Two themes that permeate vampire-centric media are sexuality and spirituality. Brace and Arp talk about the parallels between vampirism and homosexuality in the Southern Vampires series/True Blood. As we’ve discussed this semester, other vampire media also feature homoerotic undertones. Yet male vampires, starting with the early works of Stoker and Polidori, are also the ultimate seducers who make women (often willingly) give in to their sexual desires, as Williamson notes in her chapter. Using these two readings as the basis for your argument, why do you think vampires have been used as a vehicle for exploring the themes of sexuality and spirituality? Be sure to offer examples of books, films or TV shows to support your response.
Additionally, what I found to be extremely interesting, and a bit disturbing, about Brace and Arp’s article was their idea of rape. They associate characters like Bill’s unwilling change into a vampire with rape, which seems to relate to earlier characters such as Dracula in seducing women so easily. The vampire is a powerful figure, and despite your repulsion of it, this certain power is also seductive. When vampires prey on women, who are powerless under their grip no matter what, this idea of rape via the sexual object of the fang becomes more apparent. This may be a stretch, especially since most women succumb to the seduction of the vampire willingly, but it is possible. Vampires represent sexuality because of their societal differences because they are probably not real, and the concept of them is quite baffling. To some people, so is the idea of homosexuality or sexual deviance/promiscuity (whether hetero- or homosexual). Vampires in their social deviation represent the parts of sexuality that challenges social norms—sex for procreation, opposite-sex marriages, etc. Their innate strength is physical and sexual, and they possess a power that can threaten what we know of ourselves and our world whether we like it or not, particularly how we view ourselves as sexual beings. Great literary characters such as Carmilla, Lord Ruthven and Dracula have been the epitome of a vampire’s sexual appeal, spilling into media characters such as Edward Cullen, Damon Salvatore, Spike, Eric Northman, and Lestat( particularly in “Queen of the Damned”).
ReplyDeleteAs discussed in class and through the viewing of many vampire-centric mediums, both sexuality and spirituality are two reoccurring themes. Each of these topics can be seen as taboo in some regard, but through pairing them with vampirism and the supernatural, they seem to seep into more and more books, films and television shows. Vampires are the perfect fit because as Brace and Arp state, the question is about vampirism being considered “unnatural,” which also ties into both homosexuality and spirituality (94).
ReplyDeleteThe best way to understand the link between homosexuality and vampirism comes once again from Brace and Arp. They use Bill Compton to drive this point home in saying, “He announces, ‘I am Vampire’ in the same way someone else might say ‘I’m gay’… They aren’t even black or Asian or Indian. They aren’t Rotarians or Baptists. They’re all plain vampires. That’s their color and their religion and their nationality” (102). Being ‘Vampire’ and being ‘gay’ are significant characteristics; in this way, they can easily be compared to one another. Vampires define themselves as so because it is their make up and it is who/what they are, similar to someone who is gay defining themselves in this way.
Also, the talk about equal rights under the law is interesting in drawing a parallel between themes. Brace and Arp say, “if one can identify a whole group or class of people as unnatural or less than human based on their inclinations and actions, then one might conclude that their lives don’t have the same value as our lives” (104). Once again vampires and homosexuals both feel the pressure of not being equally protected under the law due to their lifestyle differences. This connection definitely helps to fuse together just how closely homosexuality and vampirism are linked.
Milly Williamson paints a different picture when she says, “Dracula is a man’s tale. And not just a man’s tale, but a heterosexual man’s tale” (7). Williamson talks about the scene when Jonathan Harker gets “attacked erotically” by the three voluptuous women and how this portrays clear heterosexual tendencies (8). This is distinctively different from what we see today. Williamson ends the chapter by noting that “throughout the twentieth century, the depiction of the vampire becomes increasingly sympathetic and the fan culture surrounding vampire fiction becomes increasingly large. This vampire, however, speaks less to us about fear, and tends to elicit other emotional responses” (28). This is true of modern day and helps validate vampires speaking more and more to the homosexual community.
True Blood provides the best example of this and targets the gay and lesbian community well. With characters like Lafayette, and the example Brace and Arp give of Eddie Gauthier, it is clear that there are factors, which become easily identifiable between gays and vampires. After all, people generally watch shows that they can relate to to some degree. We also see examples of this in Interview with the Vampire between Lestat and Louis as discussed in class. Regardless of if they ever commit to any homosexual act, the way in which they interact warrants the response of the LGBT community. It is important that we acknowledge the connection between homosexuality and vampirism because it is being seen more and more in modern media and is something used to draw in a larger audience.
Ashley Heiberger
ReplyDeleteVampires have been used as “a vehicle for exploring the themes of sexuality and spirituality” in numerous cases. The reason is because they are not living human beings. Therefore, producers/directors and authors can take the risks of creating their characters to be homosexual or to have strong sexual desires. A good example to go along with my theory is from Brace and Arp’s article “Coming Out of the Coffin and Coming Out of the Closet” and they say, “If one can identify a whole group or class of people as unnatural or less than human based on their inclinations and actions, then one might conclude that their lives don’t have the same value as our lives” (104). The fact that vampires are unnatural and have not been proven real, it is okay for us to assume their lives do not have “the same value” as our own. We can put immortals in situations that may make society angry if a mortal was in their shoes. This also makes sense back to Stoker’s day when homosexuality was not acceptable.
I found a great website that concurs that vampires sexuality “mirrors human behavior” and it can be found on http://www.jstor.org/pss/462430. Vampires can violate the limits that humans cannot because who is going to judge them? I love “TrueBlood” but it would not be the same without the sex. The ratings would drop like wildfire because the audience loves it. Although Stoker is known for his Dracula to be the “ultimate seducer” I also believe Bill Compton and Eric Northman are too. “A vampire can be a vainglorious jerk, or a vampire can be kind, generous, and gifted…” and still get what they want because they glamour people (Brace and Arp 101). A great example in "TrueBlood" is Eddie in the first season. He thought becoming a vampire would make him more intriguing to other males, because he was not attractive in his normal life. It just goes to show that people do think vampires are seductive.
Not only do the vampires get away with glamouring people, but also humans fall into their traps. For example, in “Twilight”, Edward goes all crazy at the top of the mountain when yelling at Bella that no one can outrun him or be as strong as him, and that his scent and appearance leer humans in. An interesting point is that Bella wants Edward so bad it is to the point Edward “has to resist the urge to perforate her pulsing jugular vein, but that he, not she, puts the brakes on their erotic encounters” (Twilight and Philosophy 140). Bella also wants to be a vampire throughout the entire “Twilight series”. She wants to be an equal to Edward (Twilight and Philosophy 141).
Overall, it seems like in most vampire books and films, the vampires are the “bad boys/girls” who leer in humans whether it is intentional or not. They are known to be seductive. Even Carmilla would bite her victim in the breast and she was attracted to Laura (the little girl). Vampires are wise because they have lived to so long. They do not sleep at night, therefore giving them an extra 8-10 hours more than humans get during the day (plus they do everything fast pace). In my opinion, vampires “have been used as a vehicle for exploring the themes of sexuality and spirituality” because they are not living human beings. The unnatural can get away with things that are not welcome, or just being welcomed, in society.
Ashley Heiberger
ReplyDeletePart II
Lastly, I agree with Ali about "Dracula being a man's tale" (Williamson 7). I also agree with Williamson identifying that women's poses are seductive while being vampire (14). When we watched the clip in class about Jonathon Harker being invited in on the bed with the three female vampires. That right there goes to show how seductive vampires are. In the Williamson reading, Linda Willams, makes an interesting point that a "strange sympathy and affinity often develops between the monster and the girl which may be 'less an expression of sexual desire and more a flash of sympathetic identification'" (11-12). In conclusion, the body of a vampire is different than the body of a vampire which is not "clean and pure and closed" (Williamson 12). They are not mortal which means that society views them as a myth.
“The vampire offers a way of inhibiting difference with pride, for embracing defiantly an identity that the world at large sees as ‘other’” (Williamson 1). Vampires have been impactful in the media in ways other then scaring the heck out of people. These odd creatures are often used to express a few different themes. Some of the themes include the exploration of sexuality and spirituality. Patricia Brace and Robert Arp discuss how there is a relationship between vampirism and homosexuality in the series True Blood. However, Milly Williamson will talk about how vampires are so desirable and women will often give in to their sexual desires. Books have always had a way of getting a point across or real stress a theme. Well the vampire genre has done the same thing in book, television shows and movies with the expression of homosexuality, as well as spirituality.
