Goth culture
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Why Do Teenagers Adopt The Goth Sub-Culture?
1. Fixation With Death & Dying:
At some point in ones development, usually the early teenage years, children become conscious for the first time, of their own mortality. A fascination with death may ensue. This may manifest itself as an attraction to horror films. In the average teen this fascination is balanced with a wide variety of other interests as well. As the youth matures, he/she comes to terms with their mortality, often accompanied by the adoption of conventional religious beliefs. As with all stages of human development, there is always the possibility of getting fixated at a particular stage, and some teens may get fixated at this stage.
Youthful attitudes towards death & dying may swing from one extreme to another. Old age and death seem so far off, as to be unreal. One may have the delusion of personal immortality, and take foolish risks with ones life by participating in extreme sports, driving recklessly, smoking cigarettes, using dangerous drugs, or engaging in unprotected sex. On the other hand, a teen may not have a well developed sense of self, and the death of another (especially another teen) may be taken so personally that they may become preoccupied with irrational fears for the safety of their own life.
2. Melancholy Temperament:
A second reason for the adoption of the Goth Sub-Culture has to do with temperament. Teens with a melancholy temperament are bound to be more thoughtful, sensitive, introspective, and nostalgic. They are much more likely to have a hard time dealing with death, and will take longer to adapt. Also, their natural creativity may hamper their adoption of conventional religious beliefs, which are mankind's time-tested method of dealing with mortality.
3. Embracing Rejection:
Rejection is a third reason why teens adopt the Goth Sub-Culture. According to one source, "Young people usually become goths because they feel alienated, or separate, from mainstream society. They are often rejected or ridiculed by more 'normal' peers for one reason or another. Goths embraced that rejection by dressing and acting outlandishly and forming their own separate society." ("Bowling, Beatniks, and Bell-Bottoms: Pop Culture of 20th Century America" Volume 5: 1980s-1990s, "Goth Culture" Pages 1114-1115 Sara & Tom Pendergast, 2002.)
In Conclusion...
If you scratch beneath the surface of the average goth you may find a melancholy teenager, struggling with their own mortality, and crying out for love and acceptance. In short, a typical human being, in spite of their black clothes, hair, combat boots, and silver jewelry.
References
"Everything You Need To Know About The Goth Scene," Kerry Acker, 2000.
"Unglued & Tattooed: How To Save Your Teen From Raves, Ritalin, Goths... And 12 Other Emerging Threats," Sara Trollinger, 2001.
"Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture," Paul Hodkinson, 2002.