or replies immediately begin jabbing at the persons looks as a way to belittle their beliefs. I’ve always been very opinionated and very open and outspoken on my opinions, and the last thing I want it to not be taken seriously over the way I dress.

Hi, I'm posing this question because the subculture seems very strict and exclusive from an outside perspective and I am more so interested in being myself.

I like gothic architecture and would like to get into it's literature when I have the time to. The late Victotian and Edwardian time period, have some interesting practices and looks. I used to walk in the graveyards in the evening every now and then and, while my music taste can be mixed, depending on how I feel - I typically like punk rock and post punk. The Underground Youth, Motoroma and Human Tetris to name a few.

No, my hair is not black because I prefer my lightish hair the way it is. Although, I do like wearing dark coloured clothes just as a style preferance.

What exactly am I besides just me and what makes goths very different? Are you forced to wear piercings and eyeliner? To me, I think what matters is someone's interests more than their looks...

I’m a babybat and I’m looking for new goth pieces. I used to be heavily into Gothic/JJK Lolita and was directed towards there since they have original pieces. They’re relatively pricey ($30-$80 and up for a dress). If theres other places to shop online (since I live in a tiny midwestern town, not really any gothic stores near me lol), Lmk! Thanks :)

Price isn’t a problem.

Has anyone heard the new album yet I’m already loving it haven’t picked a favorite song off the album yet

Hi here's some random questions that I don't know how to explain well on but I'm still curious since I love the subcultures and the music :)

1. is there like anyway or idea to get like a 2000s /90s look but a trad goth or just a genral gothic look mixxed?

since i love both but i can't decide

2: any good goth bands like type o negative or molchat doma , sioxise and banshee vibes??

3. Is there a way I can look more trad goth without like the extreme trad goth makeup ( I love it but I never get a chance to do that look since i'm always busy )

4. Any tips on what type of clothes I should be looking for (like yes ik you don't need to dress to be goth :) but I'm just curios on what clothes is seen more gothic than others yk )

5. Best things to use for diy?

Basically the title lol

Sometimes I find myself in alt Spaces, taking in all the cool people around me, and I just feel like such an outsider. Like Im somehow intruding in their space, and must stick out quite harshly. Then I catch a glimpse of myself in a reflection and remember the overalt dramatic dark makeup I have on, matched with my clothes, piercings, and I fit right in. But when I turn away the feeling of not belonging comes right back.

I dont get it. I know aesthetics is only a small part of it, but I feel like Im somehow lying to everyone there? I know Im not, i love the music, litterature, beliefs, etc, but still. How do I overcome this?

hi there. I personally consider myself a Goth because I listen to the music, and dressing gothic is just self expression to me. i've been into goth music for a few years now, but I never bothered to get into the political views or anything too controversial. anybody know what their values are, or anything like that? i'm open to various answers of course!

Hey everyone, thank you in advance for your time. I'm trying to find the perfect gift for my S/O. I'm having trouble finding good-quality goth jewelry. I'd prefer to find them a nice silver bracelet with a garnet in it. Either a feminine look or androgynous. Any help would be appreciated.

I was wonder whose stance is on voting? It’s my first upcoming election and truly I don’t wanna vote for anyone due to deep personal reasons. I’m wondering what other goths views are when it comes to voting? I’m not trying to start any arguments of any sorts I just know there are deep political values involved within the goth subculture and I’m curious to the see views of other goths. <3

I'm a babybat and I want to start dressing goth (trad goth) but my family is strict.

hii! I'm a babybat of 2 years and I absoloutely love goth music and literature and I'm currently educating myself on the political side of the goth subculture too. I've always adored the fashion too but my parents are quite strict about my apperance and say negative things about it whenever I try to express myself in the way that makes me happy, which is dressing alternative. I'm trying to build my closet currently but I'm afraid of wearing some of the outfits and doing the makeup looks i want to do because I know how my parents will react. I also remember my grandma saying to me that if I ever get piercings, tattoos or dye my hair she's going to cut off all ties with me and that she wouldn't want to have anything to do with me. I don't see her much though since she lives in another country. Did/does anyone else have a similar experience? Some tips on how to subtly change things in my apperance would be appreciated. I'm 14 and I'm not allowed to dye my hair or get piercings btw.

Thank youu!!!!

EDIT: I added that my grandma lives in another country and changed parents into family in the beginning of the post.