ReplyDeleteIn the chapter Coming out of the Coffin and Coming out of the Closet by Brace and Arp, they describe to us the theme of homosexuality used in True Blood. The chapter starts off by saying, “In fact, the premier episode of True Blood mocks the idea that one can spot a vampire just from his mannerisms and the clothes he wears…” (Brace 93). This is a common statement that we hear about many things that may be “different.” A very similar line is used to teach people not to discriminate towards homosexuals because there is nothing wrong with them physically. This was a way for the series to really embrace the idea of homosexuality, primarily with Sookie Stackhouse. When you look at movies, such as, Lust for a Vampire and The Vampire Lovers, you see how vampires can be used to express homosexual nature. Female vampires always seem to be attracted to females but this is how the vampire genre really spreads the word and the theme of homosexuality. It gets the point across that being different, such as being a vampire, is often relatable because people fear their differences even if it is as absurd as being a vampire.
However, vampires can play both sides of the coin as Williamson explains in chapter, “Dracula, it seems, is a man’s tale. And not just a man’s tale, but a heterosexual man’s tale. (Williamson 7)” It always seems as if the character of Dracula is made to be this sexual person that can attract any woman he wants. Something all men wish they had the ability to have. At the same time, the character of Dracula often seduces many women. The Twilight series is a perfect example of this, as Edward seduces the women in the movie as well as the female audience. As discussed in class Bela Lugosi really used the role of Dracula to attract the women to the movie screen while falling in love with him. The same idea happens in movies where a female character ultimately gives in to the vampire and desires the vampire. Male viewers are also intrigued by the way vampires attract women as Arp and Brace discussed that it is men’s fear of not attracting women, but vampires are often great at seducing females.
Vampires have often been used as a vehicle for exploring the themes of sexuality and spirituality. As Brace, Arp and Williamson discussed in their chapters, vampires are different and are so often relatable to many kinds of viewers. It has the perfect medium to get these themes across as well as getting away with such themes. Vampires can be used as sexy characters as well as homosexual ones and it does not change our opinions about them. Shows, movies and books are usually still interesting and entertaining no matter how the vampire is portrayed.
Samantha Howard
ReplyDeleteIn almost all instances of vampires in the media their fear factor is accompanied by themes of sexuality and spirituality. In early works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, vampires were shown as the epitome of masculinity and master seducers. The story of Dracula contains many sexual undertones that were quite risqué for the late 1800s, but somehow the mix of horror and sexuality was a successful combination in the Victorian age. Williamson wrote: “The Victorian age which produced Dracula (and its author) is considered to be on of sexual repression and the vampire represents the return of the (masculine) repressed” (Williamson 5). The supernatural and horror elements make it less appalling that Stoker is showing a man acting upon his animalistic sexual instincts.
The animalistic nature of vampires is often very homoerotic. A male vampire wishing to drink blood from a male human or a woman vampire wishing to drink blood from a human woman shows this. Although this is simply a form of sustenance for a vampire it still creates a homoerotic feeling. Vampires could be seeking heterosexual relationships, but the bloodlust creates a possibility for same sex encounters between vampires and humans. This is why vampire media lures in many homosexual viewers.
Many heterosexual female viewers and homosexual male viewers are drawn to the vampire depicted in today’s society. These vampires still show sexual repression, but the physical appearance of sexual masculinity is way more obvious to the viewer than with Dracula. In shows such as True Blood and The Vampire Diaries the male vampires are shown as very scary yet sexually seducing. Eric Northman is described as a huge hunky vampire Viking; his 1,000 years of existence make him beyond strong and scary yet his physical attributes are extremely seductive. Stefan and Damon from The Vampire Diaries are both shown as dangerous, but the actors who play the characters are extremely good looking.
Patricia Brace and Robert Arp discuss the parallel Charlaine Harris creates between the homosexual community in reality and the vampire community in her “Sookieverse.” In her “Sookieverse” vampires are denied many of the rights that the gay community is currently fighting for in reality. It is illegal for vampires to marry and many church groups like the Fellowship of the Sun see them as immoral, unnatural and against the bible. Brace and Arp discuss the “brooding” factor that gays and vampires share in common. “Most studies of homosexuals reveal that their orientation has been present since early childhood, long before they have enough life experience to make a fully conscious, rational choice of orientation” (Brace and Arp 97). This parallels to the feeling many vampires feel that they didn’t chose this lifestyle. I think the idea of the vampire hunter/doctor seeking a cure to vampirism may have come about from those giving “reparative therapy” to “cure people of gayness” (Brace and Arp 97). Brace and Arp also make an interesting analogy: the fear of vampires in the Great Revelation in True Blood is like the homophobia surrounding homosexuals.
Aside from the obvious connections between vampires and homosexuals, they can be thought of as very spiritual. This, in my opinion, is because of their connection to the past. Most vampire stories revolve around a vampire that has been alive for hundreds or thousands of years. Godric/Godfrey from True Blood is a very spiritual vampire in his last years of life. His early centuries were devoted to mindless killing sprees and then his vampire brain matured and he wanted to atone for his sins and meet the sun. Charlaine Harris emphasizes the spiritual aspect of his decision to meet the sun by making him seek out the help of the anti-vampire church the Fellowship of the Sun.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteThe best example of vampires being vehicles for themes of sexuality of spirituality is seen in True Blood and the many novels it is based on, as talked about by Brace and Arp. In this case, the vampire text is symbolizing homosexuality and how these vampires (homosexuals) can be considered “the outcast[s] of every society” (Brace and Arp 97). The series involves numerous parallels between vampirism and homosexuality, allowing people to identify with the vampires, who on numerous occasions act more human then the human residents of the town. Brace and Arp discuss that “your sexuality is no indication of where you will lie on the broad human spectrum of personality, intelligence, and temperament” (Brace and Arp 101). In the first season of True Blood and the novel Dead Until Dark, all the murders in town are being caused by a human, not by vampires as was thought. This shows the misunderstandings in the world and how those people considered ‘natural’ (heterosexuals) by many religious groups, have the potential to become violent and the ones who really hurt society.
Vampires are important for exploring these themes. They are different from us, allowing us to step back and take a look at the larger picture. Stories with the same themes but with just regular humans are not as powerful because we are too closely related to them. But presented through the vampire we can start to think about topics we may otherwise not have thought of before. We think about the topics and then realize they exist in our everyday lives and are important to discuss, or at least accept.
Part 1
ReplyDelete“It has been said that we conjure the vampires that we want or need for the cultural and historical times that we find ourselves in” (Williamson 5). This is the first line in Chapter One of Williamson’s book and it perfectly describes the true nature of the vampire. Media texts can and are often used to reflect and offer commentary, whether intentional or not, on society. The vampire has become a tool in which authors can show the repression of sexuality and explore themes of spirituality. Part of the reason why vampires are good canvases for such topics is they are not usually considered human. Because of this, there is a natural detachment from the actual characters, which allows the vampire to explore specific themes and act in ways that are not deemed appropriate by society for humans. The audience is still able to connect to the characters and can witness how they wish to act.
The early vampire texts delved right into themes of sexuality. In the Victorian era there was a repression of sexuality, especially for females who were expected to remain virgins until marriage. For the male audience, the novel Dracula showed “what men really fear is active female sexuality” (Williamson 11). The novel portrays female sexuality as a crime worthy of death, as seen by Lucy’s second death. Sexuality was feared in this society, along with the blurring of “the line between male and female” (Williamson 10), which was also shown to be a threat in Dracula through the vampire brides. But this is only one interpretation of the novel, which shows themes of sexuality in relation to the current society. Williamson says it is a “crucial problem” (Williamson 6) to think there are only males viewers.
The female audience is very important to the vampire text. In Dracula and Carmilla, the Victorian woman could identify with the female vampires who are acting as they please and don’t need to worry about the norms of society. The actual female audience cannot act this way but they can experience a sense of freedom by the exposure to these characters, who are not human and do not need to worry about acting how society sees fit. There is also “sympathetic identification” (Williamson 12) with vampires because they are viewed as monsters and looked down upon, just like women where during the time of publication of both of these stories.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteThis idea continues into modern day texts, with females still identifying with sexual vampires. This is seen in Interview with a Vampire and how women can identify with Lestat and Louie because of the conditions of their lives.
