Difference Between Goth and Prep

Goth vs Prep
 

As both, Goth and Prep, are terms usually found in pop culture, it is interesting to learn the difference between Goth and prep . These terms are used to stereotype certain individuals based on their personalities and looks. While not inherently bad, stereotyping hastily generalizes people just because they wear or look a certain way. Like being a Goth or a Prep, for example. However, it should be remembered that while most Goths and preps fit the stereotype, it does not apply to all of them.

Who is a Goth?

Goths, or those of the Gothic subculture, are those people who wear predominantly black outfits, have multiple piercings, punk-styled haircuts with the overall effect of being a very dark individual. Goth has its beginnings in music, as an offshoot of the post-Punk era, and literature. It became gothic because of the dark theme of their music and prose, and it became reflected in their clothes and personality.

Who is a Prep?

Prep, on the other hand, is for the more affluent people. Prep is short for preparatory and is a term that is used to call people going to preparatory schools or prep schools. This is the typical stereotype of rich children or teenagers who dress conservatively and casually. They are the people who are usually seen in vests and long-sleeved shirts for men and collared blouses and knee-length skirts for women. They tend to be portrayed as rich individuals who tend to be a bit on the obnoxious side.

What is the difference between Goth and Prep?

Goth and prep are, in a number of ways, the very opposite of each other. Prep is considered to be very traditional while Goth is pretty much rebellious. Preps tend to be very neat with their appearance, giving off the look of a young professional. Goths, on the other hand, wear dark clothes and arrange their hair in various ways, usually portraying aloof characteristics. While Goths are very stereo typically characterized as aggressive individuals, preps are considered to be stuck-up individuals as they come from wealthy families. 

Summary:

Goth vs Prep

• Goth is a subculture composed of individuals who tend to favor the darker side of the world and thus reflect it into their mood, clothing, literature and music.

• Prep, on the other hand, is a term used to refer to rich people attending preparatory schools. As time went by, prep came to mean rich people who dress in conservative and traditional clothes, but sometimes having a stuck-up behavior.

• Goth are rebellious while Preps are conservatives.

• Preps portray a young professional look while Goths portray aloof characteristics. 

• While Preps are viewed as stuck-up individuals with rich background Goths are stereo-typically characterized as aggressive individuals.

 

Photo By: Alan Johnson (CC BY-SA 2.0)