I engage with goth music by learning about it rather than listening to it. Am I still goth?
Q: I wanted to say thank you for including your comments on hearing disabilities in your blog and how those of us with them can still be part of the subculture. My way of loving the music is by learning everything I can about it and using inspiration from goth music lyrics to write my own stuff. I have congenital hearing loss, but I feel like I know even more about the lyrical backstories and meanings of goth music than most people who listen to it. Am I still a goth?
A: You are a goth. One of us. 100%. =) If you love the music and are passionate enough to be knowledgeable about it while embracing goth roots and history, you are a goth. The time and energy you have spent learning about the music and subculture speak to your passion and dedication to everything we are all about! Your knowledge base is surely immense, and if you ever write a book or a blog about your experiences, I will buy it right away. <3
I think one of the biggest mistakes goths make when they talk about the music is insisting that a person has to listen to it. (I have totally done this before by saying that goths are people who listen to and enjoy goth music when I should have said listen to OR enjoy goth music. Or I could have just said appreciated the music element of the subculture in some way.) As you have explained, there are so many other options! I read lyrics often, too, since I have auditory processing challenges and miss what is being said when I try to rely on my ears alone. I want as many people as possible to be part of our subculture and to feel included, so if you have any future ideas about how to make music engagement even more accessible and open to people with varying levels of ability, I would love to cite you and feature the ideas on my site! Elitists try to keep new people out of the goth scene, which makes no sense to me at all. People who love the goth subculture should always want more people to join in and expand the community! Thank you for speaking your truth and helping us become more aware of the many facets of enjoyment and passion. I think many people will feel more welcome when learning about all the different ways they can connect. We are lucky to have you as a fellow goth! <3