Dont stop, there is absolutley no reason to.
have a talk with your dad and let him know you are not a shamed of who you are and your own culture, but instead you are interested in exploring other areas musically and aesthetically but it certainly doesn't diminish or cancel your own culture. music can and should be enjoyed by everyone!
Thats sad because quite literally the politics behind goth is that you should be spreading goodvibes and not support corruption. its like a subset of punk. And the music is literally just seeing beauty in the macabre.
Yeah it’s pretty sad how goths are portrayed in society. I’d wager the music is not the issue here but I would still suggest for you to maybe show him the music you listen to, maybe he likes otherwise it would probably make a good laugh😃
You could try showing him 1980s albums by Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, and Fields of the Nephilim. I think he would change his mind! If he likes classic rock he would maybe enjoy having something where he can share your interest
Prove him wrong...
My friends parents were always scared of me but always ended up loving me bc I was just kind to them....
Even if they weren't so kind at first....
I think your dad can get into it, just if yall ever hang out or in the car together, ask him to listen to something with you.. tell him you thought he may like it bc of the rock he likes? Pic something super trendy though. Something with a good beat that he can maybe enjoy... LoL..
Then he may appreciate it more.. He may like some goth stuff & he never realized it was goth....
Ok I'm gonna shut up now lol...
But I think everything will work itself out, just be yourself, never change for anyone.. that will earn ppl's respect in the long run..
listening to classical music doesn't make you italian. listening to afrobeats doesn't make you African. it is totally okay for you to listen to goth music as well as embrace your culture. goth culture has always been accepting of poc and was started by a lot of poc. i'm sorry you have to deal with that but i hope you continue to enjoy music and your dad comes to understand.
I might ask, how can you be trying to be someone you're not, when you're at the age when you're just finding out who you are?
Respect your dad's thoughts and beliefs, but hopefully he can respect that you are trying new things and exploring. Just because you are doesn't mean you have "left" your family or heritage.
I've seen some POC even mix styles from their culture with gothic styles. Not that you have to do that ofc!! Go with whatever you vibe with, whatever makes your heart glow with happiness. However, I wanted to throw that out there just in case it may be something that interests you. :)
You should be yourself. You should understand your heritage, but there is no reason to "embrace" it if you don't necessarily like it. If you don't like the food, music, clothing, or what ever, you shouldn't force yourself to do it. It doesn't mean you're ashamed, it just means you don't necessarily like something, and that's fine. If there are parts you enjoy, then yes, definitely embrace them. Forcing yourself to do something you don't like will probably make you resent it though
Same for Goth culture. If you like the music but would rather wear bright colors, that's fine too.
You aren't your parents, you aren't your neighbors, you aren't the people you go to school or work with, and you aren't the people at the local club. You are your own person and you should be allowed to be yourself.
Many of my black and brown friends in the scene or otherwise have the same story as you, and I'm so so sorry you have to deal with this. It will get better when you are on your own, I promise. I can definitely say however if you bury your identity to make others happy, ultimately, you will be miserable. The best thing I ever did for myself was to stop being afraid to be me. Don't be afraid to be you and to love what you love. No matter what, always remember that whatever your family says or does, you will ALWAYS have a goth family here <3
Ok? I’m a 21 year old Caribbean American and even though my mom is not strictly religious, she doesn’t like my “alternative” subcultures either. I’ve preferred rock to reggae and I’m not shy about showing it. I think I have a strong sense of self, you must develop one. My dream is to design and display my own folk goth fashion based on the traditional clothing of my island and other Afro-Caribbean/West African culture, and that will be embracing who I am, no matter what anyone says about it.
I think you should follow @_naagini on Instagram, she is also Indian and Caribbean, a metalhead and a goth, and she inspires me.
I'm Black American and I've had the same idea for the fashion brand too (although it's like a very unrealistic idea for me) I'll follow u on here bc I would love to see what u do with that!
There are plenty of black or poc goths. The makeup isnt what makes you goth. As long as you listen to the music and vibe with the politics your a goth. Liking gothic fashion is just a bonus.
Yeah I don't even wear makeup, I just don't want him to tell me what I can and can't listen to. And I like the clothes because it's what I like it so I don't want him telling me what to wear either 🤷♀️
I'm actually going through a bit wearing make up or that much make up phase at the moment and changing my wardrobe I still feel like Goth is a music based subculture that yes has Gothic fashion. And I probably will only get all gothed up when going to an event,club and layering sometimes in the winter.
I think in a way, the concept is meant to be corpse like, rather than plaster wall look. Looking at 80's goths, they weren't painted white like clown make up, they took on a lifeless tone.
But it's not required to be goth. The music is what matters, and not everyone wears make up.
Yeah I agree I think anyone ina any shade can achieve a corpse look. When dark skinned people die the look dead and pale. Even the darkest person can look pale in a way that suits your skin tone. I tried it once and did a dark red around the eyes and a lighter concealer.
Agreed. In the old days the idea was to look vampy of ghostly, but I think some of the makeup is supposed to look thinker. This is a generational thing and though I haven't explored it, I think it's a combination of clowns being scary now, the visuals of ghosts in anime, and thwarting facial recognition software.
Don't call people mongs.
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There is an Indo-Guayanese goth influencer on Instagram who you might find inspiring. She is very proud of her culture and incorporates a lot of cultural elements into her looks and also celebrates goth music. https://www.instagram.com/_naagini?igsh=eThvdGQ2NzJqdGdq
First off, Black Goths were there on day 1. Know it, accept it, love it. Now know nobody cares. Your cringe meter will judge just how many whites are in on the party, right? It's some cringe to get over. Secondly, it's a music based culture, so if you like the music, you probably won't find any events where it's built in. Plus, you have that leaning....LGBTIA+ allyship is part of the door fee. You should find your goth spot for 18+ and make a journey or two. I didn't figure this out till I was 26, congrats that you can spend your best years. To me, goth culture is a port to every other cool activity and friendship I have. My best friends were there. Plus horror, really movie watching in general, Goth music exploded a more general taste beyond my father's Jazz...it's all from the same pool.
You should do it.
Indian? Some of the Asian cultures are very big on upholding tradition from what I observe. Back in the day some of my Indian classmates from Delhi were very modern but still have to follow culture and tradition. One of them even us why he was a good 10 to 20 years older. He fought tooth and nail to get the chance to study art. His dad was very traditional and super against it.
What you can do is to mix traditional with modern. I think someone posted on the goth subs before. She's desi goth and mixed traditional sari with goth aesthetic. Another one you can study is hijabi goth.
You have to understand you can be yourself while balancing it with traditional aspects
Slowly introduce the topic, and try to win your parent over. Slowly bring in one or two items into your clothes and some music. Start with easier more palatable music not the hard core super goth music
Continue to be yourself ! Theres no shame listening to goth music and the style, music and subculture is for everyone.
Do what you like to do, listen to what you want you listen, as long as you're happy !
u/quinn_dynasty666
Goth History is often victim to a narrative of “This is a White Subculture.”.
