WARNING: This article contains little to no shock value. Those seeking a thrill 
at the expense of the truth, please move on to the nearest tabloid stand. This is 
an article containing only the truth about a group of people whose "clique" has 
existed since the mid 19th century and remains the longest standing social group 
ever. Their ranks have included people such as Mary Shelley, the author of the 
classic Frankenstein, and the poet Lord Byron. With their pale faces, and elaborate 
dress, these people carried a kind of tradition through the centuries. This tradition 
has survived through many changes, advances in technology and disasters. Now it 
faces the greatest crisis ever. Suddenly these people have been shoved into the 
limelight and asked to explain themselves. Then they are condemned when the answers 
are not satisfactory. Although I didn't have to do much research just write what came 
from my heart, I did find some information from some real people online. 

For those who still may not know what these people call themselves, these people 
are Goths. According to the Gage Canadian Dictionary the word "Goth" means: an 
uncivilized person, a barbarian. This word originates back to the third, fourth and 
fifth centuries when a Germanic tribe who called themselves Visigoths overran the 
Roman Empire and settled in Eastern and Southern Europe. The adjective "gothic" was 
later used to describe medieval architecture, characterized by its pointed arches 
and steep roofs. In the years after that, it was used in reference to a style of 
literature, often pertaining to the supernatural or the grotesque, in a medieval and
romantic setting of sensual dark beauty and perfection within the darkness.

What does this word have to do with the people who have adopted it? Honestly, not 
much. Aside from the fascination with antiquity and a liking of the supernatural, the 
Goth personality does not fit the word. Often, Goths are very quiet and artistic people. 
Many write poetry, novels, paint or act. Many are interested in computers and 
technology (this explains the astounding Goth presence on the internet). They are often 
quite respectful and most will not say anything negative unless they are approached in 
that manner first. Even in that situation some still fall back on their quiet nature and 
wait for the ordeal to be over. Though most strive to be polite and non-offensive, 
harassment is a common part of every day life for Goths.

Why do people take to harassing Goths? If they don't do anything to provoke people, then 
why are they constantly harassed and even physically beaten? This is where the misconceptions 
come in. There are many myths currently floating around about the Gothic Subculture, the 
first and foremost being their association with Marilyn Manson, and through him, Satanism. 
This is the myth that most Goths find appalling. I believe Marilyn Manson is an opportunist 
and a fake. He is acting as though he is going to change the world, when in fact he is only 
trying to gain publicity and make money. My opinion about him.. Is probably the same as many 
others. And it extends only as far as appreciating his music; he has talent and a good way of 
words. But only part of the time. What Manson, and people like him have created is an extremely 
distorted image of the Gothic Subculture. He revels in his hate for authority and religion; 
therefore bringing Satanic ties into his already bleak picture. His opinion on religion differs 
greatly from what most "Goths" believe. 

I believe that even those who don't believe in it should respect religion. On the other hand, 
I don't believe anyone of any religion should try to 'convert' another as well. No religion 
should be forced upon anyone, nor should one be criticized for the religious preference they have.

The next stereotype to creep up is that of the vampire. Due to the way many Goths choose to dress, 
in Victorian or Edwardian style, the first impression is that of the immortal; one who has lived 
since those times; and therefore, still associates with the dress and culture of those times. Also 
people believe that all Goths either think they are a vampire or truly believe in vampires and that 
isn't true either, sure their might be the occasional delusional idiot but I've seen a lot of crazed 
Christians thinking they are Christ but that doesn't mean all Christians think that.

I myself enjoy (vampires) as a metaphorical or literary object. I do not believe in them or believe 
myself to be one. I think people who do are foolish. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice if 
they did exist, and I'm not even going to go into what a real vampire would be like if they did 
but go research "Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles" but lets just say. They are FAR from evil demons. 
I have to say I am fond of vampires. What draws me to them is their immortality. I'm so afraid to 
die. This world is full of amazing things and amazing places, and I want a chance to experience it 
all. Do I sound like someone who wants to slit his or her wrists?

Depression is also another stereotype that couldn't be further from the truth. When people picture 
Goths what they often see is the sullen, spoiled teenager, dressing constantly in black. According 
to this stereotype, Goths do nothing but cry over their own pitiful lives and wallow in their 
constant state of depression.

Those who put on their black Levi's and mope around, never smiling, never talking except to say 
"I'm so depressed. Nobody loves me. I hate my life" and then (call themselves) Goth are just lame 
as fuck in my opinion. Depression is inevitable unless you close your eyes to the real world and 
just worry about the ads, TV commercials and MTV and all the other fake shit there is out there. 
But most are depressed in their preteen years. As they grew up, they grew out of that phase. 
Depression is common amongst teenagers as it is a transition period that most find difficult to 
handle. "So if they're not depressed, then why all the black?" It's easy to find matching clothes 
when you wear all black. It goes with everything. Then you don't have to sort your laundry :p

All jokes aside, the dark clothing comes from the history of the Victorian Times, from which most 
of this culture originated. When the King passed away Queen Victoria went into mourning. She 
announced that the whole of society should follow her suit, resulting in an entire era of dressing 
in black dark gray and deep purples. The dark, rich fabrics of those times, such as velvet, satin, 
brocade and lace can still be found in Gothic Clothing stores. Despite the fact that many can be 
found wearing black, the Gothic Subculture is not about how you dress. Nor is it about your religion
or even what kind of music you listen to. True Goth involves a philosophy; a way of living and being 
that has its roots deep inside a person's soul. Reveling in passions, life, and art. It is a concept 
of beauty. So much beauty in the world is hidden, waiting to be discovered and explored, but abhorred 
by most. Goth is the ability to find the art where art seems to be lacking, to find the light in the 
darkness and embrace it for all its worth. It's a mystery as to why people have the view on the 
Subculture that they do. Why should a whole group of people be deemed morbidly depressed delinquents 
by society when this couldn't be further from the truth? It all comes down to fear and ignorance. 
People fear what they don't understand. And that leads to ignorance.

/quit

- synthetic