The best example of vampires being vehicles for themes of sexuality of spirituality is seen in True Blood and the many novels it is based on, as talked about by Brace and Arp. In this case, the vampire text is symbolizing homosexuality and how these vampires (homosexuals) can be considered “the outcast[s] of every society” (Brace and Arp 97). The series involves numerous parallels between vampirism and homosexuality, allowing people to identify with the vampires, who on numerous occasions act more human then the human residents of the town. Brace and Arp discuss that “your sexuality is no indication of where you will lie on the broad human spectrum of personality, intelligence, and temperament” (Brace and Arp 101). In the first season of True Blood and the novel Dead Until Dark, all the murders in town are being caused by a human, not by vampires as was thought. This shows the misunderstandings in the world and how those people considered ‘natural’ (heterosexuals) by many religious groups, have the potential to become violent and the ones who really hurt society.
Vampires are important for exploring these themes. They are different from us, allowing us to step back and take a look at the larger picture. Stories with the same themes but with just regular humans are not as powerful because we are too closely related to them. But presented through the vampire we can start to think about topics we may otherwise not have thought of before. We think about the topics and then realize they exist in our everyday lives and are important to discuss, or at least accept.
Since Stoker’s Dracula, vampires have been used in the media and literature to explore taboo beliefs on sexuality and spirituality. In Williamson’s ‘Gender and the Dracula’ chapter, Christopher Bentley argues that “Stoker was ‘unaware of the sexual content of his book’; he was simply fiving expression to his own unconscious desires and repressions…the sexual desires dramatized in the novel take the symbolic form of vampires because of the sexual repression of the Victorian age of which Stoker’s own repression is a part.” (Williamson 8) In terms of sexual repression, the human characters are presented so that it is only in the human character’s interaction with vampires that they are able to engage in the desired, but as repressed, ‘perverted’ encounters. According to the article, Stoker’s novel was written in a decade of “sexual anarchy” (Williamson 6), when alternate appropriate gender roles were up for discussion; the sexual content of the book may not have been Stoker’s intended outcome, but it has been embedded in vampiric literature ever since.
ReplyDeleteWilliamson mentions that ‘Dracula’ is a “man’s tale”, where it raises “male (heterosexual) fears in order to ease them” (Williamson 7) while incorporating appropriate gender values on the subjects of love, hate, guilt, and revenge. In terms of love, the novel uses heterosexual interpretations of sexual activity, as Bentley argues that “the vampires in the tale tend only to attack members of the opposite sex thus suggesting that vampirism is a perversion of normal heterosexual activity’. Presumably chaste, marital intercourse” (Williamson, 8) Although Stoker was unaware of the underlying unconscious effect his work has on conveying traditional gender roles to his viewership, the male audience, which the novel is directed to, learns a lot about appropriate heterosexual feelings and gratifications. James Twitchell analyzed Dracula’s ‘mythic lesson in proper sexual conduct of teenagers’, and concluded that “the primal young male audience witnesses the older man defile the virgin…while at the same time imagining himself to be that powerful man. However, he identifies with the ‘youthful throng that seeks his overthrow’.” (Williamson 9). The ‘mythic lesson’ provides pleasure for the male viewer in an aggressive and sadistic manner, which are both undesired ‘relationship’ traits of the opposite sex.
Christopher Craft suggests another way that Dracula represents gender roles, through its ‘dramatization of a fear of potential sexual mobility’ which conflicts with the gender roles of the Victorian era. (Williamson 9) Craft believes that there is “an inversion of Victorian gender norms which threatens the line between male and female” (Williamson 10) Dracula represents dominant attitudes of the sexuality that the Victorian age denied, through the incorporation of hetero- and homo-sexual activity in a ‘supernatural’ context. This way of dramatizing sexual activity is depicted in the vampiric medium that still exists today, where the sexually deviant topics in society and media are exposed in the texts with a ‘supernatural’ feel; the issues are brought to life, but in a way that is shielded from the ‘reality’ of the issues through the use of ‘supernatural’ characters.
The themes that are now more and more relevant in vampire-centric media are indeed sexuality and spirituality. With more of the TV series being shown dealing with vampires they have become very provocative and revealing. With our generation individuals are more interested in the sex and bad ass feel in a show then the once cautious or tame shows. The saying sex sells really is more present in books, TV series, and films today gabbing more viewers.
ReplyDeleteWith vampires they are dark mysterious creature that often grab peoples attention right away because of the fact that they are just that, mysterious. First they frighten you by changing into a fearful creature and then once they are in that state you feel a kind of attachment knowing that something inside them isn’t right. Maybe it is a feeling that you want to try and change them to be good and caring or maybe it’s because women are just attracted to bad ass men. I think women find more of a connection to these types of characters because they feel as if there is an area of the vampires past that pains them. Guys don’t really care what the vampires past is or their emotions, they focus more on the fear and special effects. “Jones suggests that fear of the vampire steams from a combination of love, hate and guilt which results from the child’s incestuous love for the mother and hatred of the father.” (Williamson, 7). Within today’s society more kids are feeling this way, more love for their mothers and hatred towards their fathers. For some it brings back memories they can relate to touching individuals on a spiritual level. These memories allow people to connect even more with the vampires because it is a pain that is deep inside and not necessarily describable. Connect that vulnerability and the sexual presence in the media and you have a connection that many women desire a lot. I can remember back to when True Blood was starting its second season and people were trying to get me to watch it. I have never been a big fan of watching vampire TV series I am not sure why but they just are not very appealing to me. When I ask people, mostly my girlfriends who were hooked on it, they tried to put it in a way that a guy would be interested. They simple said it a lot of good looking women, sex, and vampires all mixed into one. Sparked and feeling or curiosity that maybe I should check the show out and actually give it a chance before I bash it. I watched parts of an episode but found I couldn’t really get into the show. I should have given it more time watched another episode or two but I’m the type of person that the first episode has to grab me right away and keep me interested. There was a good amount sexual situations and the women were good looking, for most men that is enough to continue watching. I can see why a large amount of the homosexual community likes to watch these shows now; they are very into feelings and accepting or hiding behind ones true feelings.
Sexuality and spirituality are always present in the vampire-centric media in today’s age of books, films, and especially TV series. The sex draws people in while then providing the spiritual emotional connection more viewers can relate to. It is as I said previously that sex sells and with more shows showing sexual scenes, that might not have been acceptable in past years, the viewership is and will continue to rise.
I believe that vampires have been used as a vehicle for exploring the themes of sexuality and spirituality because it is easy for producers to discuss such themes on a subject that is entirely a fictional character. Take for instance how The Adams Family was the first show to have a husband and wife sleep in the same bed together. This was accepted by society because the characters were monsters. It is easy to push the limits of touchy subjects such as sexuality and spirituality when the characters are known to be fictitious. Vampires often have parallel experiences to homosexuals Vampires and homosexuals are considered to be outsiders in the “normal” society. Many ignorant individuals feel that being a homosexual is a sin and goes against nature’s way. Television shows such as True Blood have borrowed the conflicts that homosexuals deal with. In the opening of the television show, there is a sign that states, “God hates fangs,” take the “n” out of “fangs” and it is just like the sayings you see on anti-homosexuality posters. Once again in True Blood, the conservative religious group, Fellowship of the Sun, preach that, “vampires are an unnatural abomination, (COOTCACOOTC, 96).” It is exactly this thought that homosexual’s orientation is “unnatural” that correlates with how vampire’s existence is also seen as “unnatural” by the people trying to abolish them. Vampires are stereotyped in the same manner that homosexuals are. Brace and Arp state, “when we categorize someone as unnatural, we often imply that the person is mentally disordered or evil (COOTCACOOTC, 100).” Vampires have many stereotypes, of being animalistic, savage, and people who can’t control their urges. Their existence is seen as unnatural, in the same manner that homosexuals orientation is seen as unnatural, which fuels hate groups to use stereotypes against them. It is no secret that homosexuals are persecuted and stereotyped for their sexual orientation, especially from a religious standpoint. Patricia Brace and Robert Arp from, Coming out of the Coffin and Coming out of the Closet, observes, “It seems as if every major religion has some written or oral band on ‘one man lying with another man’[. . .] The universality of this ban is unsurprising since religious laws are a reflection of human desires and anxieties, and the patriarchal cultures that wrote these religious laws feared any kind of uncontrolled sexuality (COOTCACOOTC, 96).” When reading this I focused on the term “uncontrolled sexuality”, and I realized that both homosexuals and vampires cannot control the identity that has made them outcasts. Homosexuals did not choose their orientation, just as vampires did not choose to be vampires, but they are, and religious institutions have persecuted them for it. Vampires are routinely portrayed as predators and humans, prey. It is no mystery that vampires have the equipment to overpower humans, with their fangs and strength. It has been a long time misconception of homophobe’s that homosexuals also have a dangerous need to impose their orientation on innocent heterosexual people. Brace and Arp state, “the old way of interacting with humanity was as predator and prey, which parallels some of the worst fears of homophobia—that a homosexual predator will attack or coerce an unwilling person into homosexual acts (COOTCACOOTC, 99).” Thus homosexuals are also seen as monsters and predators, just like vampires. In True Blood, the character Tara develops a deep hatred for all vampires when she is raped by a single vampire. People in Bon Temp who do not know that vampires can have very human qualities and personalities, feel that vampires cannot control their
ReplyDeleteanimalistic desires; in the same manner that homophobe’s feel that homosexuals cannot control their sexual urges. Vampires are used as vehicles in discussing the themes of spirituality and sexuality because there are many similarities in the vampires struggle for equality and the battle they have against ignorance. It is also easier to discuss the subjects of spirituality and sexuality when using a fictitious character, like vampires.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading these two articles I came to the conclusion that vampires do indeed make a good a vehicle for exploring the themes of sexuality and spirituality. Vampires aren’t human, and therefore they can be used to explore things that might not be seen as acceptable for humans to do. For example The Munsters were the countercultural figures of the 1960’s and they got away with pushing boundaries that because they weren’t human. In that sense vampires are perfect for exploring limits because they can act human, but they aren’t.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found interesting was that both these articles represented two different sides of vampires. I think Williamson sums it up by saying “It has been said that we conjure the vampires that we want or need for the cultural and historical times that we find ourselves in” (Williamson 5). I think that vampires can represent whatever we want them to and we can fit them into any situation. In their article Brace and Arp talk about the parallels between vampires and homosexuality. It was really interesting to see all the similarities between coming out of the coffin and coming out of the closet. For example up until a couple of years ago people were afraid of homosexuality. It wasn’t accepted in society and people were afraid they could catch it. This parallels to the fear people have of vampires, and if bitten they could turn in to one.
