The Idea of the Sympathetic Monster & Chupacabra Sightings

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The idea of a sympathetic monster has always been open to people who are looking for figures to identify with. A writer found solace and identification in David Cronenberg's body horror films as she dealt with cancer. Films like Shivers, Rabid, and The Fly are examples of Cronenberg's body horror genre. The Chupacabra, a legendary creature, is likely just a coyote with mange. Over the years, there has been interest in border horror, which relates to immigration fears. Chupacabra sightings are often described as dog-like, but experts believe they are just canines with skin disease. These creatures are blamed for eating goats, but who can blame them?

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.

Buy W. Scott Poole’s new book: Dark Carnivals: Modern Horror and the Origins of American Empire

Browse more horror and pop culture books by W. Scott Poole including: Wasteland: The Great War and the Origins of Modern Horror, Monsters in America, and In the Mountains of Madness: The Life and Extraordinary Afterlife of H.P. Lovecraft

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