U.S. pop culture (especially angsty teens) loves vampires again. Not creepy "classical" sorts in the vein (pun intended) of Count Dracula and dank mansions. Now instead of Counts, we've got Confederate Soldiers. And instead of mansions, we've got bars and antebellum homes. Well, at least in "True Blood." The series is particularly interesting in its presentation of the South (takes place in Louisiana bayou country) vis-a-vis the presence of supernatural..."forces"? Religion gets a not-so-subtle treatment in the show, especially in regard to us/them and good/evil social dichotomies. But in a Southern context, this plays out in all sorts of (interesting? troubling? compelling? ridiculous?) ways.
Since we can't spend a semester just on this one show (dry those eyes), just take a look-see at the opening credits:
Telling images, no? There's an especially remarkable triangulation of space/setting, religious rituals, and sexuality. We see a very specific South: one of marshes, old homes, abandoned cars, bars made of splintered boards, racial hatred and violence. The religious overtones are pretty specific too: crosses, charismatic church services, prayers, baptism. And then, lots and lots of sex. Noticeably absent? Vampires. Not even vampire lore or archetypes. Loads of jumping and writhing though (alongside a decomposing animal or two or three or five), and that ends up standing in for our more traditional images of the creepy sensuality that accompanies so many vampire narratives. The juxtaposition of bodies in religious and sexual contexts is something that comes up again and again in the show itself. And the stereotypes are pretty easy to identify. So what do we make of the huge success and popularity of "True Blood"? Marketing magic? Just one more piece of the vampire craze? Or is there anything to be said for the ways in which we understand religion alongside physicality in the South? And if so, what might be said about it?
I think that there is a definite correlation in the shows success to the plot being based in the heart of the South in Louisiana. I think by placing the series there, there is a stereotype of the Bible Belt that goes along with it and thus a closeminded nature of things that are not in the same "vein" as mainstream Christianity. The sex aspect comes into play with the mindset of this generation. I dont think it is just True Blood, but alot of the media (tv and movies) has turned everything into sex and I think that the sex aspect is hightened in a show about vampires. Sucking each others necks looks and sounds sexual. I for one have not seen this show, but I know several people that are obsessed with it.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of people being obsessed with something; when does an obsession go from being just that, a fun hobby or interest, to something like a "cult" or religion even? I mean how are these sectors of religion that many classify as "non-mainstream" come into existence? Someone has to have an idea that is common with others. Should we be worried about the possibility of a vampire religion?
Thats all for my rant today.
peace.
-Reagan
Ooh, a vampire religion. Sounds fangtastic. Ok, I'll stop.
ReplyDeleteAs for the stereotype of "Bible Belt" Southern religion in Louisiana, there's an interesting thing that happens when prototypical Protestantism goes coastal... We've talked a little already about a notion of "two Souths" that crops up when talking about "Religion and the South"...one of rural "real America" that makes the stuff of Chevy commercials, and the other of a spookier supernatural that gives us *Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil*.
And yes, you're bringing up an important point about when we start classifying what as a this or that. When does pop culture phenomenon turn into something called religion, and how do we start drawing lines of distinction around FOLLOWINGS? Think Oprah!
Good point Reagan. Would this distinction between a "religion" and a "following" revolve around what a person's lifestyle is like? Or is it more than a lifestyle?
ReplyDeleteIf you learn it, live it, love it...is it your religion? Do you worship what you are following?
As for the "marketing magic" and "vampire craze"...lets give this show the respect it deserves for so bluntly calling out our “bible belt” with some pretty ideal stereotypes. (Industrialized mega churches, prejudice homophobes)
We touched on in class, (the “how did you know that about me” moment.) most of the time we don’t realize the actuality of our own stereotype. I propose that one reason this show has become so intriguing to so many viewers is because they are having that very “how did you know that about me” moment.
-melissa
If you want a definition, or distinction, of a Religion(as compared to Following) then the government can be of great interest. The main benefit of reaching 'Religion Status', at least externally, is the tax exemption. However, Religious organizations usually achieve this by being charities'.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a fight for the Church of Scientology both domestically and internationally.
Right, there are definitely sociopolitical and economic implications/consequences to the classification "religion."
ReplyDeleteBecause in terms of learning/living/loving something, I could say that about Tom Waits songs. Etc. Right? Or, look at these people:
http://blog.al.com/tidecorner/2008/11/HD-Tulane-v-Alabama-09-06-0.jpg
They're certainly learning/living/loving something (except maybe the guy in the middle)--even enough to organize and present themselves in a particular way.
In terms of identifying with a stereotype, wonder what you guys think or if you have more to say about what we were talking about in class regarding the line (if there is one) between internalizing and/or reappropriating negative imagery... Where does the critique and (on the flip side) the perpetuation of stereotypes intersect? Or what's the relationship between the two? Etc.
Chocolate Jesus?! haha!
ReplyDeleteThe line between the establishment of a stereotype and the continual upholding of those behavior and beliefs can be characterized by pride.... It depends on whether the individual accepts their "label".
I would bet money on the fact that those painted people would own up to being an "ideal representation" of Alabama fans. (Kinda how Gretchen Wilson claims to be a "product of her raising".)
However, in contrast, a girl with blonde hair is probably not going to associate herself with having a low IQ.
lol...i like "TrueBlood", and i dont think im going to stop watching/reading anytime soon. my guilty pleasure sue me.
ReplyDelete