Brace and Arp also touch on the fact that vampire and homosexual lifestyles are very similar. “For centuries vampires either lived totally apart from human society or attempted to “pass” as human, like gays trying to pass as straight” (Brace and Arp 99). Each orientation isn’t fully accepted by people and for that reason they have to sometimes live in hiding, and not celebrate who they are. This supports why vampires are such a good vehicle for exploring themes for sexuality because they do live similar lifestyles and therefore are perfect icon for homosexuals to relate to.
Brace and Arp then talk about vampires’ and homosexuals’ spirituality and that in the church “their very existence might be seen as unnatural” (Brace and Arp 96). Vampires are considered the undead and therefore are rejected by the church. Homosexuals are also rejected by the church and are often trying to be cured by it. In each case it is hard for them to practice religion, especially when considering the slogan “God hates gays” and “God Hates Fangs” (Brace and Arp 95).
Williamson had a different point of view and she states “Dracula, it seems, is a man’s tale. And not just a man’s tale, but a heterosexual man’s tale” (Williamson 7). Williamson argues that vampires are heterosexual creatures and are very sexual ones. She argues this point by saying that vampires only feed on the opposite sex (Williamson 8). In Dracula vampires often represent the inner sexual desires humans have. “The three vampire women are a ‘tempting alternative to the socially imposed delays and frustrations of his relationship with the chaste but somewhat sexless Mina’” (Williamson 8). With the vampires Jonathon Harker can fulfill the desires he can’t with Mina.
Vampires also seem to be very in touch with their sexuality and use it to lure in their prey. Women are especially seen coming into their sexuality when turned into vampires. For example Lucy’s transformation “symbolizes the worst nightmare and dearest fantasy of the Victorian male: the pure girl turned sexually ravenous beast” (Williamson 12). When turned into a vampire only then is Lucy voluptuous and can express her sexual desires because it wasn’t acceptable for her to do that when she was human.
I think that it is good that both sexualities are represented in vampire literate and film. Like Williamson said, vampires can represent whatever we want them to because they aren’t human. Vampires have proven to be successful as both heterosexual and homosexual. Whether your are watching True Blood or Twilight there is a sexual attraction for either sexual orientation to vampires and they have something about them that keeps us coming back for more.
When one thinks of the characteristics of a vampire, their mind immediately wanders to fangs, pale skin, and dark clothes. However, another aspect that comes up is sexuality. One can’t help but notice the seductive qualities of a vampire, from the way that they talk to the way that they stare. As mentioned in the prompt for this week, they really are the “ultimate seducers”. Not only do they seduce people sexually, but they can also convince others to do exactly what they please, as they are so alluring. Along with this, it can be said that there are a lot of “homoerotic undertones” involved in vampire stories, media, etc. The question then arises, why are vampires used as such an outlet for sexual exploration?
ReplyDeleteIn the excerpt by Brace and Arp, it is asked if “either vampirism or homosexuality be considered unnatural? How about immoral?” (94) It has nothing to do with being unnatural or immoral. Vampires and the supernatural are mysterious. This mystery allows writers and audiences to explore topics that may not be discussed frequently in society, or that may be considered taboo. Simply put, mystery is sexy. Homosexuality, in some societies, is preferred to be kept under wraps, or is looked down upon. In a sense, it is kept a mystery. However, with vampires and the supernatural, anything goes. It’s kind of just all out in the open. It is an outlet to explore different types of sexuality because the subject of vampires really has no limits or boundaries. For example, in True Blood, there is an abundance of sex, homosexuality, spirituality, etc. as it explores this unknown world of the undead, along with this potential unknown world of sexuality. The characters of Lafayette, Claude, and Eddie bring this lifestyle to the table throughout the series. Since it runs on HBO, anything really goes in regards to the sexual encounters shown. It is a safe place to illustrate and examine different types of lifestyles, because of the subject of the content.
Along with the mystery of it all, vampires also sometimes have acceptance issues in societies, as do homosexuals. To use True Blood again, “In Sookie’s world, as we would expect, Islam doesn’t treat vampires well either.” (95) These two groups both suffer social challenges in similar ways. By putting homosexuality into the storylines regarding social problems, social issues can be exposed and discussed, thus increasing awareness and increasing acceptance in the audience. The two groups really parallel and resemble each other in a way, therefore, making it the perfect outlet to discuss these topics.
As previously mentioned, along with homosexuality, sexuality in general is often involved with vampires, including sexual encounters and seduction. This has been happening really since the existence of vampires, and vampire texts. It is definitely apparent in Dracula. In Williamson’s article, it mentioned how Jonathon Harker’s character even described his erotic encounter with the three vampire women. It’s not just vampire men seducing women. There are vampire women seducing men, vampires seducing vampires, vampires seducing others of the same sex- it’s just one big seduction fiesta. The idea of fantasy has been a common idea throughout my response; however, it also applies to this idea of seduction. It can be said that, most often, the male vampires typically seduce women. Women have that desire to be seduced, to be “wooed”, for lack of a better term. The vampire has been made to be a creature that does this, thus fulfilling those fantasies.
These themes all have common characteristics with a common theme. They are all relatively private, mysterious, secretive, taboo, and things that most people do not feel comfortable addressing. Maybe they are fantasies that people have. It can be safe to say that not everyone is comfortable discussing his or her sexuality, fantasies, and desires. Vampires and the supernatural can fall under this fantasy category, so it would be acceptable to have all of this potentially “forbidden” content in these fantasy texts where anything goes.
“God hates fangs” appears during the credits for the HBO series, True Blood, which is quite similar to Fred Phelpsian’s slogan, “God hates fags.” (Brace and Arp 93) Is this an implication that essentially, writers and creators of vampire media are making a parallel between vampires and homosexuals? Brace and Arp go onto say, “Those who hate gays and vampires are quick to point out that their lifestyles are not natural. But what is natural?” (Brace and Arp 97) So let us ask, what is natural? Natural varies per definition and also, per religion. Many people who believe in the Catholic religion believe that homosexuality is impure and not natural. Despite your religious beliefs and personal views on homosexuality and vampirism, one thing is for certain: both homosexuals and vampires are seen as outsiders. Their lifestyle is not only seen as unnatural but so different from what is considered “normal” or “natural” according to our society.
ReplyDeleteIn the WB television series, The Vampire Diaries, we are told early on that the character of Caroline’s father, left Caroline and her mother because he was gay and wanted to live with his partner. Clearly that means he is extremely comfortable with his sexual preference and is not anti-gay. However, once he hears of Caroline being a vampire he comes to “fix” her. Caroline proceeds to say “You can’t fix this. You can’t change who I am” and her father begins to torture her because he doesn’t agree with her lifestyle choices. He also calls her a “monster” for being who she is. This is completely surprising for someone who has probably been in her shoes before. As a gay man, he was born that way. He cannot change or “fix” who he is. The conversation goes on with her father saying, “I need you to try your best now” implying he needs her to try to change. His homosexuality and her vampirism are facts that should be accepted. People cannot change who they are.
