In movies and TV shows, the horror genre is mostly known as a genre that creates thrilling plots through abnormalities like monsters or socially unaccepted persons, whose behavior is horrifying. Through killing, psychological abuses, or disabled bodies, the main protagonists seem to be branded by their disability. This makes it hard for the disabled actors who portray these characters to be accepted and treated equal when it comes to movies, especially horror movies.
This paper focuses on the development of the use of disabilities in the show "American Horror Story" to analyze if this show sets a new example on how to present and integrate disabilities into the narrative of the horror genre.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The depiction of Adelaide
2.a. Down Syndrome in AHS
2.b. The evolving of the character
3. Freakshow and Coven
4. Ableism in horror movies
4.a. Disabilities as villainizations
4.b. Reversed Sympathy
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper investigates how the television series American Horror Story represents characters with disabilities, specifically analyzing whether the show promotes genuine integration or merely appropriates disability tropes for shock value. The research explores the balance between storytelling and social responsibility within the horror genre.
- The evolution of disabled characters across multiple seasons.
- Critical analysis of disability representation in Freakshow and Coven.
- Comparison between traditional horror tropes and modern integration approaches.
- The concept of "reversed sympathy" in character development.
- The influence of casting actors with actual disabilities on narrative authenticity.
Excerpt from the Book
The depiction of Adelaide
Murder House, the first season of American Horror Story, introduced us to the first disabled character, acting later as the protagonist – Adelaide Langdon, played by Jamy Brewer. Besides being the younger sister of Tate Langdon, her character is not introduced properly and acts more by showing up unexpected, leaving the viewer with questions about the use of her storyline because as complex as the series is, Adelaide's storie is introduced later in a different season.
However, the most important scene is the Halloween scene. Adelaide's mother, played by Jessica Lange, forbids her daughter to dress as a „pretty girl“which is the only thing Adelaide admires to be. Therefore she wants to put on makeup and „dress up“ as a character she thinks she will never be. They have an argument.
Do you know what they say when we walk down the street? “There, for the grace of God, go I ! “ You make them feel lucky. And they think I am a hero! As though I had some choice! ( AHS Season 1, Halloween)
The interaction shows the struggling of Adelaide's mother to accept her child. Although her mother never spoke about her daughter's disability, it is hinted to be the main problem for her why Adelaide is not feeling pretty enough, coming from her disability. Different from other scenes, Adelaide raises her voice and speaks up against her mother as she makes it clear that she does not want to dress up as Snoopy because this is not making her feel pretty. (Ep. 4, Halloween) This is important to recognize, as Down -Syndrome people are mostly seen as unstable and not independent enough to live and be on their own.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the horror genre's traditional reliance on disability and establishes the research focus on American Horror Story.
The depiction of Adelaide: Examines the role of Adelaide Langdon in the first season, focusing on her character development and the representation of Down Syndrome.
Freakshow and Coven: Analyzes how these specific seasons utilize disabled characters and the casting choices made by the production.
Ableism in horror movies: Discusses historical patterns of villainizing disabled individuals in cinema and introduces the concept of "reversed sympathy."
Conclusion: Synthesizes findings to argue that American Horror Story occupies a complex space between inclusive casting and the potential appropriation of disability tropes.
Keywords
American Horror Story, Disability, Horror Genre, Inclusion, Adelaide Langdon, Freakshow, Coven, Ableism, Reversed Sympathy, Representation, Media Studies, Character Development, Social Stigma, Casting, Identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper examines whether the television series American Horror Story uses characters with disabilities to foster genuine inclusion or if it relies on appropriation for shock value within the horror genre.
Which seasons of the show are primarily analyzed?
The paper focuses heavily on the first season, Murder House, as well as Freakshow and Coven, to illustrate different approaches to disability representation.
What is the primary research question?
The core question is whether American Horror Story succeeds in integrating disabled characters in a respectful manner or if their portrayals inadvertently rely on harmful tropes.
What methodology is employed to analyze the content?
The author uses a qualitative media analysis, examining character narratives, casting choices, and the contrast between traditional horror tropes and the show’s unique characterization techniques.
What does the "main body" of the text cover?
The main body covers case studies of specific characters like Adelaide Langdon, the systemic use of "reversed sympathy" in horror narratives, and a critique of how the show balances political correctness with the demands of the horror genre.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include American Horror Story, disability representation, ableism, reversed sympathy, and media-induced social construction.
How does the concept of "reversed sympathy" function in the horror genre?
Reversed sympathy is described as a narrative tool used to reshape viewer misconceptions by providing backstories for seemingly "monstrous" characters, thereby humanizing them through their disability or past trauma.
What significance does the casting of Jamie Brewer have in the series?
The casting of Jamie Brewer is highlighted as a significant move toward authentic representation, proving that actors with disabilities can portray complex characters that transcend their medical labels.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2020, The Reinvention of Being Normal. Is American Horror Story’s Use of Disabled Characters Integration or Just Appropriation of Disabilities?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1148597
