Let’s Get Goth!
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
The gothic movement feels timeless and ancient, thanks to its complicated historical roots in architecture, lore, classic fiction, and music. Goth as we know it has become one of the longest-running subcultures, but it was not conceived until the late 1970s. Its distinct themes of horror and darkness are always relevant to humanity, and its enduring style is not likely to fade anytime soon. Let’s break down some aspects of the culture and see how it came to be.
Goth culture feels like it has been around for hundreds of years, due to other components that are attributed to the same aesthetic, even if they have nothing in common. Perhaps the strongest example of this effect is gothic architecture. Dating back to the 1100s, the Basilica of Saint-Denis marked the first building recognized in the architectural movement. Gothic architecture is undoubtedly beautiful and is characterized by tall, pointed arches, stained glass windows, flying buttresses, and rib vaults, along with fancy and ornate decorations. Even in the most gorgeous cathedrals and most powerful castles, there is something ominous in the design of these buildings.
Image Courtesy: Gothic Cathedral
Another early influence of the goth aesthetic in terms of look (and morbidity) was the vampire. Early depictions of vampires date all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman times, detailing children of the goddess Hecate drinking the blood of men. While the horror and darkness of these tales may have inspired some curious forward-thinkers, the gothic view of vampires did not come around until the late 1800s, with Bram Stoker’s iconic novel, Dracula. Pale-faced Dracula swept onto the scene with dark robes and pointed canines. He was an undeniably good monster, and he remains a huge influence on goth culture today, with there even being a subsection of the culture referred to as ‘vampire goth.’
Image Courtesy: Pop Culture's Vampire Goth Marilyn Manson
With the rise of gothic architecture in the 1100s and vampire iconography before the 20th century, it may come as a shock that goths, as we know them, were not a solidified group of people until the late 70s. And, while the term ‘goth’ evokes distinct images of the culture’s members, the true gothic spirit began with music. The band Joy Division helped popularize the movement with their dark music and aesthetic, and countless musical groups across the UK quickly followed, performing in a dark rocker venue in London referred to as “The Batcave.” The music’s darker, bass sounds often incorporated dramatic melodies and nihilistic lyrics to create its own, less heavy take on rock and punk movements of the time. And so, the anti-society and the anti-fashion movement grew and grew among young and old alike, until it became the long-running subculture we now know it as.
Image Courtesy: Joy Division
Although the goth aesthetic is foreboding, the goth community practices individuality and rebellion against corruption. They focus on equality among their members and are said to provide support and acceptance to each other. Finding beauty in darkness is far from evil and the culture will live on through this.
Strike Out,
Writer: Elissa Day
Editor: Breanna Tang
Graphic Designer: Samantha Lawless
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