It seems in this episode, the scenes showing how Caroline used her vampirism paralleled how a writer would portray a parent finding out their child was homosexual. Caroline’s father strongly disagrees with her choices and tries to “fix” her while her mother sympathizes with her. Although her mother is not happy with whom her daughter is at the end of the day, she loves her. However, Caroline feels so awful about herself because she thinks, “my dad hates me,” which is probably how most teenagers feel when they tell their parents they are gay.
Vampires and homosexuals want to feel accepted, but in high school, it is extremely hard. They have to adapt to their surroundings and watch out for themselves because many people disagree with their “lifestyles.” Even though they cannot help it, it is who they are. The parallel between vampirism and homosexuality is seen frequently in the media, especially in The Vampire Diaries.
Another parallel between vampires and homosexuals that are evident in the Vampire Diaries as well as many other vampire media is the idea of a future. Homosexuals in some places cannot get married or have children. Brace and Arp explain this further: “If you’re gay and have the misfortune to live in all but a few locations in the world today, chances are you’re not going to be able to get married, adopt children, have access to your partner’s health insurance, be taken care of in your old age, and many other things that heterosexuals take for granted.” (Brace and Arp 103) In The Vampire Diaries, Stefan is around 163 years old and obviously cannot produce a child due to not only his age but the fact that he is immortal. He always talks to Elena about how being a vampire should be HER choice. She should decide whether or not she wants to have children and grow old. Someone who is a vampire or a homosexual cannot live the typical family life, especially when it comes to having children, which is another parallel between vampirism and homosexuality.
ReplyDeleteOverall, we see that vampirism and homosexuality draw many parallels in popular media texts today whether it is film or television. We even see dialogue between vampire characters that are similar to conversations one might witness between homosexuals. God may hate fangs and fags because vampires and homosexuals lead “unnatural” lifestyles but it is not their choice. It is who they are. God created men. And God created women. With that being said, he should not hate them for how they are whether they are gay or whether they are a vampire.
Part 1
ReplyDeleteThe vampire centric themes of sexuality and spirituality are two things that come up very often in the different media that depict vampirism. In the beginning of the Genre Bram Stoker associates sexuality and spirituality in his novel to identify or to set the standard to the characteristics of the typical vampire. The various media outlets that depict vampires use vampires’ sexuality to portray the demonic creature as an attraction magnet for the target audience. Williamson discusses that various scholars have tried to explain the sexuality in Stoker’s novel. Williamson points out how the scholar Bentley uses previous theories generated by psychologist to explain the sexuality in stoker’s Dracula. Bentley concludes that Stoker did not use sexuality intentionality in novel. The sexuality found in Dracula is a result of the sexual frustration experienced by Victorian society (Williamson 8). Williamson states, “For Bentley the sexual desires dramatized in the novel take the symbolic form of vampires because of the sexual repression of the Victorian age, of which Stocker’s own repression is a part” (Williamson 8). The sexuality found in stoker’s novel has become a representation of how people and immortal creatures interact. The different media in which these individuals appear depict vampires a poor people who did not chose to be what they are. Therefore sexuality is used to connect them to humans. Masculinity particularly is used to create sympathy for these creatures so that audience feels a connection to these beings. Williamson’s book also points out that in Dracula “there is an inversion of Victorian gender norms… which threatened the role between male and female” (Williamson 10). The sexuality seen in Stoker’s novel was not something that Stoker created intentionally.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteHowever, sexuality is present in most vampire themes and can be seen as a characteristic that became an identifier of vampirism in future media. With that said Williamson’s article talks about sexuality and the female gender. Griffin in the Williamson article talks about how femininity makes the vampire seem fearful of the opposite gender (Williamson 12). In this novel Dracula’s wives are very assertive of their sexuality and could have been seen as an escape of the traditional norm for the typical Victorian woman. This also created relatability between women and vampires because were they both considered to some extent seen as weak members of society despite their economic standing in their respective communities.
The Brace and Arp article touches on this idea of vampires being looked down upon in society. Vampires were seen as unnatural beings. This ties in the spirituality associated with them. Brace and Arp talk about the comparison between homosexuality and vampirism. Also Brace and Arp describe the priests let Sookie know that vampires are “unsuitable company” (Brace and Arp 95). In this part of the narration the priests express their disliking of these creatures. Vampires are viewed as unnatural. The True Blood series associates vampirism with homosexuality because they are viewed as outsiders trying to fit in society. Brace and Arp asserts that there have been stereotypes created to make these groups seem unnatural. Brace and Arp also state that this negative connotations associated with these groups have been formed by hate groups.
An important point made in this article is that the idea of unnatural beings is shared not only amongst Christians but also amongst the Muslims. The article states, “Vampires in the predominantly Islamic nations had fared the worst… Under Sharia law, the undead would possibly receive the same punishment as homosexuals” (Brace and Arp 95-96). This article also explains how the widespread ban of vampirism can be a reflection of the desires humans have. Media relating to vampires give us the opportunity to change the way we view them while maintaining their original characteristics. Sexuality and Spirituality are a characteristic that has been present in themes involving vampires since Stoker’s novel. These themes add uniqueness and attracts a wider
I can picture “We’re here, we’re Vampire…get used to it!” painted on signs and banners at a Vampire Pride parade, as vampires march for acceptance. This phrase, which acts as the title of a section in the article by Brace and Arp, alludes to the parallelism between vampires and homosexuals. Brace and Arp quote the work of Charlaine Harris in which she writes “When the Japanese had perfected the synthetic blood that actually enabled vampires to live without drinking human blood, it had been possible for vampires to come out of the coffin” (Arp & Brace 93). They go on to add that this idea is “an obvious allusion to gays coming out of the closet” (Arp & Brace 93). What is it that makes vampires and homosexuals similar? Perhaps it is the idea that they are considered a social minority; their lifestyle is considered “not natural” (Arp & Brace 97).
ReplyDeleteThis idea of being different made me realize that both groups have to deal with the issue of living in a society that, for the most part, doesn’t understand their lifestyle. While many don’t understand why vampires have to drink blood, many don’t understand why a man wants to be with a man or a woman wants to be with a woman. I found it interesting when Brace and Arp talk about how Bill from True Blood identifies himself by stating “’I am Vampire’ in the same way someone else might say ‘I’m gay’ or ‘black’” (Arp & Brace 101). He identifies himself as Vampire because that is exactly what he is. Going along with this idea of a group identity, True Blood also offers the example of how vampires fight for equal rights in a similar fashion to how many would fight for gay rights. Since many may see their lifestyle as unnatural, Brace and Arp point out that “one might conclude that their lives don’t have the same value as our lives” which often leads to some type of group oppression (Arp & Brace 104).
Of the numerous examples of homoerotic undertones that many forms of vampire media have, The Interview with the Vampire seems to be the prime example that comes to mind. I think these homoerotic undertones have less to do with sex than one may think. For example, the extremely homoerotic relationship between Lestat and Louie, as well as the one between Louie and Armand serve examples of companionship in another, not necessarily sexual attraction. I want to argue the point that perhaps they are drawn to each other for the fact that they are different from others around them. They seek the companionship in each other, not because they are men but because they are vampires.
In the sense of spirituality, vampires are viewed by religious groups as an “abomination” much like homosexuals are. Brace and Arp talk about the True Blood reference to the Fred Phelpsian slogan with their usage of “God hates fangs” (Arp & Brace 93). This religious view is also present in terms of vampire sexuality; since “vampires are infertile”, many religious groups would argue that it is unnatural for them to have sex (Arp & Brace 103). It is often a popular belief by these groups that “sex should be between a man and a woman and should be open to the possibility of procreation…any other kind of sexual interaction is unnatural and hence immoral” (Arp & Brace 103).
ReplyDeleteHowever, in my opinion, sexuality seems innate to vampires. They possess this sexual aura that weakens those around them. It is ironic that vampires are often compared to homosexuals because as you said, they are often portrayed as the “ultimate seducers”. Brace and Arp make note of the “obvious physical parallels between sex and the way a vampire feeds” (Arp & Brace 102). I think vampire media often has this strong presence of sexual tension between the characters. Thinking back to the first time I watched Buffy and Spike interact or the first time I read Twilight, I remember becoming frustrated as a viewer. You want Buffy to kiss Spike. You want Bella to kiss Edward. The content gets you worked up because the viewer or reader is often excited by the idea that something is “wrong”. It is similar to the reason people usually attribute to having affairs; there is a sense of excitement in doing what is wrong. Williamson talks about how “the female victim secretly wants to be violated and ‘encourages her own defloration’”, while the male vampire wants to “defile the virgin” (Williamson 9). Vampire media is often always presented in “highly erotic terms” (Williamson 8). For example, a passage from Dracula used phrases like “burning desire” and “shivering touch of the lips on the supersensitive skin on my throat” (Williamson 8). With phrases like this, I can’t help but wonder whether we are reading Bram Stoker or Danielle Steele.