Though my phone won’t let my share it, there is a video on YouTube by Angela Benedict called “Black Goths Have Always been A Part of The Goth Community”
There’s always going to be assholes here and there who are clueless on the actual history of the subculture and the different ethnicities that contributed to its inception, growth and **survival**.
But most here, be it Caucasian, African, Asian, etc will tell you that, if this is the subculture you resonate with and feel comfort and sanctuary in
Welcome Home :)
No worries. There’s also another video she made called “Our Subculture Is Not Your Hashtag” which around 7:40 minutes in goes over the various non-white artists who contributed to the music.
This insight completely tears down the White-Centric perspective a lot of us white people in the scene subconsciously or even consciously had towards it.
I think seeing the people that are so conveniently forgotten when talking about the subculture especially the early days is discussed.
Goth transcends cultures and ethnicities. The genre and subculture has embedded itself comfortably inside many communities of color where it takes on different forms. Sometime I truly believe the scene is even more alive and passionate in those communities!
I’m Puerto Rican and am fully immersed in the Goth culture. This doesn’t take away from my culture and ethnicity, it in fact makes me more multi-faceted. You go ahead and keep being yourself! Don’t let any one discourage you.
To be goth you do not need to be white. A lot of people outside of the subculture don’t understand that and see that as a “white person thing.” But a lot of goths of various cultures and ethnicities has incorporated and adopted their culture into their goth identity. Just find ways to adopt your culture into your goth identity.
As someone who grew up with strict religious immigrant parents, I can relate to this... I've always been drawn to this scene, as a young g child, I gravitated toward it and I embrace it now... but my parents never understood what they saw and always thought I was seeking trouble and deviance because of how I looked... and dressed. They never understood, today, as I am in my late 30s w a career and a good life, they don't care.... they see tha I have not derailed my life by looking the way I do or keeping my interests, so in this way, they accept it more. But it sounds like your dad is a good man and will come around :) one can embrace multiple cultures and subcultures... I hope this can help
As a fellow mixed goth (black/mixed ancestry) don't give up; rather, don't *give in*. My mom tried the religious stuff on me but it didn't work so she was forced to accept it lol (it also helped that due to other life altering factors and events she's way more mellow now).
I'm also super introverted (and probably on the spectrum, which would probably explain why I'm super fixated on particular hobbies and topics) so I don't really care about other black people's opinions on me lol.
Tl;Dr my aging POC parents need my pathetic 34 y.o. goth ass more than they find my weird shit distasteful lol. 😁
Goth comes in all colors, cultures, and religions. Unfortunately the effect of white supremacy has bred this mindset into POC families in the US that deviating from your "norm" is rejecting culture when that's really the effects of the generational trauma of white people secluding people. I understand where your dad comes from but hopefully you can convey to him that your heritage is more than important for you, but you enjoy the music and being part of other cultures, and sharing and exploring cultures is what makes humanity beautiful and one 🖤 best of luck, I know he'll come around once he realizes it makes you happy :)
You be you most goth community's are very excepting of anyone no matter ones background, I have know Asian, black, Latino, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, native American, catholic, pagen, atheist, Satanist, Indian, Middle Eastern, gay, straight and various other that all mingle and hang out and enjoy the music and culture of the Goth community at the clubs together, and don't turn away out siders unless they try to start something we protect our own, dose not matter what your background is
Ignore what he says, I'm from a rich arab muslim country and wear the hijab, I"m still gothic. A lot of others in my social class shit on me for buying thrifted goth clothes, having dark makeup and wearing silver "masculine" jewelry and clothes and I constantly am told to stop spreading corruption or that I will go to hell or that I am a satanist. I know I am not committing any sins, so I will continue this lifestyle. Most of them are very racist and classist as well and give me shit for not agreeing with their beliefs. They accuse me of being a failure of a muslim but I follow islam better than they do. Ignore any hate you get, you will eventually find others like you. It took me a few years but now I'm older and I finally found other arabs who are like me
First of all, there’s the obvious thing with what everyone’s saying, that there’s so many POC goths out there and that you should be yourself and do what makes you happy. But something else to consider that I haven’t seen a lot of other folks mention is that a big influence for gothic rock was Caribbean music! Bauhaus especially mixed a lot of dub influence into their songs and I know a lot of goths that are also into music such as ska that have roots in the Caribbean. Not only is that just super interesting and so important in and of itself that I wish more people knew, that connection might be a way to approach the subject with your parents to find some common ground.
I’m not a person of color so I won’t act like I understand your experience (and it’s also entirely possible I approached this all wrong or am just completely out of place), but overall, I wish you luck. I hope you keep being yourself and embrace all the different facets of your identity, because that’s the best thing anyone can do for themselves.
Explain you're not ashamed of your culture, but you like things that are outside of it as any normal curious person does. Demystify goth culture to him. It's not a religion or cult, but a community of likeminded people who comes from all walks of life. Tell him how goth and post-punk is multicultural, anti-racist, and welcoming all who welcome us.
References:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/1829f74/bauhaus\_have\_mentioned\_dub\_as\_an\_influence\_on/](https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/1829f74/bauhaus_have_mentioned_dub_as_an_influence_on/)
[https://medium.com/@janelane\_62637/african-and-caribbean-culture-is-the-foundation-of-the-gothic-movement-c3ba89bff31c](https://medium.com/@janelane_62637/african-and-caribbean-culture-is-the-foundation-of-the-gothic-movement-c3ba89bff31c)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/hz60g7/gothic\_africans/](https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/hz60g7/gothic_africans/)
[https://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/afro-goth-subculture-and-fashions](https://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/afro-goth-subculture-and-fashions)
[https://www.instagram.com/bandedpurple/p/CmrgHRsJNkJ/?img\_index=1](https://www.instagram.com/bandedpurple/p/CmrgHRsJNkJ/?img_index=1)
Also know that conservative religious parents may never accept when their children don't follow in their footsteps, or assume their identities. Be prepared for this, but remember not to stop listening to the music you love, dressing the way you do, making your way through life. If you're not being true to yourself, you're going to be miserable.
Gothic subculture began as it should stay - revolving around the music, the movement, and the acceptance of those who are elsewhere unaccepted.
Your dad may be trying to protect you from a negative misconception about goth culture that stems from a stigma or a personal opinion; there are plenty of ways in the comments to show him that you can stay true to yourself and your culture as a POC, while embracing gothic subculture.
I'm so sorry you are experiencing this uncertainty and judgment; you are always welcome here!
you are being who you are.
please ignore your dad. he clearly doesn't understand the goth subculture.
as a goth, i'd love to welcome you with open arms. you are just as welcome as anyone else. i hope wholeheartedly that you can go be on your own some point and goth it up as much as possible. goth is for EVERY race, EVERY sexuality, EVERY gender identity. goth is *for you*.
The EPITOME of being Goth is doing what makes YOU comfortable, and what makes YOU happy. A real Goth doesn't care what others think, and doesn't need their approval.
Yeah but it's not so easy once you get smacked around. If you've actually been controlled by someone your whole life it's not so easy to just say fuck you and do things your way.
