WARNING: This article contains little to no shock value. Those seeking a thrill at the expense of the truth, please move on to the nearest tabloid stand. This is an article containing only the truth about a group of people whose "clique" has existed since the mid 19th century and remains the longest standing social group ever. Their ranks have included people such as Mary Shelley, the author of the classic Frankenstein, and the poet Lord Byron. With their pale faces, and elaborate dress, these people carried a kind of tradition through the centuries. This tradition has survived through many changes, advances in technology and disasters. Now it faces the greatest crisis ever. Suddenly these people have been shoved into the limelight and asked to explain themselves. Then they are condemned when the answers are not satisfactory. Although I didn't have to do much research just write what came from my heart, I did find some information from some real people online. For those who still may not know what these people call themselves, these people are Goths. According to the Gage Canadian Dictionary the word "Goth" means: an uncivilized person, a barbarian. This word originates back to the third, fourth and fifth centuries when a Germanic tribe who called themselves Visigoths overran the Roman Empire and settled in Eastern and Southern Europe. The adjective "gothic" was later used to describe medieval architecture, characterized by its pointed arches and steep roofs. In the years after that, it was used in reference to a style of literature, often pertaining to the supernatural or the grotesque, in a medieval and romantic setting of sensual dark beauty and perfection within the darkness. What does this word have to do with the people who have adopted it? Honestly, not much. Aside from the fascination with antiquity and a liking of the supernatural, the Goth personality does not fit the word. Often, Goths are very quiet and artistic people. Many write poetry, novels, paint or act. Many are interested in computers and technology (this explains the astounding Goth presence on the internet). They are often quite respectful and most will not say anything negative unless they are approached in that manner first. Even in that situation some still fall back on their quiet nature and wait for the ordeal to be over. Though most strive to be polite and non-offensive, harassment is a common part of every day life for Goths. Why do people take to harassing Goths? If they don't do anything to provoke people, then why are they constantly harassed and even physically beaten? This is where the misconceptions come in. There are many myths currently floating around about the Gothic Subculture, the first and foremost being their association with Marilyn Manson, and through him, Satanism. This is the myth that most Goths find appalling. I believe Marilyn Manson is an opportunist and a fake. He is acting as though he is going to change the world, when in fact he is only trying to gain publicity and make money. My opinion about him.. Is probably the same as many others. And it extends only as far as appreciating his music; he has talent and a good way of words. But only part of the time. What Manson, and people like him have created is an extremely distorted image of the Gothic Subculture. He revels in his hate for authority and religion; therefore bringing Satanic ties into his already bleak picture. His opinion on religion differs greatly from what most "Goths" believe. I believe that even those who don't believe in it should respect religion. On the other hand, I don't believe anyone of any religion should try to 'convert' another as well. No religion should be forced upon anyone, nor should one be criticized for the religious preference they have. The next stereotype to creep up is that of the vampire. Due to the way many Goths choose to dress, in Victorian or Edwardian style, the first impression is that of the immortal; one who has lived since those times; and therefore, still associates with the dress and culture of those times. Also people believe that all Goths either think they are a vampire or truly believe in vampires and that isn't true either, sure their might be the occasional delusional idiot but I've seen a lot of crazed Christians thinking they are Christ but that doesn't mean all Christians think that. I myself enjoy (vampires) as a metaphorical or literary object. I do not believe in them or believe myself to be one. I think people who do are foolish. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice if they did exist, and I'm not even going to go into what a real vampire would be like if they did but go research "Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles" but lets just say. They are FAR from evil demons. I have to say I am fond of vampires. What draws me to them is their immortality. I'm so afraid to die. This world is full of amazing things and amazing places, and I want a chance to experience it all. Do I sound like someone who wants to slit his or her wrists? Depression is also another stereotype that couldn't be further from the truth. When people picture Goths what they often see is the sullen, spoiled teenager, dressing constantly in black. According to this stereotype, Goths do nothing but cry over their own pitiful lives and wallow in their constant state of depression. Those who put on their black Levi's and mope around, never smiling, never talking except to say "I'm so depressed. Nobody loves me. I hate my life" and then (call themselves) Goth are just lame as fuck in my opinion. Depression is inevitable unless you close your eyes to the real world and just worry about the ads, TV commercials and MTV and all the other fake shit there is out there. But most are depressed in their preteen years. As they grew up, they grew out of that phase. Depression is common amongst teenagers as it is a transition period that most find difficult to handle. "So if they're not depressed, then why all the black?" It's easy to find matching clothes when you wear all black. It goes with everything. Then you don't have to sort your laundry :p All jokes aside, the dark clothing comes from the history of the Victorian Times, from which most of this culture originated. When the King passed away Queen Victoria went into mourning. She announced that the whole of society should follow her suit, resulting in an entire era of dressing in black dark gray and deep purples. The dark, rich fabrics of those times, such as velvet, satin, brocade and lace can still be found in Gothic Clothing stores. Despite the fact that many can be found wearing black, the Gothic Subculture is not about how you dress. Nor is it about your religion or even what kind of music you listen to. True Goth involves a philosophy; a way of living and being that has its roots deep inside a person's soul. Reveling in passions, life, and art. It is a concept of beauty. So much beauty in the world is hidden, waiting to be discovered and explored, but abhorred by most. Goth is the ability to find the art where art seems to be lacking, to find the light in the darkness and embrace it for all its worth. It's a mystery as to why people have the view on the Subculture that they do. Why should a whole group of people be deemed morbidly depressed delinquents by society when this couldn't be further from the truth? It all comes down to fear and ignorance. People fear what they don't understand. And that leads to ignorance. /quit - synthetic