The original term Gothic, referring to architecture, was originally an insulting term, implying that that style was ugly and barbaric. The Literary Gothic period was called such because the style recalled the elaborate yet stark architectural style of Gothic, and were also called the Romantics, more commonly. The Romantics concentrated on two primary themes - love and death. Modern Goths focus in on themes the Romantics touched upon, but mix them up, and fuse them. Love and Death are intermingled (as often as not, I realize that's not a completely accurate statement for all Goths), and attempt to dress in modern versions of styles favored by the Literary Romantics, but focusing on grim styles of these clothes. They stick to black, with white makeup, and occasional white or burgandy trim, and extremely contrasting makeup. I have no clue why they are still called Goths, since most of them have no idea that the term originally referred to the Goths and Visigoths, but there ya go. And, yes, I know a couple perky goths, who dress the dress and listen to the music, but are... well... perky. Like a cheerleader in all black, with funky makeup. "Heehee, my life is a dark pit of darkness. Want a cookie, I made them myself?"

Remember, kids! Napalm is Nature's Toothpaste!