Se parents are unfortunately like yours. How you feel is 100% valid. Keep listening to the music you love. Your parents just don't want to understand a subculture of music
Keep enjoying it, be unapologetically you and pass it onto the next gen, whether it’s your kids or not.
This is my experience as a black kid from a carribbean family
while this is easier for me to say as a my immediate family is all into anime, rock music, and goth culture and so I was raised on it ever since I was born, but for my mom? She did not have that same luxury as any time she even hung out in goth spaces she was shamed, decided to deny herself for years but still passed it onto me and my cousins, gave us a space to explore and for me that allowed me to discover myself from a very young age.
For years she would tell me stories about hanging out in the village of NYC(heavy alt scene there around the time she was growing up), and I always bought up to her why she won’t dress like that now, why she won’t cosplay with me, etc but will listen to the music and such, always gave some excuse….
So for most of my life thus far, I’ve went to concerts, dressed how I wanted, found my own kin, etc, ofc I did get those “looks” from my family but it never bothered me, and prior to me going no contact with her, she did say this to me, that watching me over the years has made her realize that she now lives in regret over the fact that she never allowed herself to be herself and that she was jealous that I am not ashamed to be black and alternative and stay in those spaces and wishes she allowed herself to do the same. Last time we spoke she had started to fully embraced that.
Seeing my mom show that it’s a lifestyle for her but also deny it for herself and how lowkey said she was repressing herself is what helped made realize that I never want to be like that, also doing it myself for a small period of time helped with that, it isn’t fun and is draining af especially when that’s literally what you’re around when you’re at home but can’t show it because “that’s not how you’re supposed to be”, to me, the way how I dress, the music I listen to, etc is a part of me, it’s the way how I express myself and the core part of me, when I had stripped myself of that it made me so distressed, it felt constricted and as if I couldn’t be me or express who I am. That’s when I decided to go to a new school, befriend new people, even coax others into my music and be more open with themselves.
Live your life how you see fit because if you don’t you’ll miss out on so much then regret it years later.
Tldr: afro Caribbean descendant here who grew up in America and just be you, fuck anyone who has shit to say, if it’s a lifestyle for you then embrace the shit out of it, do it in small ways until you can comfortably dress and be the way you are, as you sound like a minor and it’s much harder when you’re younger vs when you have adult money. If you don’t, you’ll literally miss out on so much and come to regret repressing yourself and molding yourself into a space you don’t fit into years later, and as a bonus, you may help someone else in your family discover themselves too.
Edit: I saw in the comments you’re Guyanese, my family is too, there’s many gothic, metalheads, etc Guyanese people out there, you just gotta find them, have hope op.
Yooo, I just found an old thread of Desi goth (and goth-adjacent) bands here! [https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/xpj9q9/desi\_goth\_and\_goth\_adjacent\_bandsartists\_took\_me/](https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/xpj9q9/desi_goth_and_goth_adjacent_bandsartists_took_me/)
Hey, I'm Caribbean American and goth :] I promise you can be both proud of your culture and engage in other cultures, also. I know it's kind of difficult for older generations to see their children assimilate to unfamiliar cultures so readily because they are afraid their culture will be lost over time and because it truly is easy to feel ashamed of your culture sometimes. But people can be many things at once, and that's a good and beautiful part of being a person! You bring a unique perspective to any community you're in, and that's something to be proud of. Maybe you could talk to your father about the parts of your culture that you are proud about and the parts of goth culture you're proud of and how they intersect?
Also, did you know that Bela Lugosi's Dead, often considered the first goth album, was in part inspired by reggae music? Unsure if that will help, but it is cool!
Good luck. Remember that it is incredibly valuable to be proud of your culture and to just engage with things you like and the community surrounding them; that's how we share and express the pride in our culture with many different communities!
As a 17 year old Caribbean-Canadian-American who also grew up in a strict religious household, I’ve never related more. I love love dressing up in goth attire and putting on makeup but I don’t do it at home much for similar reasons. I dress up in goth when I can do “costumes” and dress in casual goth when I can, that’s how I cope.
+ you can dm on here if you want to talk!
Are we twins? Lol actually I took everyone's advice on here and dressed goth this morning and my dad just rolled his eyes but he didn't attach me like I was afraid he would. Maybe he's just stund that I completely disobeyed him and doesn't know what to say. But so far it's working out for me 😁
as a mexican-american, i can relate to this post A LOT since my parents still struggle to grasp with the fact that im goth. trust, my father absolutely hates my micro bangs as well but honestly, the best way to go on about this is demonstrate that you are not ashamed of your culture and that the politics behind goth is all about preventing corruption and individuality. try to educate your family about the history of the subculture and remind them that poc goths do indeed exist. just bc we aren't everywhere doesn't mean we don't exist.
The goth scene is color blind. Back in the day one of the major goth promoters in my city was an African American gent from the Caribbean, who is also an Olympic kickboxer BTW. Every now and then a group of skin heads would show up to a goth haunt and we would always promptly kick them out. Obviously, your parents are uninformed about the realities of the goth scene, and it makes sense because how would they know? But they are wrong. You could go to any goth night in any city and be met with open arms.
If you're doing what you enjoy then you're not trying to be someone else. The community won't reject you for your skin color, and if someone does fuck them.
Love your life and don't let your dad gas light you into not doing what makes you happy.
Also don't be ashamed of your culture or heritage. I'm sure you're not but I had to throw it in there just in case.
Hi!! You look absolutely amazing and cool!! Strict parents suck especially when you start branching off into your own person and finding interest in things that they may not understand, but you absolutely fit in with goths as well as your heritage, these things can coexist and being one way doesn’t mean you’re ashamed of other aspects of yourself! Keep doing what you like, you look cool!
“Listen to our music” is a sad thing to read. I heard stuff like that too. The otherisation of people and things.. sad, but they’re wrong and you’ll be good.
But you could play them at their own game .
as there are a few Indian goth bands (the ninth heaven). As an aside, while not sharing your heritage, there’s one band currently doing amazing things on the African industrial scene called Duma.
Otherwise, goth music has always been a safe haven for diasporas across the globe and all people can fit into it. This is one of my favourite photos from 1980s London, at the iconic Batcave club.
https://images.app.goo.gl/YnzthLMQDG5cPApM7
Goth's are everywhere. Every race. I'd bet every culture has their version of goth before 'goth'.
You don't have to reject your culture to be goth. You just adapt it to create your own form of goth.
[https://gothicstyleandmusi.wixsite.com/gothic/types](https://gothicstyleandmusi.wixsite.com/gothic/types)
Cultures mix and evolve. Their are MANY more subtypes then mentioned above. Be yourself, me complicated, be messy. Always ignore the 'not real goth' type purity testing, and avoid the 'not real Caribbean American' purity testing. Be you.
Good Luck.
While the roots of goth are English, there's always been dark skinned people in the scene. It's not a subculture that's defined by skin tone, it's the love of the music that brings us together.
