So I'm into the clothes, some of the makeup the music, the art, the whole and I write really dark poetry and songs sometimes. I have a dark sense of humor. At time's it's morbid. Yes I know you write dark poetry or be into the music without being goth. But also I know the subtypes and in grade 11, I really wanted to go goth, punk, emo or a combination and I still do but I'll still like the things I do now like Twilight, Britney spears(who I know is not goth). Also, in grade 11 I was quite torn about if I should become one.

It would seem that you are desperately trying to be accepted hence your continual need to label yourself. Basically you are a wannabe.

These type of labels are only of any use while in your formative teen years and start to dissipate when you enter adulthood. There are more important things in life than transient descriptions of ourselves.

What does this have to do with Christianity? Are you saying you are a Christian and wondering if being goth fits with that?

Being involved in the punk and hardcore scene for years, I understand the desire to "fit" into one these groups. As one who has been through a lot of the subcultures, let me offer you some advice. You like the music? Great, listen to it... but don't think you have to DRESS punk to be a punk rocker. You don't have to put on fashion show to prove to the world you fit into these scenes. Some of the most "punk" people I have ever known, you would not be able to pick them out of a crowd as such.

However, the gothic movement stands alone in all of this. As a Christian and having been around a lot of the goth subculture, I cannot see how the two can mix well. Being goth isn't just a social movement... it does have to do with the dark side of life... celebrating the dark, macabre and morbid aspects of life... I don't see how someone can be a Christian and celebrate these other things at the same time. I would love to discuss it with you though. What do YOU think?

I read and re-read your question and still do not know how old you are. I'm in agreement with both of the answers that you have already received. Teenage years are tough but that need to fit into a group SHOULD fade away at some point. Become YOURSELF, it's one of the more important lessons I have learned. As long as you are respectful of others and their point of view you will be all right. I do however agree completely with what hauntinghelper stated, i.e. going into the deep, dark side of goth is simply not a good thing. Christianity gives such hope and offers so much light and love that 'being' goth just doesn't mix. You can listen to whatever music you like as long as it isn't anti-Christ or promotes evil or hate. I still love my old rock'n roll! I do so hope that you will talk with someone that truly cares about you and can advise you in a positive, non-demeaning way.

Here's to all who answered: I'm 19 nearly 20.

Especially at that age, just learn to be yourself. Real life is coming and coming fast and soon you'll realize the fashion show is just that... a silly fashion show. Just enjoy life for what it is, whether you're wearing dark clothes and spikes, or some silly emo sunglasses ;) People are going to identify you and learn to like you by your personality, not by the clothes you wear.

All right, to start, I do agree that you seem to feel a desperate need to be wanted or accepted (I'm not quite sure its by the right kind of people, but who knows) but I wouldn't call you a "wannabe" just confused and clearly to worried about labeling. When I was in high school I never labeled myself verbally but many other people did because they to were far to concerned about whose who and what's what and fitting into your special place but in truth, none of that is necessary. Be who you are. Who gives a sheet if your were all black, black is great color and very slimming, even better when you pair it with some great heels and jewelry. A lot of men out there like a woman in black because its mysterious and edgy, you don't need to be goth to wear black even if it is ALWAYS. Listen to industrial goth or black metal, my brother owns ones of the most complete and large death metal, black metal, underground metal vinyl collection and he even plays in a death metal band called "god's ****" but he also owns michael jackson, lady gaga, depeche mode, the cure, all the beatles and many many more, music doesn't make a person, people make music. It's there to move you and give you feeling. As for "emo" well, emo is just overly emotional, and most people who consider themselves "emo" are attention seekers. Punk, true punk, is rare, its almost obsolete. So in the end, just be who, who cares what you write about, or how you dress, or what you listen to, or if you where thick black eye liner or dye your hair black, it doesn't matter, all that matters is that it all makes you happy.