Goth is nothing new it was around before, during and after my teen years, and is existing in full force today. Back in the 1980s I remember modern Goth as part of the punk-rock culture, which basically promoted the rejection of most societal values and anything considered normal. (The Sex Pistols, comes to mind.) As Goth slowly emerged out of the post-punk era, many of those punk followers became Goth, which appears to be the reason why there is such a wide variety of ages attracted to the Goth lifestyle.

So where did the term Goth come from? Well, in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, the word "goth" is defined as, "1. A style of rock music that often evokes bleak, lugubrious imagery. 2. A performer or follower of this style of music." along with an Etymology: "From Gothis (from a view of Gothic styles or genres as dark or gloomy)" Sorry, but I had to look up lugubrious....it means " mournful, dismal or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree. That's a good one, I will have to try and use that word today!

Back in the day, I had friends who were Goth and I felt that they were very misunderstood. Today, I have a daughter who has Goth friends and it seems little has changed. Many Goth kids are stereotyped as dark and satanistic, not normal or weird, all of which is highly inaccurate. For younger kids in particular (preteen, early teens), this is more than likely not the case. Many young kids are into it for what they see as a cool look, or to follow in their friends footsteps, or they like the music, etc. Parents relax, Goth for young teens is more often than not, is just a fashion statement, just a passing phase, part of teenage rebellion.

There are so many different levels of Goth and such a wide variety of people who are into the Goth lifestyle, that defining what some label as a subculture is impossible. Everyone's opinion will vary when questioned on the subject. People who are into Goth usually tend to be highly intelligent, free thinking and creative. However, as with any other group, or labeled society, there are some exceptions. Because many Goths have the characteristic of being nonjudgmental and not being very prejudiced, they are more open to exploring subjects that might be considered off-limits in normal society. Just what is normal society anyway? Do yourself a favor and just take the time to listen with an open mind, to what a Goth kid, teen, or adult has to say - you might find it very intriguing and enlightening.