“goth on the inside”
We’ve been talking subculture in my Sociology of Deviance class. You know how when a subcultural element diffuses into the mainstream, there’s that feeling of let-down for those within the subculture? It’s the let-down of “that was mine, damn it!” Dr. Blazak was telling us that there are two responses to this: a) abandon the subculture; b) invent a new element that’s more “hardcore” and thus less likely to diffuse. This is how those elements that were once shocking become so tame and passe over time; they diffuse into the mainstream and thus must be “topped”.
What’s happened with me with the goth thing is neither a nor b. I like to say I’m “goth on the inside” because I’ve always considered the most important element of the subculture to be the romanticism and existentialism and sense of unplaceable ache.
The look, while fun to put on from time to time, has always been secondary. The feeling (and affinity for the music that reflects it) is what’s crucial. Those of us in our late 20’s and older who have experience inside the gothic sulculture can often recognize others with a certain sensibility who may not put on the look. Quite simply, most of the coolest people I’ve known are goths: intelligent, clever, resiliant, real, creative, and fun as hell to be around.
(Oh, and kiddies? Evanescence is *not* goth music.)