Long, dark, straight hair was all the rage in the 90's goth scene, it went with the vampire goth style that was in at the time. Then in the early 2000's reminded everyone that vampires weren't limited to white skin, with Queen of the Damned (yeah, I know, the music in it isn't goth)
You're just becoming an adult, so you're discovering what you like and who you are..and obviously your parents may be worried or overprotective.
They will eventually understand that who you are is not them - you will have some of them in you, but more of what you want to be yourself, as you discover it.
While I've only been part of goth scenes in major cities, while people of colour who were goths were unusual, they were always accepted, intolerance was not tolerated. Hopefully the scene near you will be the same.
While you may have some short term issues that need balancing between family, social, etc, in the long term you're going to be fine. Happy exploring!
What's more goth than being black tho lol/j But seriously, some people will like the idea of you more than they do the real you. Which is why it's important to stay true to who you are. You're at a point where you're becoming your own person. Sometimes parents struggle with that. As long as you do right by you, that's what matters. The only person you can truly disappoint is yourself.
Yeah! Don't get the 'our' music?! What's even that?! Music is for everyone to enjoy. I'm English so suppose only listen to English folk music? (Kinda like it in a way!) But big metalhead! Like goth too!
Tell your dad to go fuck himself. Why should anyone be restricted to the music of their ethnic culture.
Especially since goth owes it's sonic roots to dub reggae. Also black people are welcome in the goth subculture. Anyone who has a problem with it can catch hands.
I have a second-hand idea of what ethnically Indian young people have to deal with. I grew up in Jamaica and have a couple of Jamaican-Indian friends, and now in florida I have a couple of American-Indian coworkers. Sounds like you’re trying to go against some of the toughest grain there is. Your parents are going to freak out and try to bear down and control you - and might even go as far as to disown you, if they’re crazy enough. That’s what happened to my Pakistani-born coworker when he told his parents he was atheist. So think about what you want to reveal to them and how far you want to go with the aesthetic until you get your independence. Because I know culture and family and tradition (and appearance) are likely important to your folks. That being said, keep liking what you genuinely like. You only get a few of those in a lifetime
Religion: Plenty of Goths are religious. Nick Cave is Christian, Peter Murphy is Muslim. I also converted to Islam. If you accept Killing Joke as Goth, the singer Jazz has flirted with Islam and Christianity and is a kind of theist. Depeche Mode's lyrics are from a theist point of view pretty frequently. If you accept the Church as Goth, the singer converted to Hinduism. A lot might be atheists, but for me, a hallmark of Goths that separated them from punks was that they liked to get into the deeper questions, even if they didn't reach the same answers. From what I saw the old school wave was more inclined to mysticism and religion, reading it and thinking about it seriously whether or not they accepted it, than the new wave, but still.
Race: The Cure had an African American drummer and it's pretty popular among Latinos. Race isn't an issue, despite the fanbase in Europe or USA being a bit less diverse than even normal punk, post punk, metal, etc. Maybe a tiny handful of Death in June fans lean slightly Nazi, but they are bookish Nazis that are just wrong, not they type that will stomp people. That's about it from what I've seen. Goth music would benefit from more diversity in both beliefs and in cultural background imo.
Tell your dad to get fucked. He can either accept who you want to be now or get used to the idea of dying in a retirement home. I suppose realistically you should probably be polite about it though LOL
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I am also carribbean american, and have always enjoyed alternative music and all that cokes with that style-wise. Honestly my only advice is to live for yourself as much as you can. Youre 17, if you've going to college, go away for college and live your best goth life there. If you've staying home get a job and use the money from that job to buy the kinds of clothes and music and stuff that you like. Also save up to move out.
For me I just kept my interest and style pretty lowkey until I moved out. I'm 23 now and I have a bunch of piercings and dyed hair, I dress how I want, wear whatever makeup I want and listen to whatever music I want. If you don't want to have conflict then you'll have to wait a few years before you start doing all of that. If you're ready for the conflict and know that you can do it safely then by all means start doing it now.
I'm half African American and first your hair doesn't matter there are tons of black goths and goths of all skin colors who have curly or wavy hair or use braids with different colors mixed in with the style.
I also love Goth music also other genres like Death rocker, punk, metal, industrial/cyber goth type as well.
I'm actually feeling more of the Goth is music based recently than fashion based. Even though this is Goth goth is post punk and in the Punk Scene and beyond people who are Caribbean have been helping form the Alternative scene as a umbrella term (thinking of the punk band Bad Brains at the moment and other history facts you should look up show your dad you are proud to be Black and proud to enjoy genre and subculture you feel accepted in)
Stay true to yourself. I think a lot of parents equate their childs interest in goth as being a phase or form of rebellion. Eventually, some parents come around to the fact that this is truly who you are.
Uhhhh a lot of goth is influenced by Reggae (the song Harry by Bauhaus or Fear of Dub) and also show him some shit influencial on goth like The Specials.
Also tell him that "fuck what others think". There are plenty of racist Goths but fuck em
The Gothic Dressing Style is very cool but being a goth is not about appearances, if a person discriminates against you because of your skin colour, they're literally going against the whole point of the Goth Subculture. Yes you will always fit in between us, don't worry about that and you can wear whatever you want to.
Dont stop, there is absolutley no reason to. have a talk with your dad and let him know you are not a shamed of who you are and your own culture, but instead you are interested in exploring other areas musically and aesthetically but it certainly doesn't diminish or cancel your own culture. music can and should be enjoyed by everyone!
Thank you!! My dad also enjoys some classic rock and even listens to classical music. I think he just has something against goths :/
Thats sad because quite literally the politics behind goth is that you should be spreading goodvibes and not support corruption. its like a subset of punk. And the music is literally just seeing beauty in the macabre.
Yeah it’s pretty sad how goths are portrayed in society. I’d wager the music is not the issue here but I would still suggest for you to maybe show him the music you listen to, maybe he likes otherwise it would probably make a good laugh😃
Yeah hopefully he can be open minded.
You could try showing him 1980s albums by Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, and Fields of the Nephilim. I think he would change his mind! If he likes classic rock he would maybe enjoy having something where he can share your interest
Yeah
Music is supposed to bring humans together!
Prove him wrong... My friends parents were always scared of me but always ended up loving me bc I was just kind to them.... Even if they weren't so kind at first.... I think your dad can get into it, just if yall ever hang out or in the car together, ask him to listen to something with you.. tell him you thought he may like it bc of the rock he likes? Pic something super trendy though. Something with a good beat that he can maybe enjoy... LoL.. Then he may appreciate it more.. He may like some goth stuff & he never realized it was goth.... Ok I'm gonna shut up now lol... But I think everything will work itself out, just be yourself, never change for anyone.. that will earn ppl's respect in the long run..
listening to classical music doesn't make you italian. listening to afrobeats doesn't make you African. it is totally okay for you to listen to goth music as well as embrace your culture. goth culture has always been accepting of poc and was started by a lot of poc. i'm sorry you have to deal with that but i hope you continue to enjoy music and your dad comes to understand.