Within the realm of the supernatural, it is vampires that are most targeted to explore controversial topics such as sexuality and spirituality. Through the readings of Brace and Arp, as well as Williamson, the vampire is explained to be a portal of these themes for a few reasons. The readings explain to us that the are an easy segaway to sexuality because this is an area that is generally not touched upon in the fear of being taboo. Even in a society like the one we exist in every day, there are individuals who are not consistently open with free for all discussion of the ethics and avenues of sexuality, spirituality and the supernatural. All of these things can potentially deemed “unnatural” and therefore, their correlation develops into an area where discussion is appropriate (96).
ReplyDeleteVampirism and homosexuality fit together because they are defining characteristics of an individual. These aspects of a person are things that make them unique from the majority, which they are trying to blend with. When Brace and Arp discuss this, the point being made is that the declaration of being approached is very similar to the way that an individual might come out. They state their identity; “I am vampire,” “I am gay” (101). For argument’s sake, it is the same as exclaiming any other identifier of a human being. The only hole in this discussion is openly countered by Brand & Arp themselves. This is that vampirism cannot be compared to homosexuality because vampires are not born, they are made. Homosexuality on the other hand can be said to be a part of one’s genetic composition and is a portion of their person from birth (98).
However, whether vampirism or homosexuality are natural components or those that are thrust upon a person’s existence, Brace and Arp reference the need for both areas to have defined and implemented equal rights. In many ways, the characters of True Blood struggle to gain the same treatment as their human counterparts (105). The same rings true to members of the gay community and their struggle for acceptance and allowance of freedoms that are granted to heterosexual individuals (106).
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ReplyDeleteThe author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, Charlaine Harris, states “When I began framing how I was going to represent the vampires, it suddenly occurred to me that it would be interesting if they were a minority that was trying to get equal rights… It just seemed to fit with what was happening in the world right then.” (Shen: http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/item_WKvyfOFvvONjfWj5S1xa8N#ixzz1bsD3p89O) However, the creator of “True Blood” Alan Ball refuted metaphoric connections between vampires and homosexuals by saying, "To look at these vampires on the show as metaphors for gays and lesbians is… kind of lazy… a show about vampires[is] not meant to be taken that seriously.” Yet, despite Ball’s misgivings and Harris’ intents (same article mentions how Harris integrated the link between vampire and gay rights from when she started writing in 2001), there is an obvious and deep metaphor connecting homosexuality and vampirism and not only in “True Blood”.
Authors Patricia Brace and Robert Arp title their critical study of this matter “Coming Out of the Coffin and Coming Out of the Closet” and note in the very first line that “the world of Sookie Stackhouse is rife with analogies between homosexuals and vampires.” (Brace and Arp 93) They provide the example of the “God Hates Fangs” sign visible in the opening credits of “True Blood” (93), the disapproval of vampire life by the Church (95), the violent rhetoric of the fictitious Fellowship of the Sun stating “vampires are an unnatural abomination” (96)… even how the first vampire appeared on television on a teen soap, which echoed the first appearance of a gay teenager on a teen soap in the 1990s. (100) It is easy to see the similarities because “there is a parallel to being born either gay or straight, for once you become a vampire, there’s no returning to human existence” (98), i.e. a vampire is about as able to revert to humanity as a gay person is able to revert to heterosexuality.
The reason this association works so well is because of the vampire’s “embracing defiantly an identity that the world… sees as ‘other’” (Williamson 1), adding that people are warned “against accepting the images… the vampire is said to represent: … a voraciously sexual woman… a hyper-sexual African, a hypnotic Jewish invader, an effeminate or homosexual man” (1). Each of the terms Williamson outlines are terms that the majority have outcasted to the role of minorities: women, Africans or dark-skinned people, Jewish people and homosexuals. The vampire absorbs the role played by all these subcultures and does so with pride. In literature, the vampire is the stereotyped outcast for he (or she) is not human, the living Undead, a paradox who requires an ingestion of human blood to live. But even while being portrayed as an outcast, there is a glamour and charm: in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, Dracula was an Eastern European count who lived in a massive castle and dressed impeccably; in Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire”, the violent nature of Lestat de Lioncourt was offset by his physical beauty and aristocratic background.
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ReplyDeleteBy being the definition of the “other”, vampires share a similar background with oppressed minority groups, like gays – they are despised, misunderstood, feared and ostracized by mainstream and “normal” society. As such, they act as the perfect metaphors for any minority group that seeks a voice. While their acts of violence do cause concern to some, vampires are not idealized because of it. No one read “Interview with the Vampire” to learn how Louise Pointe du Lac murdered most of New Orleans to feed; no one watched “Being Human” to see how brutally Mitchell can kill powerless humans when he goes on a blood bender; no one watched “Angel” to see him constantly flashing back to his violent and vicious past; and no one watched “True Blood” for Russell Edginton’s penchant for violence –they watched for Russell Edgington’s cool, Southern gentlemen charm exuded while he tried to seduce Bill Compton into his employment, made the Shreveport Pack of Weres abide his bidding and gently explained to the people of the United States how terrible he was… while clutching onto a human vertebrae he had extracted on air in the prior minute. While vampires are considered to be violent and terrible creatures, it is understood that the violence and terror comes from a need to live, to sustain themselves. Leading vampires are not allowed to be seen simply as violence and terror with fangs – they are seen as people, still – with emotions, empathic needs and a constant questioning of where they belong. Louise spends an entire book wondering about the meaning of his existence; Mitchell tries desperately to pass by unknown in a human world. How is that any different from a gay man or a lesbian woman who is forced, by society, to question his or her role in the world, who is often forced to adapt to a mainstream life because their life is so “incomprehensible”?
That is why I believe vampires make the perfect metaphors – the questions are already asked and, to some extent, answered by their popularity. It is a level of acceptance all minority groups strive to ascertain.
Vampire-centric media has always had common themes of sexuality and spirituality within its content. We have always seen the vampire as a seductive character with the ability to glamour humans since Stoker’s “Dracula”. In more recent years we have been exposed to a parallel universe between vampirism and homosexuality. Why exactly has vampire media been used to display this parallel between homosexuality and vampirism?
ReplyDelete“It has been said that we conjure the vampires that we want or need for the cultural and historical times that we find ourselves in” (Williamson 5). I agree with this idea that we change the vampire for what is occurring within our society at that time. Currently we see much debate in society about homosexuality; which is no surprise of why it is being used as an underlying message within vampire-centric media today.
The works from Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series has a large response from the gay community. Her novels involve the idea of vampires integrating into society. “When the Japanese had perfected the synthetic blood that actually enabled vampires to live without drinking human blood, it had been possible for vampires to come out of the coffin” (Arp & Brace 93). This idea of “coming out of the coffin” is clearly a parallel to the gay community coming out of the closet.
HBO’s series True Blood which was developed from Harris’ novels also portrays this idea of vampires assimilating into society. The series focuses a lot on the struggle for the vampires to have acceptance in society now that they have “come out of the coffin.” Which is very similar to homosexuals in our society; once they come out they are subject to social rejection. Although as we see in True Blood some humans are accepting there is a large portion of people who are not; this is also true in the gay community. In the novels and television series we also see the presence of the Fellowship of the Sun; an ultra-right-wing organization which is against vampires being out in society. The Fellowship preaches that “vampires are unnatural abomination” and that they feel the Fellowship is doing the work of God by attempting to rid them from the world (Arp & Brace 96). This again is another parallel to society today we have organizations which are against homosexuals existence claiming that they are “unnatural” and that by killing them they too are doing “Gods work.”
“Most studies of homosexuals reveal that their orientation has been present since early childhood, long before they have enough life experience to make a fully conscious, rational choice of orientation…But there’s no reason to believe that anyone would choose his or her sexual orientation. Scientific data aside, would you choose to be the outcast of every society? (Arp & Brace 97) As society we have been educated that homosexuality is not a choice, it is the way that you are born. In terms of vampires we cannot claim that they were born that way, because that is clearly not true; they were changed at some point during their human life. Although it is still a parallel to being born gay or straight because after you are turned you are “reborn” as a vampire and from that point there is no going back to human existence. Also in True Blood we have seen the creation of vampires at points throughout the series. We see the creation of Bill Compton, Jessica Hamby and Eric Northman. All three of these characters did not choose to be turned into vampires. This can also be a parallel to society and homosexuality not being chosen.
