The Evolution of Goth Culture
The Origins and Deeds of the New Goths
By Karl Spracklen,Beverley Spracklen | Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
About the book
The origins and deeds of the old Goths were constructed by Roman historians in fear of the Goth as a barbarian outsider; at the same time, the Goths were themselves the heroic subject of their own histories, constructed by their supporters as stories of their mythical origin and the deeds that led them to be rulers of their own kingdoms in postRoman Late Antiquity. Who the old Goths were, their origins and their deeds, was a product of history, historiography and mythmaking. In this book, Spracklen and Spracklen use the idea of collective memory to explore the controversies and boundarymaking surrounding the genesis and progression of the modern gothic alternative culture. Spracklen and Spracklen argue that goth as subculture in the eighties was initially counter cultural, political and driven by a musical identity that emerged from punk. However, as goth music globalised and became another form of pop and rock music, goth in the nineties retreated into an alternative subculture based primarily on style and a sense of transgression and profanity. By this century goth became the focus of teenage rebellions, moral panics and growing commodification of countercultural resistance, so that by the goth has effectively become another fashion choice in the latemodern hyperreal shopping malls, devoid generally of resistance and politics. Goth, like punk, is in danger of being coopted altogether by capitalism. This book suggests that the only way for goth culture to survive is if it becomes transgressive and radical again.
Editions of The Evolution of Goth Culture
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781787146778
Read an Excerpt
The origins and deeds of the old Goths were constructed by Roman historians in fear of the Goth as a barbarian outsider; at the same time, the Goths were themselves the heroic subject of their own histories, constructed by their supporters as stories of their mythical origin and the deeds that led them to be rulers of their own kingdoms in postRoman Late Antiquity. Who the old Goths were, their origins and their deeds, was a product of history, historiography and mythmaking. In this book, Spracklen and Spracklen use the idea of collective memory to explore the controversies and boundarymaking surrounding the genesis and progression of the modern gothic alternative culture. Spracklen and Spracklen argue that goth as subculture in the eighties was initially counter cultural, political and driven by a musical identity that emerged from punk. However, as goth music globalised and became another form of pop and rock music, goth in the nineties retreated into an alternative subculture based primarily on style and a sense of transgression and profanity. By this century goth became the focus of teenage rebellions, moral panics and growing commodification of countercultural resistance, so that by the goth has effectively become another fashion choice in the latemodern hyperreal shopping malls, devoid generally of resistance and politics. Goth, like punk, is in danger of being coopted altogether by capitalism. This book suggests that the only way for goth culture to survive is if it becomes transgressive and radical again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Evolution of Goth Culture about?
The origins and deeds of the old Goths were constructed by Roman historians in fear of the Goth as a barbarian outsider; at the same time, the Goths were themselves the heroic subject of their own histories, constructed by their supporters as stories of their mythical origin and the deeds that led them to be rulers of their own kingdoms in postRoman Late Antiquity. Who the old Goths were, their origins and their deeds, was a product of history, historiography and mythmaking. In this book, Spracklen and Spracklen use the idea of collective memory to explore the controversies and boundarymaking surrounding the genesis and progression of the modern gothic alternative culture. Spracklen and Spracklen argue that goth as subculture in the eighties was initially counter cultural, political and driven by a musical identity that emerged from punk. However, as goth music globalised and became another form of pop and rock music, goth in the nineties retreated into an alternative subculture based primarily on style and a sense of transgression and profanity. By this century goth became the focus of teenage rebellions, moral panics and growing commodification of countercultural resistance, so that by the goth has effectively become another fashion choice in the latemodern hyperreal shopping malls, devoid generally of resistance and politics. Goth, like punk, is in danger of being coopted altogether by capitalism. This book suggests that the only way for goth culture to survive is if it becomes transgressive and radical again.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Evolution of Goth Culture?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Cultural and media studies > Cultural studies
Where can I read a sample of The Evolution of Goth Culture?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781787146778
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Evolution of Goth Culture?
Karl Spracklen,Beverley Spracklen
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Evolution of Goth Culture is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781787146778)