Goth gene

There is a lot of controversy over the existence of the goth gene. Many goths like to believe that being gothic is a lifestyle choice, whilst others argue that it isn't even that - it's just about the music. Those in favour of the genetic hypothesis point out that being gothic often runs in families, but their opponents counter that the reasons for this could be environmental (as in Nature versus Nurture).

It has been postulated that if the goth gene is ever definitely identified then young goths may have to be made subject to extra miserable environments in order to speed up the process of gothification and help them to make the most of their potential. This may spare them from the embarrassment of going through a sp00ky stage.