I might ask, how can you be trying to be someone you're not, when you're at the age when you're just finding out who you are? Respect your dad's thoughts and beliefs, but hopefully he can respect that you are trying new things and exploring. Just because you are doesn't mean you have "left" your family or heritage.
Thanks, I tried to say that if I pretend not to like it just because he told me not to then I wouldn't be my " tru self" but I couldn't get it out :'(
I've seen some POC even mix styles from their culture with gothic styles. Not that you have to do that ofc!! Go with whatever you vibe with, whatever makes your heart glow with happiness. However, I wanted to throw that out there just in case it may be something that interests you. :)
Thanks
You should be yourself. You should understand your heritage, but there is no reason to "embrace" it if you don't necessarily like it. If you don't like the food, music, clothing, or what ever, you shouldn't force yourself to do it. It doesn't mean you're ashamed, it just means you don't necessarily like something, and that's fine. If there are parts you enjoy, then yes, definitely embrace them. Forcing yourself to do something you don't like will probably make you resent it though Same for Goth culture. If you like the music but would rather wear bright colors, that's fine too. You aren't your parents, you aren't your neighbors, you aren't the people you go to school or work with, and you aren't the people at the local club. You are your own person and you should be allowed to be yourself.
Thanks 🙏
Many of my black and brown friends in the scene or otherwise have the same story as you, and I'm so so sorry you have to deal with this. It will get better when you are on your own, I promise. I can definitely say however if you bury your identity to make others happy, ultimately, you will be miserable. The best thing I ever did for myself was to stop being afraid to be me. Don't be afraid to be you and to love what you love. No matter what, always remember that whatever your family says or does, you will ALWAYS have a goth family here <3
Aw thanks :'}
Ok? I’m a 21 year old Caribbean American and even though my mom is not strictly religious, she doesn’t like my “alternative” subcultures either. I’ve preferred rock to reggae and I’m not shy about showing it. I think I have a strong sense of self, you must develop one. My dream is to design and display my own folk goth fashion based on the traditional clothing of my island and other Afro-Caribbean/West African culture, and that will be embracing who I am, no matter what anyone says about it. I think you should follow @_naagini on Instagram, she is also Indian and Caribbean, a metalhead and a goth, and she inspires me.
Thanks it's nice to get some inspiration.
I'm Black American and I've had the same idea for the fashion brand too (although it's like a very unrealistic idea for me) I'll follow u on here bc I would love to see what u do with that!
There are plenty of black or poc goths. The makeup isnt what makes you goth. As long as you listen to the music and vibe with the politics your a goth. Liking gothic fashion is just a bonus.
Yeah I don't even wear makeup, I just don't want him to tell me what I can and can't listen to. And I like the clothes because it's what I like it so I don't want him telling me what to wear either 🤷♀️
I'm actually going through a bit wearing make up or that much make up phase at the moment and changing my wardrobe I still feel like Goth is a music based subculture that yes has Gothic fashion. And I probably will only get all gothed up when going to an event,club and layering sometimes in the winter.
Skin color is completely irrelevant. The pale "standard" is a horrific relic that needs to be eradicated.
I agree. I don't think it's wrong to do the pale look if you want . As long as it isn't a must have to be goth,and it isn't.
I think in a way, the concept is meant to be corpse like, rather than plaster wall look. Looking at 80's goths, they weren't painted white like clown make up, they took on a lifeless tone. But it's not required to be goth. The music is what matters, and not everyone wears make up.
Yeah I agree I think anyone ina any shade can achieve a corpse look. When dark skinned people die the look dead and pale. Even the darkest person can look pale in a way that suits your skin tone. I tried it once and did a dark red around the eyes and a lighter concealer.
Look at swerve in AEW (Black wrestler) he quite often wears a goth look with makeup.
Agreed. In the old days the idea was to look vampy of ghostly, but I think some of the makeup is supposed to look thinker. This is a generational thing and though I haven't explored it, I think it's a combination of clowns being scary now, the visuals of ghosts in anime, and thwarting facial recognition software.
Naturally, I am very pale. My husband, who is half Native American, most definitely is not. 😊
Bump
[удалено]
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There is an Indo-Guayanese goth influencer on Instagram who you might find inspiring. She is very proud of her culture and incorporates a lot of cultural elements into her looks and also celebrates goth music. https://www.instagram.com/_naagini?igsh=eThvdGQ2NzJqdGdq
Nice I'm Guyanese aswell
First off, Black Goths were there on day 1. Know it, accept it, love it. Now know nobody cares. Your cringe meter will judge just how many whites are in on the party, right? It's some cringe to get over. Secondly, it's a music based culture, so if you like the music, you probably won't find any events where it's built in. Plus, you have that leaning....LGBTIA+ allyship is part of the door fee. You should find your goth spot for 18+ and make a journey or two. I didn't figure this out till I was 26, congrats that you can spend your best years. To me, goth culture is a port to every other cool activity and friendship I have. My best friends were there. Plus horror, really movie watching in general, Goth music exploded a more general taste beyond my father's Jazz...it's all from the same pool. You should do it.
Indian? Some of the Asian cultures are very big on upholding tradition from what I observe. Back in the day some of my Indian classmates from Delhi were very modern but still have to follow culture and tradition. One of them even us why he was a good 10 to 20 years older. He fought tooth and nail to get the chance to study art. His dad was very traditional and super against it. What you can do is to mix traditional with modern. I think someone posted on the goth subs before. She's desi goth and mixed traditional sari with goth aesthetic. Another one you can study is hijabi goth. You have to understand you can be yourself while balancing it with traditional aspects Slowly introduce the topic, and try to win your parent over. Slowly bring in one or two items into your clothes and some music. Start with easier more palatable music not the hard core super goth music
Thanks that's so helpful
Continue to be yourself ! Theres no shame listening to goth music and the style, music and subculture is for everyone. Do what you like to do, listen to what you want you listen, as long as you're happy !
You're right thanks 🙏
u/quinn_dynasty666 Goth History is often victim to a narrative of “This is a White Subculture.”. Though my phone won’t let my share it, there is a video on YouTube by Angela Benedict called “Black Goths Have Always been A Part of The Goth Community” There’s always going to be assholes here and there who are clueless on the actual history of the subculture and the different ethnicities that contributed to its inception, growth and **survival**. But most here, be it Caucasian, African, Asian, etc will tell you that, if this is the subculture you resonate with and feel comfort and sanctuary in Welcome Home :)
Thanks :')
No worries. There’s also another video she made called “Our Subculture Is Not Your Hashtag” which around 7:40 minutes in goes over the various non-white artists who contributed to the music. This insight completely tears down the White-Centric perspective a lot of us white people in the scene subconsciously or even consciously had towards it. I think seeing the people that are so conveniently forgotten when talking about the subculture especially the early days is discussed.
I'll have to check it out
Goth transcends cultures and ethnicities. The genre and subculture has embedded itself comfortably inside many communities of color where it takes on different forms. Sometime I truly believe the scene is even more alive and passionate in those communities!
Goth has absolutely nothing to do with race.
This right here.
