Dark Culture Differences: What Separates Emos and Goths?

A dark fashion sense, an unusual taste in music describing death and romance, and a fascination with skulls; to an uninformed individual, they may be inclined to throw out a variety of words of what this description is talking about. However, the two that probably come to mind are either Emos or Goths. Despite having mostly different cultures attached to each word, many still don’t take the time to distinguish between the two. However, by splitting up each culture into music, fashion, and aesthetic categories, learning about both of these cultures and what separates them has never been easier.

Music

The origins of Emo music are credited to the hardcore punk movement of the 1970s. Starting off as “Emotional hardcore,” the name was later shortened to “Emocore” and finally “Emo.” Genres included within Emo music are typically categorized under indie rock, post-hardcore, hardcore punk, punk rock, alternative, and pop-punk. Lyrics in these songs can be described as introspective, emotional, confessional, deeply personal, and sensitive. The songs often focus on emotional pain, failed romance, and suicidal thoughts, revealing a lot of insecurities; it reminds the listener a lot of poetry. Popular “Emo” bands include My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, Twenty-One Pilots, Jimmy Eat World, Pierce the Veil, Black Veil Brides, Sleeping with Sirens, Paramore, and Blink-182.

Finding its origins in English Punk rock of the 1970s, genres included in Goth culture include punk rock, post-punk, glam rock, metal, rock, etc. Goth music can be characterized by introspective and romantic lyrics that focus on a darker music style. Similar to Emo culture, Goth originated from the punk rock movement and is most popular in countries such as Germany, China, Japan, and the US. Unlike most fans of most other music styles, Goths are typically more open to a diverse catalog of music, not just to Goth. Some “Goth” bands include Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Christian Death, and Joy Division.

Fashion

When the culture was still in its formative years, the style could be best described as “geek chic,” and featured horn-rimmed glasses, V-neck sweaters, and white dress shirts. Since then, the fashion has evolved into a more punk fashion, with Emos wearing ripped and distressed skinny jeans, Converse, short-sleeved t-shirts (usually band shirts), hoodies, chokers, wristbands, and sometimes casual skirts and fishnet leggings for girls. A true Emo staple is eyeliner and checkered patterned pieces, and hair is worn either long or short with bangs or “fringe.” Emos mainly dye their hair black, bleached blonde, or dyed with streaks of color, common colors being red, blue, and pink. Many members of the Emo subculture will also spot various body modifications, the most popular ones being stretched ear lobes, facial piercings, and tattoos.

When it comes to Goth fashion, Goths mostly dress in black, although dark red and purple are also prevalent colors. Goth clothing can have a punk aesthetic to them or reflect Victorian, Elizabethan, or Edwardian styles. Lace and fishnet are common clothing pieces, along with tightly-laced corsets. Goths like to wear tons of metal and/or studded jewelry, and use pale face colorant with dark lips and eyeshadow. Much of Gothic fashion focuses on occult or religious themes, as well as imagery from mythologies, like Celtic and Greek.

If it’s not clear, the main difference between the two’s fashion is that while Emos focus more on emotional and musical expression, Goths tend to seem more elegant and regal in their outfit choices. Emo outfits are more inspired by the pop culture around them while Goths don’t always dress up as what’s stated above.

Aesthetic/Subculture

Many of the stereotypes associated with Emo culture are still reminiscent within Emos: MySpace, Hot Topic, “rawr XD”, and misanthropy. Other common traits include Emotion, shyness, introversion, and angst. Emo characters in media are usually represented as all of the above, along with looking a bit empty or spaced out, and saying lurid things. Common motifs also include broken hearts, skulls, guns, splatters, and music notes.

On the other hand, Goth is pretty reliant on one’s personality type. Most Goths find beauty in things others would consider dark, enjoy darker humor, and many have a fascination with death. Although these traits frame the Goth subculture as being intrinsically related to Satanism or atheism by the general public. This is not true, religious beliefs in the community vary, and seeing that it is only a music and aesthetic form, anyone, from any religion or political belief system can be in the scene.

And while fashion is an important aspect of the Goth subculture, no goth has to dress up, but most do anyways, to further show their love for the subculture. Plus, music is typically regarded as the most important aspect of the subculture. Regardless, several genres and subcultures are mistaken for Goth. These genres include, but not limited to, Nu-metal (Korn, Slipknot, Evanescence), Pop punk (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), Industrial (Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy, Marilyn Manson), Dark pop (Billie Ellish), Emo trap/Emo rap (XXXTentacion, Lil Peep, GothBoiClique, etc.), Grunge (Nirvana), Symphonic metal, and Gothic metal (Type O Negative).

At the end of the day, Emo and Goth cultures attract different people and, even with overlap here and there, shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Both Emos and Goths have distinct differences and are so much more than just darkness and death; they’re alternative subcultures that allow unique individuals to express who they are and what they like, just like you and me. They may not follow the norm, but in a world with so many different and unique humans, being “normal” is the least of their worries, and Emos and Goths aren’t afraid to show it!