SOCIO-POLITICAL GOTH
Like all variations of Goth, this must be expressed physically in your dress, personality, and knowledge of the subculture.
Gothic Culture tends to be baroque and somewhat sarcastic in nature. For example, a political message of women's rights might have many [female symbols] hanging upside-down or spray-painted on the back of a leather jacket, perhaps alongside female Deathrock band pins or buttons. If this is the case, you would be considered a Socio-Political DeathRocker.
An LGBTQ Activist who considers themselves a DeathRocker might have the traditional rainbow flag in different shades of grey.
An Atheist/Secular Humanist Trad or Cabaret Goth may wear exactly 13 forward-facing crosses. A very Geek Goth who is an Atheist/Secular Humanist may wear 47 forward-facing crosses. (Upside-down crosses imply Satanism, Blasphemy, or Heavy Metal.)
Conservationist, Vegan, or Animal Lover who wears many Bats or many Cats or many Whales (customize earrings or necklaces that drape 8 Bats from your right ear, 4 Whales from your left ear, and a necklace with a Saber-Toothed Tiger).
Global Climate change? Tattoo the notes from Ride Of The Valkyries, wear a badass cape, and call yourself a Romantic Goth. That or O Fortuna. And request those songs EVERYWHERE YOU GO!
There are many, many, MANY more examples of Goths who have a Social or Political message that can express this -
- Choose what type of Goth you are (not mutually exclusive)
- Figure out a way to express it physically.
- Have a clear and direct message (This IS mutually exclusive (you CAN be a Vegan, Anarchist, or Democratic Socialist - but you can ONLY choose ONE to express physically)...
- So wear the pins that express your Feminist message, the crosses that express your Secular Humanist Message, the animal pendants that express your Conservationist message, or tattoo the notes of an impending Apocalypse.
- These are conversation starters. PICK ONE. Please feel free to move on if someone doesn't want to start or continue a conversation with you.
Christ V. Warhol, political Deathrock band
Many bands have social or political messages, from the precursors of gothic music to present-day bands. However, BEING Goth is exactly FOUR things - a choice, a fashion, a music style, and a history knowledge.
Being a Socio-Political Goth requires ONE extra step: a physical expression of something you care about (and actually care about). You can care about more than one thing, and we all do.
But you have to put all that emphasis, all the poise, pout, drama, and darkness into just ONE thing - for me, it's crosses/rosaries - nothing like being raised Catholic to make the best Skeptic/Secular Humanist - and forever I shall proselytize my ways.