goth

It has been said that the only thing worst than a conformist is the one who conforms to nonconformist standards. In essence, that is what has become of the goth subculture. Originally a sharp reaction to preps and jocks, the goth standard has melted down into a standard that cannot be deviated from. Modern day goths follow the same routine and habits: They listen to metal and death metal music, such as Slipknot and Led Zeppelin; they dress in nothing but black; they wear clothing from the unusual (fishnet) to the bizzare (high-top black leather boots); they have many piercings on their body, including (but not limited to) the eyebrows, tongue, belly-button, and lips; they shop at Hot Topic; they describe themselves as 'twisted' or 'dark'. There are more examples I can think of, but by now, you should have a clear mental picture of what a goth is. We all know a goth; (s)he sticks out like a sore thumb. The goth subculture is burning itself up, because it was originally a reaction to conformism. Now, it has simply creatly a new standard to conform to.