You are not a god-damned vampire (but those guys may be)...
Considerations of a Writer on the state of "Goth" culture in respects to the image of the classic immortal homage in contrast to the modern imagery.
Disclaimer: The following is an opinionated view of what has become of "Gothic Culture" so if you were looking for vampire lore of some kind you are in the wrong place. The term "Vampire" is used as a parody to the modern view. =End Disclaimer=
First I would like to say I have had more than enough fun back in my Jr. High and High School days of playing RPGs. Hell, I even made one. Back then there was a company known as White Wolf (still exists but their games have been filled with "Carebears" and "Feel Guys") that produced dark, moody, dramatic, RPGs that would make satire of cliches but also introduced people to cultures and underground movements that were otherwise only seen on the "Late Night MTV Special" from the 80s (who, by the way, actually TRIED to label such movements as weird and irregular). These were games like "Vampire the Masquerade, Wraith, Werewolf, Hunter, Mage, Demon" and the like. Then, in the 90s, we had shows like "Kindred the Embraced", "Forever Knight", and movies like "Interview with a Vampire", countless "Dracula" knockoffs, "Blade", and "Buffy". What we also had to content with was the rise of the "Other-kin" Pseudo-religious movement. Currently if you look at goth clubs you'll see all types. People who work an image, people who pose as something else, people who WANNABE something else, then the people who actually break out into hives in the sun and eat rare meat because it invigorates us...
Now being friends with some people in the "Gothic" community has given me a clear view on what it means to be burdened with a stigma. It's a lifestyle outside the norm but in it's own way a standard, be it, common viewpoint. You've got 3 kinds of people (at the core. There are others that claim to be mixes of the three but it's rather their attempt to stand out in a sea of black, red, gold, and silver):
The Goth: We know them. They are the true tribute to the image of night draped in the traditional black. They are the actors and the artists of shadow. They are those who bask in the dim cool of moonlight and feel most alive after the sun goes down. They are the cultural movement that says "Cast aside your color as tribute to those who can't" and in a sense pay homage to those who are no longer with us. They can't be defined beyond their actions for their nature has been in cultures worldwide before they were a modern movement.
The Goth: We know them. They are the true tribute to the image of night draped in the traditional black. They are the actors and the artists of shadow. They are those who bask in the dim cool of moonlight and feel most alive after the sun goes down. They are the cultural movement that says "Cast aside your color as tribute to those who can't" and in a sense pay homage to those who are no longer with us. They can't be defined beyond their actions for their nature has been in cultures worldwide before they were a modern movement.
The Pretender: These are the people that live the "Lifestyle" as more of a fashion statement. When considering macabre or the darkness of fear they shirk. You'll recognize them with their lack of respect and constant "Baby-doll" attitude while treating the local culture as a "Popularity Contest". The quote I have been given is "There are a few at every party, club, meeting, convention." -R.T. and have witnessed it myself. Despite "Looking the part" they are not. Giving too much thought to them gives them credit where it is not due.
The Silent: I've been told I fall into this category. These are the folks that know the lifestyle, that enjoy the company, that enjoy the people and pay their best mutual respects without adorning themselves in the black thread or wear. The theme of "Respect my choices and I will respect yours" becomes a mutual thing. Most of "The Silent" are what goths call "Closet goths" as both a term of endearment and sign that some feel they're not committed like them while The Pretenders will say "Is this your first time? You must be new here. -insert remark about not fitting in and being in the wrong place while wearing clashing fishnets and beads-!" in an effort to discredit your image while boosting their own... while they rant and rave that Combichrist is awesome and how they "Hate that guys boots but mine from Hot Topic are so shweeay".
Conclusion: There are different types of Goths. Some are there for the culture while others are there for the people and others are there for themselves. Quantifying them makes them easier to recognize but the depths of their devotion to the image differ depending on the person. Then there are some people "The Otherkin" who think there are Vampire-Werewolf-Demon-Angel-Pixies born into the body of a human who hate red meat and have no such aversion to the sun or religious iconography.... that's a story for another day.
Last few words: I enjoy the culture and people. I myself am allergic to the sun as mentioned earlier and seem to feel empowered by eating rare red meats. I found that many others in the "lifestyle" share my plight and empowerment so I tend to identify with them more than say the Rock-a-billys or the "Raver Kids". In the end though I love everybody but the snarky people... and that should give you an idea as to what kind of things I've endured delving into this culture! SPOOKY!
The Silent: I've been told I fall into this category. These are the folks that know the lifestyle, that enjoy the company, that enjoy the people and pay their best mutual respects without adorning themselves in the black thread or wear. The theme of "Respect my choices and I will respect yours" becomes a mutual thing. Most of "The Silent" are what goths call "Closet goths" as both a term of endearment and sign that some feel they're not committed like them while The Pretenders will say "Is this your first time? You must be new here. -insert remark about not fitting in and being in the wrong place while wearing clashing fishnets and beads-!" in an effort to discredit your image while boosting their own... while they rant and rave that Combichrist is awesome and how they "Hate that guys boots but mine from Hot Topic are so shweeay".
Conclusion: There are different types of Goths. Some are there for the culture while others are there for the people and others are there for themselves. Quantifying them makes them easier to recognize but the depths of their devotion to the image differ depending on the person. Then there are some people "The Otherkin" who think there are Vampire-Werewolf-Demon-Angel-Pixies born into the body of a human who hate red meat and have no such aversion to the sun or religious iconography.... that's a story for another day.
Last few words: I enjoy the culture and people. I myself am allergic to the sun as mentioned earlier and seem to feel empowered by eating rare red meats. I found that many others in the "lifestyle" share my plight and empowerment so I tend to identify with them more than say the Rock-a-billys or the "Raver Kids". In the end though I love everybody but the snarky people... and that should give you an idea as to what kind of things I've endured delving into this culture! SPOOKY!
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