Dr. W. Scott Poole, College of Charleston professor and author of “Monsters in America,” discusses monsters in popular culture, their sociological causes, the influence of religion on monsters, and explores the nature of evil and subconscious fears. They also critique the Twilight series and touch on various -ologies while covering a wide range of topics.
Monsters often serve as metaphors for societal issues, reflecting the cultural, historical, and political context in which they arise.
Cryptids like Bigfoot and Loch Ness Monster symbolize a hope for something extraordinary, blurring the lines between myth and reality.
Monster movies, like Godzilla, can have deep political undertones and serve as a commentary on real-world events.
Deep dives
The Study of Monsters in Folklore and Fiction
The study of monsters in folklore and fiction, known as terratology, examines the myths and legends surrounding these creatures. The term terratology is derived from the Greek word for monster. Monsters in various forms have been present throughout history, and their significance often reflects the cultural, historical, and political context in which they arise. They serve as metaphors for societal issues, including gender politics, economic inequality, and anxieties about death.
The Psychological Insight of Monsters
Monsters embody our fears and anxieties, often representing the wrong and violent aspects of life. They can be portals into discussions about these deep human concerns, going beyond mere metaphors. For example, monsters like vampires, Bigfoot, and demons have strong cultural significance and are believed to represent real fears and anxieties. The historical and cultural context plays a crucial role in defining and redefining monsters, giving them their specific meanings and representations.
Cryptids and the Desire for Wonder
Cryptids, such as Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and Mothman, capture our fascination and wonder. These creatures often symbolize a hope for something extraordinary in the world, blending the boundaries between myth and reality. While there may not be scientific evidence supporting the existence of cryptids, the belief in these creatures can bring a sense of awe and imagination.
Godzilla: A Political Monster
Godzilla, one of the most iconic monsters, has deep political undertones. The original Japanese film, Gojira, was released in the aftermath of World War II and addresses the destructive horror caused by American atomic testing. It serves as a powerful metaphor for Japan's experience with the atomic bombings. Godzilla's imagery borrows from the devastation of Hiroshima, making it a poignant representation of the lasting impact of nuclear warfare.
Monsters and Politics in Films
Monster films, such as Godzilla, often have deep political undertones and reflect the cultural and historical tensions of their time. For example, the American version of Godzilla censored out references to the atomic bomb and made an American character the protagonist. Similarly, the 1990s Godzilla film portrayed nuclear testing by the French as the cause of Godzilla's emergence. These films demonstrate the political nature of monster movies and how they can serve as a commentary on real-world events.
The Allure of Monsters and Horniness
Monsters have long been a source of fascination and attraction, especially in horror films. The allure of monsters and their erotic appeal can be traced back to the early days of horror cinema, with examples like Nosferatu. The sexual tension between Ellen and Nosferatu in the film is an example of the monster's seductive power. This attraction to monsters can be interpreted as a reflection of our psychological fascination with the forbidden and the mysterious. Additionally, the connection between victims of patriarchal violence and monsters in horror films suggests a natural alliance between the marginalized: women and monsters.
Frankenstein’s Monster! Hungry ghosts! Moaning bloodsuckers! Goat draining goblins. Babadooks. Gorilla-whales. Slasher films. Body horror… and what these folk stories, films, and fandoms have to do about our hopes and fears. Also yes, you can watch monster movies as a job. Just ask the wonderfully charming and deeply informed Dr. W. Scott Poole, College of Charleston professor and author of “Monsters in America,” who teaches multiple courses on history and monster lore. We also cover: monsters on various continents, monsters as queer icons, horror vs. monsters, secret messages in monster movies, the edits that your government may not have wanted you to see, what to do if you suspect you have one under the bed, Hollywood production secrets, special effects makeup, and — as always — why we’re so horny for ghouls.
