What Is Goth And What Is "goth"?

[AntiHero]

Much like several other things in life there is no black and white, only a gray area. I was thinking about wardrobe and what I could put together then got to thinking: Don't stores like Hot Topic basically sell Goth clothing in a can? I will admit there are some accessories I will purchase from such a store, but no real substantial article of clothing, but I've started to see stores like that as kind of a slap in the face. I see mainstream and a bunch of posers trying to look like they belong amongst a small group that is usually viewed as outcasts. I'm kind of seeing people profiting off of little conformist fags who want to spend money on the same outfit so they can look different. Now you can see the same strapped, and grommeted pair of black shorts on the racks in several different sizes.

I guess I am on kind of a rant but, do the Hot Topic stores kind of piss anybody else off? Does anybody go try to dredge up outfits from thrift stores? Does anybody else modify, dye, sew, rip, cut, etc. any of their outfits? Kind of wondering where others stand on this issue. Where is your gray area? What do you consider Goth, and "Goth"? Where/When do you draw your lines on who's a poser and who's the real mcCoy? I'd love to hear peoples thoughts on this.

I guess my first paragraph didn't make much sense, but I'll leave it up anyway. More words, makes me look I know what I'm talking about.

[BrassFusion]

ok, who doesn't already know how I feel on the subject, lol...

but dressing "goth" doesn't seem to be about hardship, like finding clothing in a trashcan and putting pins through it. from my observation, it's simply about style. i honestly don't understand the difference between buying corsets and trenchcoats off eBay and buying similar products at hot topic. so buying stuff from hot topic ensures you'll see someone else wearing the same garment at the club... so what? the only reason that happens is because hot topic is a sort of retail niche. there just aren't as many mass-produced "goth" clothes available in other stores.

and what's wrong with mass produced and convenient vs. mass produced but local to somewhere else and bought off ebay? if i think it looks good, if i think i look good in it, if i have fun wearing it, i don't care if someone else has the same outfit as i do.

p.s., i actually don't shop for clothes at hot topic, but not because it's "poser" or "conformist," it's just expensive as all hell. =D i HAVE on rare occassion had a "twinsie" experience, in clothes i found at other specialty retail shops... it happens.

[DeadBurgerKing (10)]

Does appearance really matter when it comes to being a "poser" or "goth"? I think it's personality that determines being "goth". I know some deep and very dark "preps". In essence these "preps" in appearance could be "goth" by personality. Clothes don't really determine one's personality...hence the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover". I buy stuff at hot topic when I get the money specificly for the easy access. I'm sure there are others who do the same, not for the trend. Though I have to admit it gnaws on my nerves when I ask the clerk if I can see there bangles and they have no idea what I'm talking about, thus, I have to lower my vocabulary to meet their understanding and refer to actualy bangles as "bracelets"...arrrgh...

[AntiHero]

Wasn't thinking about that Brassfusion, Deadburgerking. I was on a bit of a rant there. I apologize.

[Homicidalheathen]

I miss the old days. It wasn't called goth it was called punk. Going to thrift stores and making your own clothes by sewing a bit here, cutting a bit there....even dying. (which is much harder than it sounds.)

It was about non conformity as in not putting money into the hands of some large corporation....

But I also talk to pagan goths into the whole less is better for the earth, recycle thing and they like buying used for eco reasons....sorta the same thing.

The problem is, its hard to find something that looks really good that is affordable.

[TygerLili]

Goth is whatever you want it to be!

Honestly, if you are familiar with the scene and culture, I don't really think it matters what you wear. If I wear all black one day, and all yellow the next, does that change who I am or what I know?

[DeadBurgerKing (10)]

Wasn't thinking about that Brassfusion, Deadburgerking. I was on a bit of a rant there. I apologize.

It's understandable...please call me DBK

[Onyx]

I always giggle a bit when people get pissed off about someone shopping at Hot Topic.

I buy whatever I want from wherever I want, and I shop occasionally at Hot Topic (on sale since the quality is low) and at thrift stores and JC Penney and Sears too. You can find gothy stuff anywhere. It's just a matter of looking.

Personally I admire anyone who can do their own alterations and deconstruct and remake clothes. I just do not have the time. It can eat up a whole day for me since my sewing skills are nonexistant.

I especially like to shop when I'm out of town since I can usually find things I can't get in this small town I'm stuck in.