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DON'T MOCK GOTHS

Independent, The (London), Mar 21, 2006 by Ciar Byrne

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An interest in the darker side of life has remained part of the Goth culture, which today is divided into more traditional adherents, who favour crushed velvet, lace and long-flowing garments in predominantly black and white, and "cyber-Goths", who inject fluorescent colours into their hair and outfits.

An interest in fetish fashion and clubs is part of modern Goth culture, although Dr Brill believes that many in the scene are actually quite coy about sexuality.

"There are different kinds of Goths. Some of them are into the fetish scene. A big prejudice about Goths is that they're easy, but many of the girls believe in love and romance."

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Non-violence is another important element. Fights are practically unheard of.

"A large proportion of those who stick with it tend to be the more sensitive, poetic souls, melancholy and arty types. Many writers have said that the rebelliousness in Goth subculture consists of withdrawal," said Dr Brill.

Despite this emphasis on individual reflection, Goths can still have a good time, when they get together at clubs, gigs or festivals like the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend.

The most thriving Goth scene today is in Germany - where there are around 90,000 Goths, about four times as many as the UK, although British Goths tend to stick with the subculture longer.

Such is the appeal of the movement that there are two glossy magazines aimed at Goths on German news stands - Sonic Seducer and Orkus. The editor of Sonic Seducer even took a business degree so he could turn his fanzine into a professional product.

Goth culture still arouses suspicions. On its website, the Parents' American Religious Organizations [sic] Defending Youth, Parody for short, blames Goths for everything from the Columbine massacre to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and South Park.

The website asks: "What are the worst dangers that threaten our children today? Satanism? Drugs? Homosexuality? A culture of violence? Heat exhaustion? What if there was a danger that included all of these? That danger is here and its name is GOTH."

But Dr Brill is dismissive of those who suggest Goth culture has links to Satanism.

"Goth is the most non-violent culture around. Not many Goths are into any proper religion, not even the Church of Satan. Most Goths don't like formalities. Individualism and tolerance are the big values on the Goth scene."

Robert Smith

The driving force behind postpunk band The Cure, Robert Smith first borrowed his trademark red lipstick from Siouxsie Sioux while high on opium. Described by some as "the godfather of Goths", his image has fuelled classification of The Cure as a Goth band, a label rejected by Smith, who is known for his poetic lyrics as much as his spider-like hair. In a recent interview, Smith said of his image: "I just try to keep it pure, far from cynicism. But it is hard."

Siouxsie Sioux

Formed in 1976 to fill a space in Malcolm McLaren's international punk rock festival bill at London's 100 Club, Siouxsie Sioux and her band, the Banshees - including Sid Vicious of Sex Pistols fame - courted controversy over their 20-year career. Seen sporting bondage and fetish wear, criticism peaked when Siouxsie performed wearing swastika armbands. Probably best known for "Kiss Them For Me" and "This Wheels on Fire", Siouxsie spanned the Goth, punk and new wave looks and sounds.

DON'T MOCK GOTHS

Independent, The (London), Mar 21, 2006 by Ciar Byrne

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