I find it to be so interesting that vampire-centric media is transformed based on the cultural needs at the time. I do not feel that any other genre has the capability to accomplish what the vampire genre has. The element of fantasy and fiction allows this media to be manipulated in this way expressing controversial issue occurring society. I can only imagine where this genre could go in the next 20 years when new controversial issues arise.
Brace and Arp’s article was very intriguing. Connecting the gay community with the vampire community provided an unconventional outlet to regard homophobia by having vampophobia (my new word). The truth is there really is no other community that experiences the hate that the gay community in our world does. In the gay community there is no races or religions that cause the hate, it is the want for a “normal” life with things that make you happy. In the same way, vampires in true blood land want to live as normal a life as they can. But the prejudice is very abundant. In the Brace and Arp article they discussed how it was “god hates fags” and changed into “god hates fangs”. After that they discuss the societal misconceptions of who fits that category by looks. Everyone thinks they can initially pick out a gay person from a crowd based on looks, mannerisms, clothing, but can you really? No is the point that I received from Brace and Arp. They discuss about how in true blood there is a man who was gothic and the kids in the convenient store thought he was the vampire, while in reality it was the hick man who was. This made me think over into the L Word where Shane was brutally beat up by a group of men for being gay. At the beginning of each episode they have a memory from the past brought to light, some of which are good and others are incredibly horrifying, yet all are realistic. Shane looks “gay” on the outside so she gets criticism for that. Using the vampires as an outlet to deal with these discriminations in my view was brilliant on Charlaine Harris and Allen Ball’s part. “Coming out of the closet” turned to “coming out of the coffin”. The one thing that I found horrifying yet effective, was the not wanting to turn into a vampire and the parallel to rape. It is an unwanted act that you would be horrified to be forced into. Each has a different outcome however; one can lead to pregnancy and trust issues while the other can lead to mass murders and blood lust. Each however provide the incredible strain on the persona, the idea of right and wrong, of good and evil as well as every other aspect of the being. Even though there are “out” people and vampires in both our world and Sookie’s the closeted ones end up hiding themselves because they do not want to deal with the discrimination or to incite fear into others.
ReplyDeleteBack to the L Word once more, there is an episode where the character Alice thinks she is dating a vampire. She never sees the woman out in the day, and every time she has sexual relations with her, she ends up with fang marks. One other thing is that every time Alice looks into a mirror with the woman behind her, the “vampire” ducks out of the way to not cause a reflection. Yes she is not actually a vampire, but I thought it was an interesting example. Both the woman are open with their sexuality and this provides a line in which connects to the character of Eddie in true blood. Eddie is a gay male but instead of coming out of the closet he chose to become a vampire and come out of the coffin. He had a straight life with a wife and a son, and one day decided to go to a gay bar. There he met a vampire who looked mostly like himself. But human eddie did not get the attention that the vampire eddie could. So he decided to change so he can get the attention he deserved. This provided an interesting example, eddie dealt with his homosexuality by becoming a vampire. Who knew! In the JR Ward books, there is incredible sexuality issues with these vampires. The Brotherhood does not care about sexuality while the Glymeria (or vampire council) will shun you for it. Blay and Quinn are in love with eachother but because of the Glymeria they do not act on it. Quinn becomes a man whore with human women, while Blay ends up dating Quinn’s Cousin. This is an interesting twist on Brace and Aps views because they deal with the sexuality issue as any “human” would. Vampires have become a sex icon through having Bill and Eric, Edward and Emmet, Katherine and Damon, Stefan and Caroline, Jean-claude and Aubrey, even Angel. Vampires took sexuality to the next level, by having not their sexual orientation be the main focus.
ReplyDeleteWithout question, sexuality and spirituality have become landmark characteristics of the portrayal of vampires. Early on, Bram Stoker introduced the male vampire character as an ultra masculine capable of powerful seduction. According to Williamson, “The Victorian age which produced Dracula is considered to be one of sexual repression and the vampire represents the return of the repressed” (Williamson 5). It seems that Dracula’s masculinity only enhances his other vampire characteristics like mysteriousness and animalistic nature. Interestingly, Williamson argues that, “It has been said that we conjure the vampires that we want or need for the cultural and historical times that we find ourselves in” (Williamson 5). Dracula’s character then, was established during a period of time that needed unrepressed masculine sexuality. As the vampire genre expanded, so did its sexuality.
ReplyDeleteToday, we find ourselves in a more liberal, community-driven, yet individualistic society. With the rise of technology, so has come the rise of individuals and their strong opinions. This type of society has resulted in a significantly more accepting global community. While gender, race and sexuality are more widely equalized in the real world, they are just beginning to find this same comfort in the mediascape. Indeed, media products like films and television shows that reach many viewers, are taking full advantage of this time period that allows room for stepping out of traditional boundaries.
Therefore, I credit the cultural and societal time we live in, as Williamson said, as the reason why homosexuality in the vampire-centric media has become so prevalent. What better way to deal with the issues of society, than through supernatural characters. Perhaps this is also why vampires are now customarily being portrayed more humanistic. In fact, Brace and Arp point out that, “For centuries vampires either lived totally apart from human society or attempted to “pass” as human, like gays trying to pass as straight” (Brace and Arp 99). Moreover, in shows like TrueBlood, where homosexuality is used for its true representation in modern society; that is, common but still fighting for equality. Similar shows like The Vampire Diaries grapple with the real life issues around homosexuality, using vampires as their vehicle. Many of the vampire-centric books that have been presented this semester in our course presented extreme homoeroticism and sexuality, to a point where TV or film renditions are not allowed.
I also believe that vampires are used as instruments to come to grips with societal issues because it offers less backlash. That is, using vampire characters as oppose to ordinary human characters, allows media audiences to ponder the acceptance of homosexuality from a distance. As media creators, the objective is to gain a wide audience and keep that audience. Using vampires as tools to portray homosexuality gives media producers the ability to have viewers that may not accept homosexuality. That is, such an audience member can watch the show and attribute the homosexuality of a character to the fact that they are blood-sucking, weird, supernatural characters. On the flip side, media producers can also gain supports of homosexuality as they will be pleased with the portrayal of homosexuality in the media. Similarly, although the spirituality and supernatural qualities set vampire apart from humans, they often appear as humans to most characters in the storylines as they function in normal society.
Geordie Geller
ReplyDeleteToo many people the idea of vampirism is taboo and so and some sexual acts. Sexual encounters with vampires can have desire and fear, which are both emotions a person might feel in a similar situation. We you think of vampires and sex, your mind going right to Dracula. He is seen as tall, dark and handsome. He is also known for his ability to seduce women to the point where he can drink their blood. The act of drinking blooding is a very sexual act. This was also true of the female vampires in Stoker’s book. The seduction of Jonathan Harker was described as highly sexual.
“All three had brilliant white teeth, that shone like pearls against the ruby of their voluptuous lips. There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those soft red lips… I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the supersensitive skin on my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there. I closed my eyes in a languorous ecstasy and waited-waited with beating heart”. (Stoker 1962:41) (Williamson 8)
Bentley sees this scene as a desire for immediate gratification and is an alternative to the socially imposed delays of a sexual relationship. (Williamson 8). These acts are the hidden desires people have engaging in dangerous sexual activity that is heightened by fear.
Vampires and homosexuals face the same social issues. Many people fear both vampires and homosexuals and feel as though their lifestyles are unnatural. Some people believe they can choose who or what they are. Being gay is not a choose, it is just who a person is. There are some people believe in deprogramming and “reparative therapy” to cure people of their gayness. Many people hide this for fear of what might happen. While vampires are made not born there is still a parallel. Once you become a vampire you can never be human again. (Bruce and Arp 97-98)
Being a vampire is seen as an identity, just as being gay is part of a person’s identity. This is demonstrated will Bill Compton says I am vampire instead of I am a vampire. It is important to know and accept your identity, which he seems to have done. (Bruce and Arp 101) Both a sexual relationship between a gay couple and the drinking of blood are seen as having a certain “ick” factor. (Bruce and Arp 102) However it is possible for both a gay couple and a vampire to engage in these activities safely. The important thing is consent.
