Goth Vs Emo: We Break Down Goths & Emos

Emo and Goth Difference

The Emo and Goth subcultures are both rooted in the punk music movement of the late 1970s, which extended internationally and continues to affect art, culture, and the media worldwide. These subcultures are variations of hardcore punk and underground experimental music. The Chicago Suicide Club is one of the most amazing examples of gothic culture in the world to visit.

Emo refers to “emotional hardcore,” a kind of punk rock that emerged in the mid-1990s in Washington, D.C. Emotional hardcore or emo was an attempt by a number of bands to experiment with chaotic music patterns and abstract, primordial forms of self-expression.

Is Wednesday Goth or Emo

When it comes to Wednesday Addams, the debate over whether she’s more goth or emo is as lively as ever. She’s the poster child for all things dark and mysterious, but where does she truly belong?  If you are like me, you enjoyed watching her solo series on Netflix.

In the fashion corner, Wednesday’s style screams classic goth. That black dress with the white collar? Iconic. Her pale skin and dark hair? Total goth vibes. But, her look is more old-school goth than the modern, edgy styles you might see today.

Personality-wise, though, Wednesday could give the emos a run for their money. She’s all about that introspective, cynical life, not to mention her total disdain for anything mainstream. Plus, her love for the darker side of things and her outsider status in her own family? Sounds pretty emo to me.

In the end, Wednesday’s a bit of both. She’s this timeless mix of goth and emo elements that’s made her a legend in both camps. Whether you’re into the brooding introspection of emo or the dark, edgy style of goth, Wednesday Addams is an icon we can all relate to in one way or another.

Difference Between Goth and Emo

Goth is related to Gothic rock, an alternative musical genre that originated in the late 1970s as dark music with introspective and romantic lyrics. In the early 1980s, the Goth musical genre expanded into a larger cultural movement that included Goth clubs, goth fashion, and publications. Both the emo and goth subcultures tie art to being through ways of personal expression. Goth & emo, both terms are rooted in history.

The primary distinction lies in the manner in which music and emotions are expressed. Although they both belong to the same musical genre, their expressions, and cultural preferences distinguish them. Their perspectives and musical influences also differ.

 

Definition of Emo Music

A form of music with emotionally driven lyrics that originated as a subgenre of punk rock and post-hardcore. Originally an abbreviation for emotional hardcore, it was recreated in the 1990s as indie/pop punk. From the early 1980s to the present, the post-punk rock movement emphasizes gloomy themes and nonconformity in music, performance, etc.

History of goth and emo

The initial waves of Emo began in 1985 when veterans of the Washington music scene sought to develop a new type of music. Goth originated in the 1970s with English punk rock. Emo culture is more introspective and focused on personal emotions.

Behavior of emo subculture and goths

Emo rock is related to sentimentality, sensitivity, shyness, introversion, and anger. Moreover, it is linked to despair, self-harm, and suicide. Goths are commonly linked with wearing all black, being introverted, and seeking alone.  Their fashion speaks to this in that Goth makeup tends to be very black and white whereas emo not so much.

Music Genre

Both of them are members of the punk rock scene. Emo emphasizes emotional expression and abstract waves of dissonant sound. Gothic rock is a subgenre of rock music characterized by the presentation of emotional themes through introverted/extroverted means in music, art, media, literature, fashion, and poetry, among other mediums.

Style of emo and goth

Emo is a subgenre of post-hardcore, pop punk, and indie music, whereas gothic rock is a subgenre of punk rock, glam punk, and post-punk. Emo rockers advocate the release of primal energy through abstract and chaotic sub-structures, whilst Goths are distinguished by their emphasis on gloom in tone, attire, hair dyes, makeup, etc. For example, In the 1980s, emo began as a subgenre of post-hardcore. In the 1990s, bands began to sound more like an indie rock (Weezer, Sunny Day Real Estate) and pop punk (The Get Up Kids, The Starting Line, Jimmy Eat World).

Expression

The emo hardcore emphasized personal expression in a manner reminiscent of Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl.” The Goth subculture is commonly associated with dark magic, witchcraft, and vampires, but this may be more of a cliché than a fact, as “Christian Goth” demonstrates. British punk and “Alien Sex Fiend” are excellent examples of Gothic art, gothic clothing, gothic music and culture.

Cultural Influences and Shapes Thought

Emo rockers are society critiques based on punk ideology, post-punk, and other art, music, literature, etc., movements. Goth rockers, on the other hand, are recognized for their wide-eyed and illogical approach, as well as their interest in death, fantasy, and fiction. Emo originated in Washington, D.C., and other areas of the United States, whereas Goth, is followed in small enclaves around the world.

Goth Vs. Emo Quiz

Which of these two do you identify with: emo, goth, or a regular human being? Find out if you’re an emo or a goth by taking the “Am I an emo or a goth?” test provided below. Emos tend to dress similarly to Goths, although their vogue for spiky, colorful hair and studded clothing appears to be influenced by punk. Emo individuals are all about the overly sensitive and angst-ridden individual, whereas Goths are different. Fun fact, emo is short for emotional core. This quiz will assess whether you are an Emo, a Goth, or a typical individual. Let the emo vs goth quiz begin!

Questions and Responses to Test if People Are Actually Emo or Goths

1- Do you ever wear skinny jeans?

1. Sometimes
2. Infrequently, but they must be black.
3. Always!
4. Never

2- Are you constantly depressed?

1. Absolutely, I believe the world despises me.
2. Indeed, I am constantly depressed and feel worthless.
3. I only feel depressed when something negative occurs.
4. Not at all, I’m always content.

3- Do you compose poetry about Death and the Night?

1. Well, life stinks, thus, I enjoy expressing my emotions through poetry.
2. Uhh no! Poetry is awful.
3. Indeed, but my poetry is considerably more morbid and darker than the norm.
4. I exclusively compose uplifting poetry.

4- Do you appreciate being alone?

1. Absolutely it helps me feel safe.
2. Yes, I like being alone because nobody understands me.
3. No, I enjoy going out with friends and being around people.
4. Just when I’m depressed.

5- Do you use eyeliner, and if so, how much do you use?

1. I do not use eyeliner.
2. Well, the more white makeup I apply, the better, and the more I appear to be dead.
3. I wear enough so that when I cry, it flows down my face.
4. I only wear enough makeup to accentuate my eyes.

6- How do you like your hair?

1. Long, black, and covering one or both eyes with a fringe.
2. Whatever is fashionable.
3. Short, black hair with a bang above one eye.
4. Other.

7- Have you ever done self-harm?

1. Indeed, millions of times, but I use macabre symbols rather than basic slashes.
2. Often,
3. Yes.
4. Hell no, I don’t want to die.
5. Never

8- Do you enjoy wearing tight T-shirts with the logos of heavy metal bands?

1. Occasionally, but only if they are black.
2. Almost invariably, heavy metal reigns supreme.
3. Heavy metal never stinks.
4. Not actually

9- What is your favorite hue?

1. Red
2. Green
3. Purple
4. Black, naturally!
5. Blue

10- Do you believe no one understands you?

1. Nope, everyone understands me.
2. Indeed, no one comprehends me at all.
3. Not much, however, some individuals do understand me.
4. Sometimes I feel this way.

11- Do you dislike it when individuals believe they know everything about you?

1. Because they believe they can solve all problems.
2. No, because nobody knows everything, just as I do not know every detail about my friends.
3. True, because they actually know nothing about me.

This test for emos and goths may decide you are an emo goth…