Do you have a “Goth” in your life? Maybe he or she is a close friend, neighbor, a family member, or even the significant other. No matter whom they happen to be, the fact is that the day will come when you need to shop for them. Will you know what to get them when that day does come? Check out these tips on how to get to know your Goth a little better, thus making it easier to shop for them.
Shopping Should Be Simple, Right?
Most will find themselves saying, “Shopping for Goths should be easy, since all they want is something black and depressing.” This statement is mostly correct if you are listening to the public, since they have fit just about everyone into one stereotype or another. Many people think Gothic culture is all about dressing in black, melancholy music, depression, and suicide. While yes, many do conform to these specifics, these are what you would call a stereotypical Goth. In reality, true Goths do not necessarily fit any given stereotypes.
True Goths, while usually dressing in some black, they typically add a splash of color to everything. For example, true Goths wear black pants and a white or red top. On the other hand, they might wear an all black pantsuit with some kind of pink or other colored accents and trim. Another example is the music Goths listen to; stereotypical Goths usually listen to only dark, sinister sounding death metal, since that is what they are supposed to listen to; however, a true Goth listens to anything that they want, even Hip-Hop, if that is what they like.
The thing is, Goth isn’t about the clothes they wear or the music they listen to, it is about expressing themselves without conforming to what other people want, period. It just so happens that most Goths like wearing black; I know I do.
What are the Differences?
Real differences between true and stereotypical Goths are not necessarily the way they dress, or the music they listen to, but instead, the real differences include philosophy and views on life. These are the most important aspects as well, because of the implications on a person’s mental state.
Most stereotypical Goths become Goths simply because it is the thing to do at the time, or it is the best way to get the attention they need or the best way to fit into a crowd. Consider that stereotypical Goths are looking for ways to get people to notice them, and will go to almost any length to get attention. However, when they get the long-awaited attention, they pretend to hate it and, depending on what they were doing to get the attention, continue their antics, which can become more than harmful. In some cases, these Goths are depressed, and some may even resort to attempting suicide or cutting themselves to get this attention.
However, a true Goth is not necessarily looking for attention, but will shun the attention they get because it is their way of life to do so; however, some true Goths love attention, but because it is genuine attention.
The biggest difference is that true Goths do not choose the lifestyle, they grow into it because it is simply who they are without trying. Goths are not afraid to stand up for what we believe in, and we refuse to follow the crowd. Being Goth is a lifestyle, not a fashion choice. True Goths are not afraid to like what they like, no matter what anyone says or how they act.
What’s the Secret?
The secret to shopping for a Goth is knowing who that person really is. It may not seem like it now, but knowing these things can make shopping for a Goth easier. Are you wondering how? Being able to determine the difference between a stereotypical Goth and a true Goth is crucial information. It will tell you exactly why they do what they do and what they would want. For example, if you are shopping for a stereotypical Goth you might want to buy them all black. However, if you are shopping for a true Goth, then by all means, buy that hot pink shirt, he or she will appreciate it.
Little does anyone know, though, but there is a secret to targeted Goth shopping and, with the new information, one little detail is always overlooked; whether you are shopping for a stereotypical or true Goth, talk to him or her. Ask what he or she wants, it is that simple. Doing this makes life a simpler for both of you, guaranteed. For stereotypical Goths, talking to him or her might mean the difference between an attempt at suicide, and a nice night watching television in some cases. Talking to the Goth in your life will also foster their respect and trust in you.
All a Goth wants – all anyone wants – is respect and understanding. Talking to the Goth in your life lets them know that you respect what they think. It also shows that you are making an effort to understand them, their culture and way of life, instead of fitting them into a stereotypical view.