Another important parallel issue is the allowance to be in a united relationship with someone. There are very few locations where two gay people can marry. This denies people the many benefits of marriage, like the ability to adopt and access their spouses insurance. There is a similar issue with the human-vampire relationships in True Blood. Many of the vampires have stayed in hiding in fear of facing similar limitations in their lives (Bruce and Arp 103-104)
The Idea of parent is a major issue. Many people do not believe gay couple would not make as good parents as a straight couple would. This is also an issue in True Blood as Bill tries to parent his daughter. Vampires defiantly would have some added struggles in the parenting world. There is no reason a vampire could not love their child and teach them right from wrong. Vampires and sexuality having seemed to always fit together. By using the growing popularity of vampires, many important issues can be learned.
Lindsay Walker
ReplyDeletePart 1:
In discussing and viewing many vampire-centric medium throughout the semester two topics have been identified as dominant themes: sexuality and spirituality. These recurring themes prove what perfect vehicles vampires are for exploring and even exploiting such societal controversies as homosexuality.
Many Vampire T.V shows, books, and movies incorporate elements of sexuality and spirituality that parallel views and behaviors toward homosexuals. This proves especially true in the world of Sookie Stackhouse in which many connections can be made to the treatment of homosexuals. Although comparing vampires to homosexuals may appear to be a far-fetched theory, Brace and Arp make some very convincing arguments that clearly demonstrate the ways in which the two groups parallel one another. One of the most poignant similarities is the way in which each group remained hidden or felt the need to keep their identity a secret for a period of time. Both groups were uneasy about showing their true identities because society was reluctant to accept them. Brace and Arp explain the parallel when they say, “ Think, for example, of Charlaine Harris’s description of vampires’ entrance into mainstream society, referred to as the “Great Revelation,” in Living Dead in Dallas. When the Japanese had perfected the synthetic blood that actually enabled vampires to live without drinking human blood, it had been possible for vampires to come out of the coffin- an obvious allusion to gays coming out of the closet” (95). This obvious reference to homosexuality then leads to the discrimination that both groups suffer. The lifestyles of each group are considered “unatural” and “abnormal” in the eyes of regular society. This disaproval of their lifestyles transcends to each group through prejudice from society and backlash from the church. Take for example, the “play on the Fred Phelpsian slogan “God Hates Fags” found in the lit up sgn in the opening credits of True Blood that displays the message “God Hates Fangs” (93).
Yet another obvious comparison, this is perhaps, the main reason why vampires are so frequently used to expose these themes and injustices. Vampires are very much so ostraicezed and regareded as being abnormal by society. Although homosexual tolerance in America is improving a bit these very close parallels make it easier for viewers to connect and relate to the characters. One doesn’t even necessarily have to be gay, it could be the lonely kid at school, or the fat kid in gym class, or the girl who is constantly shut down by her male boss at work. All these people have one thing in common, they feel different and lack acceptance something that can always be associated with vampires.
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteThe homosexual parallel is not just seen in True Blood and the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries. In discussing other vampire medium we see that relationships between characters(Louis and Lestat in Interview with a Vampire) and even the inclusion of homosexuals as main characters (willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) contributes to the theme of sexuality.
Brace and Arp cleraly advocated the idea that vampires can easily be connected to homosexuals. Williamson however, takes a less narrow approach in that she identifies theories that support the idea of homosexuality but also theories that suggest heterosexulaity in the infamous Dracula. In describing the hetersexual context of Dracula williamson talks about Christoher Bently’s interpreation of the scene in which Harker is seduced by the three vampires. Bently stated, “ this scene dramatises the desire for sexual gratification, though on illicit and dangerous terms… Bently notes that the vampires in the tale tend only to attack the opposite sex, thus suggesting that vampirism is a perversion of normal heterosexual activity’ presumably chaste, marital intercourse” (Williamson, 8). Although homosexual references may exist in this piece, there is also evidence of a heterosexual tone. No matter the sexual orientation or intended message, it is evident that both sexuality and spirituality appear intertwined as recurring themes in many vampire medium.
Vampires have been used to explore sexuality and spirituality in the media over the years. Since the beginning, the church has been against the idea of vampires leading to the various holy symbols that are used to combat them. The crucifix and holy water were staples in eliminating the supernatural and getting rid of the vampires and they are seen as demons and unholy monsters. In parallel to sexual preferences, some churches try to ‘cure’ homosexuality by holding “reparative therapy groups. (Brace & Arp 97)” Even the opening credits play on the Fred Phelpsian slogan, “God Hates Fags”, by adding an ‘n’ the message is switched to God Hates Fangs (93).”
ReplyDeletePeople believe that vampires and the gay community have the option to decide on their lifestyles. In reality, most vampires didn’t choose their lifestyle; most are converted unwillingly by a bite. This compares to the gay population and how many believe that their orientation is a decision. “Most studies of homosexuals reveal that their orientation has been present since early childhood, long before they have enough life experience to make a fully conscious, rational choice of orientation” (Brace & Arp 97).
For centuries vampires either lived totally apart from human society or attempted to “pass” as humans, like gays trying to pass as straight. (Brace & Arp 99)” This gives life to the title of the article, Coming Out of the Coffin and Coming out of the Closet, because of the hiding phase and waiting for the ‘appropriate’ time to reveal their true selves. Trying to blend in with the majority that label themselves as natural has been a life lived by many in hopes to not be discovered. Encountering a vampire or a gay person may change the perception even though you may have known them for a while.
Brace & Arp mentioned in the article “your sexual orientation doesn’t limit the contributions you can make to society. (101)” Which is true as they go on to list the names of famous people that have left a positive mark on history. But limitations do come with trying to emerge into a world where your sexual orientation isn’t socially accepted by anyone. “If you’re gay and have the misfortune to live in all but a few locations in the world today, chances are you’re not going to be able to get married, adopt children, have access to your partner’s health insurance…(103)”
In the books written by Anne Rice, the vampire characters have engaged in homosexual behavior, but when converted to the big screen they are depicted as companions. I think that the movie industry alters the story line because of homophobic reactions and ultimately to get more viewers instead of targeting one audience. They also may not want to take the risk that their viewers may be homophobic.
Within the realm of the supernatural, it is vampires that are most targeted to explore controversial topics, one of such topics is sexuality. Through the readings of Brace and Arp, the vampire world and mannerisms that corresponding with being such are explained to be a portal of comparison to homosexuality and how it is interpreted and accepted within society. The readings explain to us that vampirism provides are an easy segaway to sexuality because this is an area that is generally not touched upon in the fear of being taboo. Even in a society like the one we exist in every day, there are individuals who are not consistently open with free for all discussion of the ethics and avenues of sexuality and the supernatural. All of these things can potentially deemed “unnatural” and therefore, their correlation develops into an area where discussion is appropriate (96). We are more accepting of these areas because their similarity provides a sense of ease, making discussion approachable.
ReplyDeleteVampirism and homosexuality fit together because they are defining characteristics of an individual. These aspects of a person are things that make them unique from the majority, which they are trying to blend with. Many claim that a vampire’s sophistication is often translated into meterosexuality. Vampire’s age, or when they were turned often has a lrge influence on their characteristics when they translate themselves into modern time and lifestyle. This transition also correlates with the gay community. This is because it is often the gay community’s affiliation with fashion and being more in touch with the opposite sexes features that make them stand out in a crowd and determines them to be “different.” Because of these similarities, it is easy to represent the struggles that one community faces through the other. These identifying characteristics tie the themes together, making the two themes interchangeable, especially when being portrayed through the media.
In the series True Blood being openly vampire in society is approached the same as being openly gay in many facets of American culture. Like members of the gay community, vampires also declare, “I am vampire” as their identity. Repercussions of such are that there are those who don’t except either as if it is something that will affect their lives, or threaten their well-being. Thus being ingrained are two more themes of this correlation; whether or not sexuality and vampirism are ethical or natural. Many have said that both cannot be deemed “unnatural.” This is that vampirism cannot be compared to homosexuality because vampires are not born, they are made. Homosexuality on the other hand can be said to be a part of one’s genetic composition and is a portion of their person from birth (98). Additionally, there is an argument about whether or not either is ethical. But the main point of this argument is a matter of what lifestyle an individual wishes to pursue. It is my belief that neither is unethical. One cannot deem a way of life wrong or not, but many do not see such things as I do.
Finally, whether vampirism or homosexuality are natural components or those that are thrust upon a person’s existence, Brace and Arp reference the need for both areas to have defined and implemented equal rights. In many ways, the characters of True Blood struggle to gain the same treatment as their human counterparts (105). The same rings true to members of the gay community and their struggle for acceptance and allowance of freedoms that are granted to heterosexual individuals (106).