Identification of problem.
Media misinformation about Goths leads to misconceptions about them in society. The result is a stereotyped and damaging image. .
Objectives.
As my research question, I want to find out why people move into the Gothic subculture. I also aim to find out who Goths really are, to investigate the Gothic identity and lastly to dispel myths surrounding Goths in society.
Importance of the research.
To allow society to realise that Goths aren't violent, evil, cult activists associated with Satan, as depicted in the media. They are in fact normal people, and such stereotypes can be extremely harmful. The research will allow people to see who Goths really are, as well as how they identify with each other through cultural symbols.
LITERATURE REVIEW.
Subculture.
A subculture is a number of people who share collective interests, practices, values, norms and attitudes that are unique to distinctive to, example, Goths. A subculture leads to the formation of a group identity (Haralambos & Holborn, 2000). Subcultures interact with the community through various symbols (such as dress or music). .
The Gothic culture is linked to style and attitude; the subculture is connected to frustration against society and a need for escapism (Dancing on Bela Lugosi's grave: the politics and aesthetics of Gothic club dancing, 1999).
.
Who are Goths?.
It appears members join in their teens, and then depending on the individual may leave when they reach their twenties. True Goths do not deliberately move into the culture, it is part of who they are. On Alicia Porter's website "A study of the Gothic subculture" (under "Are Goths a Gang", p.3) she refers to the website "There's Gothic and then there's GOTHIC", where a Goth depicted why they though youth want to identify with the subculture:.
"True Goth has less to do with the external appearance, and more to do with what's inside. Goths see the world as a darker place and like it that way.