EDIT 2: deleted some unnecessary parts to shorten the post lol.

Can I still be goth once I'm a lawyer?? Im in highschool right now and the goth subculture is my life and I really love the community!

As much as I want to go to fashion school I unfortunately have to settle for a "real job" So I just wanted to ask if I can still be goth while being a lawyer?? Like, that wont be a problem right?? Or??

Hello! I don’t much of anything about goth stuff 😭 but it’s my friends birthday soon and she’s goth. So I was wondering if I could get any recommendations on what I should get her clothing wise? Also maybe some good makeup brands? Or anything else that would be a good goth gift!

I’ve seen the listed in loads of goth playlists/other sources, but no one ever seems to really talk about it, is there a reason why?

My grandpa got me into the mission after I recognised the name, I just wanted to see if anyone else had an opinion.

What are some goth songs that remind you of Frankenstein. I want to make a playlist.

I’m going to my first ever show in a few weeks but I don’t have any goth friends so I’m going alone and I’m kind of nervous. Does anyone have any advice?

Any goths (or even punks) who are willing to explain to me the politics embeded to these mouvements ? I have a vague idea of what it is but sadly its really blurry, and I cant seem to find much on the internet. I want to become a goth but i wanna make sure I align with the ideology

My list so far: Dune: Part Two

Alien Romulus

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Poorthings (?)

Late Night With the Devil (?)

Wicked

Olympic pistol shooters

Terrifier 3

Abigail (vampire)

Bridgerton

Maxxxine

Immaculate (?)

Lisa Frankenstein

I know this kinda sounds like a weird question, but why is it a stereotype that goths like vampires?

Personally, I’ve never liked vampires that much. I grew up as the twilight books were released, so I always had this schema instilled in my head that vampires were kind of a “lame girly thing” (Ik that sounds so rude, I don’t judge now).

But they still don’t really interest me that much, I don’t really think I would like the South Park goths as people if I ever met them (they’re hilarious don’t get me wrong, but they are also really rude), but I relate to their general distaste for “vamps”.

I did try seeing what the big deal was a few years ago by watching the lost boys and I read in an analysis that vampires represent “the other” and outcast kids are drawn to that, but I thought that sounded kind of silly and cheesy.

Is there any truth in this fascination though? If so why do you like vampires? What started it for you? And do you view it as going hand in hand with your gothic identity?

I feel rather isolated from the women at my parish because no one is goth/alt. It’s been difficult making female friends since my husband and I moved states and being in your 30s is an added layer of challenge. I’m just literally asking for a friend and I hope you’re out there. 🖤🫶🏼🤍

I like trad goth and romantic goth looks, but I find some instagram accounts that post some goth outfits/makeup straight out of an horror movie.

Also I do not think that I am supposed to like every goth outfit/makeup.

Is this considered a song?

I was born in a typical east Asian family where my parents love me but they’re also the kind of parents that will be unhappy if I put a little bit too much makeup on.

So I’m pretty curious about people growing up in a goth or any kind of subculture family. Will the parents raise their children to another goth? Or the children will end up having no interests in any subculture?

(btw I'm planning to make a documentary of subculture in London for my assignment at uni if you're interested you can message me:)))

It might sound stupid but I don't really know anything about what makes someone a got

Someone said on reddit when I've asked what should I wear if I listen to folk (like grunge for rock), and one of the listings they said folk😔

If so it isn't, can I be gothic? (Or whatever is it called)

Hello, i am a highschooler and for school pictures i was goth. I have been into goth music and fashion for almost a year now, and i did a goth makeup look for my picture. Everyone that has seen it said i look great, i really love my picture but my adoptive mom told me to retake them for pictures to give to family. I dont want to retake because the retake will show up on the yearbook and i like my picture. She said family wont want to see my "Halloween vampire makeup". She also brung up that my grandpa wouldn't like it, which made me very pissed off because hes a horrible person that i hate and made me want to rebel even more.I dont want to retake my picture. Am i being selfish and should i just retake it?

This is my first post on any subreddit sorry if its stupid i just dont know what to do.

I don’t know if this has been asked, but since I’m banned from the goth subreddit I thought I’d ask here. Like severina by mission or cocoon by switchblade symphony.

I'm in healthcare and wear scrubs. We can wear regular clothes. How do I look goth at work when I don't have any band shirts? Most of my clothing is Victorian goth and we can't wear see through shirts. What do I wear?