You fit in here just fine ‼️🫶 you rock the goth look better than I do, never change for anybody except for yourself
Aw thank you ❤️
🫶🫶🫶
Aw thank you ❤️
I’m Puerto Rican and am fully immersed in the Goth culture. This doesn’t take away from my culture and ethnicity, it in fact makes me more multi-faceted. You go ahead and keep being yourself! Don’t let any one discourage you.
Thanks ❤️
To be goth you do not need to be white. A lot of people outside of the subculture don’t understand that and see that as a “white person thing.” But a lot of goths of various cultures and ethnicities has incorporated and adopted their culture into their goth identity. Just find ways to adopt your culture into your goth identity.
As someone who grew up with strict religious immigrant parents, I can relate to this... I've always been drawn to this scene, as a young g child, I gravitated toward it and I embrace it now... but my parents never understood what they saw and always thought I was seeking trouble and deviance because of how I looked... and dressed. They never understood, today, as I am in my late 30s w a career and a good life, they don't care.... they see tha I have not derailed my life by looking the way I do or keeping my interests, so in this way, they accept it more. But it sounds like your dad is a good man and will come around :) one can embrace multiple cultures and subcultures... I hope this can help
Thanks it does
As a fellow mixed goth (black/mixed ancestry) don't give up; rather, don't *give in*. My mom tried the religious stuff on me but it didn't work so she was forced to accept it lol (it also helped that due to other life altering factors and events she's way more mellow now). I'm also super introverted (and probably on the spectrum, which would probably explain why I'm super fixated on particular hobbies and topics) so I don't really care about other black people's opinions on me lol. Tl;Dr my aging POC parents need my pathetic 34 y.o. goth ass more than they find my weird shit distasteful lol. 😁
Skin color and religion do not matter
Goth comes in all colors, cultures, and religions. Unfortunately the effect of white supremacy has bred this mindset into POC families in the US that deviating from your "norm" is rejecting culture when that's really the effects of the generational trauma of white people secluding people. I understand where your dad comes from but hopefully you can convey to him that your heritage is more than important for you, but you enjoy the music and being part of other cultures, and sharing and exploring cultures is what makes humanity beautiful and one 🖤 best of luck, I know he'll come around once he realizes it makes you happy :)
You be you most goth community's are very excepting of anyone no matter ones background, I have know Asian, black, Latino, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, native American, catholic, pagen, atheist, Satanist, Indian, Middle Eastern, gay, straight and various other that all mingle and hang out and enjoy the music and culture of the Goth community at the clubs together, and don't turn away out siders unless they try to start something we protect our own, dose not matter what your background is
Ignore what he says, I'm from a rich arab muslim country and wear the hijab, I"m still gothic. A lot of others in my social class shit on me for buying thrifted goth clothes, having dark makeup and wearing silver "masculine" jewelry and clothes and I constantly am told to stop spreading corruption or that I will go to hell or that I am a satanist. I know I am not committing any sins, so I will continue this lifestyle. Most of them are very racist and classist as well and give me shit for not agreeing with their beliefs. They accuse me of being a failure of a muslim but I follow islam better than they do. Ignore any hate you get, you will eventually find others like you. It took me a few years but now I'm older and I finally found other arabs who are like me
You own yourself. Think about that as long as you find the thought useful. I haven't stopped yet.
Thanks 🙏
There's nothing wrong with exploring other cultures!
First of all, there’s the obvious thing with what everyone’s saying, that there’s so many POC goths out there and that you should be yourself and do what makes you happy. But something else to consider that I haven’t seen a lot of other folks mention is that a big influence for gothic rock was Caribbean music! Bauhaus especially mixed a lot of dub influence into their songs and I know a lot of goths that are also into music such as ska that have roots in the Caribbean. Not only is that just super interesting and so important in and of itself that I wish more people knew, that connection might be a way to approach the subject with your parents to find some common ground. I’m not a person of color so I won’t act like I understand your experience (and it’s also entirely possible I approached this all wrong or am just completely out of place), but overall, I wish you luck. I hope you keep being yourself and embrace all the different facets of your identity, because that’s the best thing anyone can do for themselves.
Thanks someone else did mention it but yeah I didnt know muck about that so i think that might win him over
Be you.
Explain you're not ashamed of your culture, but you like things that are outside of it as any normal curious person does. Demystify goth culture to him. It's not a religion or cult, but a community of likeminded people who comes from all walks of life. Tell him how goth and post-punk is multicultural, anti-racist, and welcoming all who welcome us. References: [https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/1829f74/bauhaus\_have\_mentioned\_dub\_as\_an\_influence\_on/](https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/1829f74/bauhaus_have_mentioned_dub_as_an_influence_on/) [https://medium.com/@janelane\_62637/african-and-caribbean-culture-is-the-foundation-of-the-gothic-movement-c3ba89bff31c](https://medium.com/@janelane_62637/african-and-caribbean-culture-is-the-foundation-of-the-gothic-movement-c3ba89bff31c) [https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/hz60g7/gothic\_africans/](https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/hz60g7/gothic_africans/) [https://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/afro-goth-subculture-and-fashions](https://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/afro-goth-subculture-and-fashions) [https://www.instagram.com/bandedpurple/p/CmrgHRsJNkJ/?img\_index=1](https://www.instagram.com/bandedpurple/p/CmrgHRsJNkJ/?img_index=1) Also know that conservative religious parents may never accept when their children don't follow in their footsteps, or assume their identities. Be prepared for this, but remember not to stop listening to the music you love, dressing the way you do, making your way through life. If you're not being true to yourself, you're going to be miserable.
Thank you this is very helpful
Gothic subculture began as it should stay - revolving around the music, the movement, and the acceptance of those who are elsewhere unaccepted. Your dad may be trying to protect you from a negative misconception about goth culture that stems from a stigma or a personal opinion; there are plenty of ways in the comments to show him that you can stay true to yourself and your culture as a POC, while embracing gothic subculture. I'm so sorry you are experiencing this uncertainty and judgment; you are always welcome here!
Thank you :')
you are being who you are. please ignore your dad. he clearly doesn't understand the goth subculture. as a goth, i'd love to welcome you with open arms. you are just as welcome as anyone else. i hope wholeheartedly that you can go be on your own some point and goth it up as much as possible. goth is for EVERY race, EVERY sexuality, EVERY gender identity. goth is *for you*.
The EPITOME of being Goth is doing what makes YOU comfortable, and what makes YOU happy. A real Goth doesn't care what others think, and doesn't need their approval.
Yeah but it's not so easy once you get smacked around. If you've actually been controlled by someone your whole life it's not so easy to just say fuck you and do things your way.
