How TikTok RUINED the Goth Subculture 🚫
How TikTok ruined the goth subculture🚫:
Lack of diversity:
the idea of goth has became a blob of people looking exactly the same and wearing the exact same outfits.
the entire point of being goth is to set yourself apart and be different and now it feels like nobody wants to try new things and be unique.
goths that do actually try their best to stand out never get the amount of recognition as the new oversaturated goth stereotype. apart from that it’s a common stereotype for goths to be white/pale which isn’t the case when most goths in the 80s never wore white face paint and just did dramatic makeup.
this negative stereotype has caused a lot of goth poc to feel excluded or like they don’t fit in because there’s a lack of push towards goth poc the same way that white/whitepassing poc are pushed online.
which has also lead a lot of goth poc to receive a lot of hateful comments telling them that they will never be goth because goth is white. we as a community can help break this negative stereotype and help push more goth poc in the scene!!
as well as recognize the influences that poc have made on the subculture itself as goth music is directly influenced by black music such as “bela lugusi is dead” by bauhaus as they themselves have stated that Jamaican dub & reggae inspired the song which has sense become a staple in goth music to this day. as well as black musicians like screaming jay hawkins pushing the boundaries and pioneering shock rock🦇.
Lack of morals:
it seems a lot of people have forgotten that goth is a political subculture and that it is a derivative of punk.
meaning that you cannot be goth and also have bigoted political beliefs.
people often forget that and think that listening to goth music = goth when there’s so much more to it. you cannot enjoy goth music and still not be goth if you don’t do anything to actually partake in the subculture like supporting local & smaller artists as-well as helping to draw attention to serious political issues that effect us all.
anti-racism/homophobia/transphobia/establishment/consumerism/capitalism etc are all big parts of the subculture that are often overlooked.
plenty of “goth” creators will collaborate with fast fashion brands and others will publicly post against fast fashion and mock them instead of promoting sustainable alternatives to people who aren’t educated on ethical consumption. instead people should be pushing and promoting different ways for people to shop sustainably and ethically and promote secondhand, thrifting and diy products to people as a way to reduce consumption like depop/mercari/vinted/etsy etc
The goth subculture, often misunderstood, has deep roots in diversity and politics. With its origins linked to punk culture, goth has historically encompassed a variety of voices, including those of people of color. TikTok's portrayal risks oversimplifying the aesthetic, leading to an erasure of unique identities. Many creators on TikTok present a narrow view of goth, reinforcing stereotypes that limit who can participate in this vibrant community. This can alienate goths of various backgrounds, negating the contributions of artists and musicians from diverse heritages. The inclusion of punk's anti-establishment ethos—anti-racism, anti-homophobia, and environmental consciousness—is crucial. By embracing sustainable practices through secondhand shopping and DIY culture, the goth community can reclaim its political roots and foster a more inclusive environment. Moreover, it's essential to recognize that the goth scene has always been shaped by various musical influences, particularly from black artists. Songs like 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' by Bauhaus are reminders of the genre's eclectic origins intertwined with reggae and dub. A broader understanding and appreciation for these contributions can help reshape the narrative and encourage a richer, more inclusive goth culture that values individuality over conformity. By addressing these issues, the community can thrive, ensuring that the goth subculture remains a unique, expressive haven for all its members.
