Heyy, welcome to the subculture! While listening to the music and engaging in the community is a key part of the culture, it actually isn't the most important part!
The key part of being goth is the politics + lifestyle! Goth is derived from punk, which was started on the ideals of anticapitalism, anticonsumerists, and generally left leaning view points. I saw you're from Argentina, and as an American I unfortunately can't give you any details on how that would look within your culture, but for me a lot of priorities lie in the defunding of police, fixing government corruption, putting power into the hands of the people, protecting and reestablishing education + healthcare, etc. <--- don't stress too much though, active politics isn't for everyone!
Some ideals that can apply to everyone are limiting how much personal waste you generate, thrift/second hand before buying new, supporting local business other than chains, supporting sex and sexuality positivity etc.
The music relays these viewpoints (unless its being silly ofc) and is generally an easy way to connect people across various cultures into this one.
Basically, it doesn't matter how you look or dress or act, as long as you believe in the views and make active decisions to move towards your ideals you're goth! don't stress about becoming perfect in an instant, EVERYTHING from your outfits to your lifestyle takes time to get where you want it to be.
And most importantly... THE ONLY POSERS ARE THE RIGHT-LEANING FASCISTS!! You can literally dress link fluttershy from MLP and be goth, so you're good!
- /|\^._.^/|\ A young goth whose been in the scene for 6+ years now ;)
P.S I forgot to answer one of ur questions! You can 100% enjoy the music and aesthetic without claiming the labels, not all 'goths' consider themselves goth. However, the biggest thing to remember is that goths are apart of a large label called "counter-culture".
Etymology difference: "Goth" is a person within gothic culture. "Gothic" is an aesthetic. You can technically be gothic without being goth.
Counter-culture is a type of subculture that goes against the mainstream/norm. Generally, right-leaning views are preserving what's previously been and left-leaning is embracing change. While the depth of your politics may be different, you are a poser if your views are right-leaning and you immerse yourself in gothic culture
What's right vs left leaning depends on the country/culture, so maybe try to find opinions from people around where you live, but I also think you can make this decision for yourself.
Good luck on your journey of self discovery, whether you do or don't claim the label in the end I hope you can at least find a like-minded community you relate to in every way :)
I know this is lengthy, but I hope it helped!
Forum:
Report Topic
Permalink