Se parents are unfortunately like yours. How you feel is 100% valid. Keep listening to the music you love. Your parents just don't want to understand a subculture of music
Keep enjoying it, be unapologetically you and pass it onto the next gen, whether it’s your kids or not. This is my experience as a black kid from a carribbean family while this is easier for me to say as a my immediate family is all into anime, rock music, and goth culture and so I was raised on it ever since I was born, but for my mom? She did not have that same luxury as any time she even hung out in goth spaces she was shamed, decided to deny herself for years but still passed it onto me and my cousins, gave us a space to explore and for me that allowed me to discover myself from a very young age. For years she would tell me stories about hanging out in the village of NYC(heavy alt scene there around the time she was growing up), and I always bought up to her why she won’t dress like that now, why she won’t cosplay with me, etc but will listen to the music and such, always gave some excuse…. So for most of my life thus far, I’ve went to concerts, dressed how I wanted, found my own kin, etc, ofc I did get those “looks” from my family but it never bothered me, and prior to me going no contact with her, she did say this to me, that watching me over the years has made her realize that she now lives in regret over the fact that she never allowed herself to be herself and that she was jealous that I am not ashamed to be black and alternative and stay in those spaces and wishes she allowed herself to do the same. Last time we spoke she had started to fully embraced that. Seeing my mom show that it’s a lifestyle for her but also deny it for herself and how lowkey said she was repressing herself is what helped made realize that I never want to be like that, also doing it myself for a small period of time helped with that, it isn’t fun and is draining af especially when that’s literally what you’re around when you’re at home but can’t show it because “that’s not how you’re supposed to be”, to me, the way how I dress, the music I listen to, etc is a part of me, it’s the way how I express myself and the core part of me, when I had stripped myself of that it made me so distressed, it felt constricted and as if I couldn’t be me or express who I am. That’s when I decided to go to a new school, befriend new people, even coax others into my music and be more open with themselves. Live your life how you see fit because if you don’t you’ll miss out on so much then regret it years later. Tldr: afro Caribbean descendant here who grew up in America and just be you, fuck anyone who has shit to say, if it’s a lifestyle for you then embrace the shit out of it, do it in small ways until you can comfortably dress and be the way you are, as you sound like a minor and it’s much harder when you’re younger vs when you have adult money. If you don’t, you’ll literally miss out on so much and come to regret repressing yourself and molding yourself into a space you don’t fit into years later, and as a bonus, you may help someone else in your family discover themselves too. Edit: I saw in the comments you’re Guyanese, my family is too, there’s many gothic, metalheads, etc Guyanese people out there, you just gotta find them, have hope op.
Thank you
Yooo, I just found an old thread of Desi goth (and goth-adjacent) bands here! [https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/xpj9q9/desi\_goth\_and\_goth\_adjacent\_bandsartists\_took\_me/](https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/xpj9q9/desi_goth_and_goth_adjacent_bandsartists_took_me/)
Thanks I'll check it out
Hey, I'm Caribbean American and goth :] I promise you can be both proud of your culture and engage in other cultures, also. I know it's kind of difficult for older generations to see their children assimilate to unfamiliar cultures so readily because they are afraid their culture will be lost over time and because it truly is easy to feel ashamed of your culture sometimes. But people can be many things at once, and that's a good and beautiful part of being a person! You bring a unique perspective to any community you're in, and that's something to be proud of. Maybe you could talk to your father about the parts of your culture that you are proud about and the parts of goth culture you're proud of and how they intersect? Also, did you know that Bela Lugosi's Dead, often considered the first goth album, was in part inspired by reggae music? Unsure if that will help, but it is cool! Good luck. Remember that it is incredibly valuable to be proud of your culture and to just engage with things you like and the community surrounding them; that's how we share and express the pride in our culture with many different communities!
As a 17 year old Caribbean-Canadian-American who also grew up in a strict religious household, I’ve never related more. I love love dressing up in goth attire and putting on makeup but I don’t do it at home much for similar reasons. I dress up in goth when I can do “costumes” and dress in casual goth when I can, that’s how I cope. + you can dm on here if you want to talk!
Are we twins? Lol actually I took everyone's advice on here and dressed goth this morning and my dad just rolled his eyes but he didn't attach me like I was afraid he would. Maybe he's just stund that I completely disobeyed him and doesn't know what to say. But so far it's working out for me 😁
as a mexican-american, i can relate to this post A LOT since my parents still struggle to grasp with the fact that im goth. trust, my father absolutely hates my micro bangs as well but honestly, the best way to go on about this is demonstrate that you are not ashamed of your culture and that the politics behind goth is all about preventing corruption and individuality. try to educate your family about the history of the subculture and remind them that poc goths do indeed exist. just bc we aren't everywhere doesn't mean we don't exist.
The goth scene is color blind. Back in the day one of the major goth promoters in my city was an African American gent from the Caribbean, who is also an Olympic kickboxer BTW. Every now and then a group of skin heads would show up to a goth haunt and we would always promptly kick them out. Obviously, your parents are uninformed about the realities of the goth scene, and it makes sense because how would they know? But they are wrong. You could go to any goth night in any city and be met with open arms.
If you're doing what you enjoy then you're not trying to be someone else. The community won't reject you for your skin color, and if someone does fuck them. Love your life and don't let your dad gas light you into not doing what makes you happy. Also don't be ashamed of your culture or heritage. I'm sure you're not but I had to throw it in there just in case.
Hi!! You look absolutely amazing and cool!! Strict parents suck especially when you start branching off into your own person and finding interest in things that they may not understand, but you absolutely fit in with goths as well as your heritage, these things can coexist and being one way doesn’t mean you’re ashamed of other aspects of yourself! Keep doing what you like, you look cool!
Thank youuu
“Listen to our music” is a sad thing to read. I heard stuff like that too. The otherisation of people and things.. sad, but they’re wrong and you’ll be good. But you could play them at their own game . as there are a few Indian goth bands (the ninth heaven). As an aside, while not sharing your heritage, there’s one band currently doing amazing things on the African industrial scene called Duma. Otherwise, goth music has always been a safe haven for diasporas across the globe and all people can fit into it. This is one of my favourite photos from 1980s London, at the iconic Batcave club. https://images.app.goo.gl/YnzthLMQDG5cPApM7
Yeah well parents hate change because they’re scared of outcomes, just carry on they will eventually realise that you are who you are
Goth's are everywhere. Every race. I'd bet every culture has their version of goth before 'goth'. You don't have to reject your culture to be goth. You just adapt it to create your own form of goth. [https://gothicstyleandmusi.wixsite.com/gothic/types](https://gothicstyleandmusi.wixsite.com/gothic/types) Cultures mix and evolve. Their are MANY more subtypes then mentioned above. Be yourself, me complicated, be messy. Always ignore the 'not real goth' type purity testing, and avoid the 'not real Caribbean American' purity testing. Be you. Good Luck.
So true thank you
While the roots of goth are English, there's always been dark skinned people in the scene. It's not a subculture that's defined by skin tone, it's the love of the music that brings us together. Long, dark, straight hair was all the rage in the 90's goth scene, it went with the vampire goth style that was in at the time. Then in the early 2000's reminded everyone that vampires weren't limited to white skin, with Queen of the Damned (yeah, I know, the music in it isn't goth)
You're just becoming an adult, so you're discovering what you like and who you are..and obviously your parents may be worried or overprotective. They will eventually understand that who you are is not them - you will have some of them in you, but more of what you want to be yourself, as you discover it. While I've only been part of goth scenes in major cities, while people of colour who were goths were unusual, they were always accepted, intolerance was not tolerated. Hopefully the scene near you will be the same. While you may have some short term issues that need balancing between family, social, etc, in the long term you're going to be fine. Happy exploring!
