The 4 phases of a true Goth
	Phase One:  Kinderbat- Every single person who has ever claimed to be goth has gone through this phase.  We may not be proud of it, but imagine it is like High School.  This would be freshman year.  We all know that Seniors picked on the freshman, and as we grew, we learned.  When we became Seniors, we treated the freshmen like we were treated at that phase of our lives.  The phases of goth are not much different than that. Kinderbats are new to the scene, and these little ones have a lot to do, like trying to prove that they are not the mallrat goths you see linguring around Hot Topic in poorly done eyeliner.  Sure, they may not know much about the music, and may think that Manson is about as Uber as they come, but given time, guidance, and a good dose of experience, these little gothlings can soon move on to phase two. Phase Two:  Goth- Once the gothling has learned more about the music, subculture, history and fashion, and has stopped hanging out with the mallrats, they are Goth.  Still at risk of being criticized by other goths and elders, they must remain true to themselves and try not to follow fads, and thus move on to phase three. Phase Three: Uber-Goth- These are probably the coolest goths out there; the club-goers, the partiers, the hard-core.  They continuously dress goth, no matter what the occassion, and their make-up is unique and very well done.  Clothing style is more extravagent than other goths, mainly influenced by Victorian-period clothing, or Cyber-influenced garb.  They know a lot about the subculture as a whole, and shun fads and the mainstream.  Many gothlings will stay in this phase for a very long time, until they feel they have out grown it, thus moving on to the final phase. Phase Four:  Elder-Goth- These are the granddaddies and grandmommies of the gothlings.  They are the ones who have "been there and done that" and are better than you because of it.  They are the wise ones, and love to flaunt it.  They sometimes may not dress like their gothic peers, but that does not mean they are not gothic to the core.
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