Dark Heavy Stardoll: Goth Stereotypes Part 2

As you have probably guessed this is the second part of the stereotypes I wrote a few days ago.Were you looking forward to it? Hope some of you have read them! Here we go then:

12) It all began when the Goths started growing up and having to find jobs. They wanted to work in an office (you need a good income to afford all those clothes and CDs after all), but they still wanted to retain their “gothyness.” The result? The creation of “Corporate” or “Corp” Goth. These Goths attempt to find a balance between clothes that are “Goth,” and clothes that conform to the dress code at work.

13) One of the biggest influences on Gothic fashion has been the imagery in Gothic literature and their movie counterparts, particular that of Victorian writers such as Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker. Victorian fashions like corsets, lace, frock coats and pale skin are popular throughout the scene, but maybe none wear them with as much style as the Victorian Goth. This category is my my favorite but I don't want to have an influence on your judge!

14) “Gothic” is normally used to refer to castles, cathedrals and other such ancient masonry, hence the prominence of Goths who have a particular interest in all things medieval. Dressing in garb (loosely) based on that of the medieval period, you may find these Goths at Renaissance Fairs or re-enactment society events. Of course, their dress and activities do not have to necessarily be strictly “Medieval:” blending with Tudor or Celtic elements seems perfectly fine too.

15) Where Metalheads fit in the Gothic spectrum is an incredibly complicated issue, and a controversial one. On the one hand, many Goths (and Metalheads) point out that the two subcultures are separate entities, having different origins and music tastes, and other disparities in clothing and habits, and that the common confusion between the two is merely the fault of an uninformed public.

16) Although the term “Emo” has been around for over a decade or so to describe a particular genre of Punk, it has recently become a buzzword of the 21st century to describe the features of the contemporary youth fashion movement. Visually a hodgepodge of many different styles including Punk, Retro, a touch of urban Japanese and Goth, it was inevitable that Emo would start demonstrating crossovers with Goth at some point. In my opinion this category is useless! Goths are not emos! I find it insulting in some way!

17) Pale, brooding, adverse to sunlight and attracted to strange period clothing. It’s no wonder that Goths became so strongly associated with vampires as early on as Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” Naturally, there are Goths out there who take their love of vampires one step further. They’re the ones who might don black capes and sunglasses when they go out during the day, join “vampire societies,” and whose bookshelves are filled with Anne Rice and White Wolf rule books. They’ve watched all the Dracula movies out there and are planning on visiting Romania next summer (failing that, Whitby). And they’re very partial to red wine, but not so keen on garlic.

18) Essentially, all Goths are Geeks. After all, how can one devote so much time into dressing up, reading old literature and collecting obscure music without being somewhat Geeky? You will hence find typical Geek traits in all Goths, but some will be more Geeky than others.

19) What do you get if you mix Elvis Presley, The Cramps, a bunch of old horror movies and a splash of lounge? Bizarrely, you get Gothabilly - a rare and exotic breed of Goth with rather eclectic tastes in both music and wardrobe.

20)

The sexy, extravagant world of cabaret and burlesque is a natural partner for Goth; indeed, corsets, garters and black suits have been a Goth staple for many years. Hence, the birth of “Dark Cabaret” was perhaps a natural inevitability.

The look, feel and sound of Cabaret Goth is typified by the Dresden Dolls, although there are many other bands and artists who have toyed with burlesque imagery and music: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Voltaire, Sex Gang Children and the infamous Tiger Lillies, to name but a few. Even “goth” metal artist Marylin Manson has flirted with burlesque (quite literally, if we count Dita Von Teese).

21) The antiquated, refined elegance of Victorian Goth and the rough, edgy futurism of Rivetheads may seem a completely incompatible combination. But, thanks to a particular genre of fantasy, the two have been successfully wedded to create the Steampunk Goth.

Steampunk is, in essence, science fiction that takes place the low-tech setting of the past (very often the Victorian era). In Steampunk, you may find steam-powered robots, clockwork computers and complex contraptions made from wood, brass and wheels.

22) There are Goths who like vampires, Goths who like zombies, and then there are Goths who are drawn to the mysterious world of the faerie. Blending elements of Romantic and Hippy goth together with a dusting of New Romantic, the Faerie Goth style conjures images of fantasy and folktale. Just add wings and glitter for a final touch.

23) In the past, “Tribal” Goth was a vague, rarely used label for Goths who flirted with primitivism - bone jewellery, dreadlocks, beads, braids, heavy body modification and anything else “ethnic.” In a way, this Goth is perhaps closest to the original Goths - the Visigoth tribe - from which we get the scene name. However, in recent years, “Tribal” Goth more often refers to a highly specialised and distinctive Goth type - the Gothic Bellydancer.