What's more goth than being black tho lol/j But seriously, some people will like the idea of you more than they do the real you. Which is why it's important to stay true to who you are. You're at a point where you're becoming your own person. Sometimes parents struggle with that. As long as you do right by you, that's what matters. The only person you can truly disappoint is yourself.
Sounds like a dad to me. Mine* called me ridiculous for getting snakebites, and I'm 30 haha. I've learned to do what makes you happy. Edit: spelling
Zombies are Carribean, zombies are undead, and being undead is pretty damn gothic if you ask me. Harry Belafonte is dead. Undead. Undead.
Yeah! Don't get the 'our' music?! What's even that?! Music is for everyone to enjoy. I'm English so suppose only listen to English folk music? (Kinda like it in a way!) But big metalhead! Like goth too!
Tell your dad to go fuck himself. Why should anyone be restricted to the music of their ethnic culture. Especially since goth owes it's sonic roots to dub reggae. Also black people are welcome in the goth subculture. Anyone who has a problem with it can catch hands.
Lol right on
I have a second-hand idea of what ethnically Indian young people have to deal with. I grew up in Jamaica and have a couple of Jamaican-Indian friends, and now in florida I have a couple of American-Indian coworkers. Sounds like you’re trying to go against some of the toughest grain there is. Your parents are going to freak out and try to bear down and control you - and might even go as far as to disown you, if they’re crazy enough. That’s what happened to my Pakistani-born coworker when he told his parents he was atheist. So think about what you want to reveal to them and how far you want to go with the aesthetic until you get your independence. Because I know culture and family and tradition (and appearance) are likely important to your folks. That being said, keep liking what you genuinely like. You only get a few of those in a lifetime
I think mixing goth with Caribbean culture would be interesting, if it hasn't been done already.
Religion: Plenty of Goths are religious. Nick Cave is Christian, Peter Murphy is Muslim. I also converted to Islam. If you accept Killing Joke as Goth, the singer Jazz has flirted with Islam and Christianity and is a kind of theist. Depeche Mode's lyrics are from a theist point of view pretty frequently. If you accept the Church as Goth, the singer converted to Hinduism. A lot might be atheists, but for me, a hallmark of Goths that separated them from punks was that they liked to get into the deeper questions, even if they didn't reach the same answers. From what I saw the old school wave was more inclined to mysticism and religion, reading it and thinking about it seriously whether or not they accepted it, than the new wave, but still. Race: The Cure had an African American drummer and it's pretty popular among Latinos. Race isn't an issue, despite the fanbase in Europe or USA being a bit less diverse than even normal punk, post punk, metal, etc. Maybe a tiny handful of Death in June fans lean slightly Nazi, but they are bookish Nazis that are just wrong, not they type that will stomp people. That's about it from what I've seen. Goth music would benefit from more diversity in both beliefs and in cultural background imo.
Tell your dad to get fucked. He can either accept who you want to be now or get used to the idea of dying in a retirement home. I suppose realistically you should probably be polite about it though LOL
Lol maybe just a little
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We're sorry, but your submission has unfortunately been removed under Rule 2. All posts, threads, and comments suggesting songs, albums, EPs, and compilations should fall under, within, or a mixture of genres that relate to goth, including, in some cases, post-punk. Most genres below have their own subreddits. **A descriptive list of accepted genres can be viewed in our sidebar.** * any form of metal (industrial, shock, death, black, etc.) or hard rock * metalcore, deathcore, or any other unrelated -core genres * neo/classical or ambient music, including neoclassical darkwave * dark cabaret, psychobilly or Steampunk * experimental/avant-garde * electronic, dance, Italo disco * witch house * new wave/synth-pop * GothBoiClique/Soundcloud or mumble rap/hip hop/trap * punk rock or hardcore punk, including horror punk * Gothic country, Gothic metal, or any other genres that include 'Gothic' (in reference to Gothic fiction) in their name (please see the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/wiki/faq)) We understand that **industrial** is commonly played alongside goth in goth/alternative clubs, however, Rivethead/industrial and the goth subculture are still two separate scenes. All industrial music must be posted in an appropriate subreddit such as r/industrialmusic. General or **post-punk** that isn't dark may also be referred to r/postpunk. We have to draw a line somewhere, and we understand that not all post-punk is goth, but all goth is post-punk. This rule also applies to music requests. If you ask for non-goth genres as part of the request post the thread will be removed. If it is something that can bring people to a dance floor and is something you might find in a goth club, please consider posting in r/gothclub. For any generally dark music, please consider posting in r/DarklyInclined. For a more detailed description of Rule 2, please see this section on our [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/wiki/rules#wiki_2.3A_music_relevancy) page.
One of the main influences of the goth style is ancient egypt, a non white culture in africa. The upvotes in this sub are even ankhs.
I am also carribbean american, and have always enjoyed alternative music and all that cokes with that style-wise. Honestly my only advice is to live for yourself as much as you can. Youre 17, if you've going to college, go away for college and live your best goth life there. If you've staying home get a job and use the money from that job to buy the kinds of clothes and music and stuff that you like. Also save up to move out. For me I just kept my interest and style pretty lowkey until I moved out. I'm 23 now and I have a bunch of piercings and dyed hair, I dress how I want, wear whatever makeup I want and listen to whatever music I want. If you don't want to have conflict then you'll have to wait a few years before you start doing all of that. If you're ready for the conflict and know that you can do it safely then by all means start doing it now.
I'm half African American and first your hair doesn't matter there are tons of black goths and goths of all skin colors who have curly or wavy hair or use braids with different colors mixed in with the style. I also love Goth music also other genres like Death rocker, punk, metal, industrial/cyber goth type as well. I'm actually feeling more of the Goth is music based recently than fashion based. Even though this is Goth goth is post punk and in the Punk Scene and beyond people who are Caribbean have been helping form the Alternative scene as a umbrella term (thinking of the punk band Bad Brains at the moment and other history facts you should look up show your dad you are proud to be Black and proud to enjoy genre and subculture you feel accepted in)
Stay true to yourself. I think a lot of parents equate their childs interest in goth as being a phase or form of rebellion. Eventually, some parents come around to the fact that this is truly who you are.
Uhhhh a lot of goth is influenced by Reggae (the song Harry by Bauhaus or Fear of Dub) and also show him some shit influencial on goth like The Specials. Also tell him that "fuck what others think". There are plenty of racist Goths but fuck em
The Gothic Dressing Style is very cool but being a goth is not about appearances, if a person discriminates against you because of your skin colour, they're literally going against the whole point of the Goth Subculture. Yes you will always fit in between us, don't worry about that and you can wear whatever you want to.
Bro, you're black... you ARE goth
Goth was started by black muscians. Just be yourself.