There are probably few subculture movements in society today that result in as many misconceptions and fears as does the Goth culture. When people hear the word "Goth," some immediately envision black clothes, tattoos, and pale faces, while others connect it to something more menacing such as vampires or even to Satanism. Goth is a cultural phenomenon rather than a religious one, though many beliefs are found among Goths, ranging from agnostics to Wiccans to Christian Goths.

While Goths (also called "Gothics") resist labels, and have no authority figures or leaders, there are some characteristics in common such as being creative, appreciating the arts, being introspective (not necessarily introverted), and rejecting the status quo, the shallow, and the artificial. Goths are anti-trend, embracing the darker side of culture. Think cemeteries. Think of the movie, "The Crow." Think melancholy.

In contrast to, "Have a nice day," Goths resonate more to "Life is dark, life is sad, all is not well, and most people you meet will try to hurt you" (Voltaire, What is Goth? [Boston, MA, York Beach, ME: Weiser Books, 2004], x). Another Goth put it this way: "Goth stands in direct opposition to the Hippie free love, be happy attitude"( RedNight, email message to author, Nov. 2, 2002).