Think You’re Not a Horror Fan? Oh, But You Are.

They’re the most derided genre of all movies: seen as pointless, stupid, irresponsible, predictable, a complete waste of time. I speak, of course, of horror movies.

Perhaps you too believe you are immune, above such foolishness. There’s something you don’t know, then: horror movies are not foolish. And you have accepted them into your life in meaningful ways.

Think about it: has any other genre so influenced our thoughts, our actions, our emotions? When was the last time a romantic comedy forced you to confront your deepest fears, prejudices, and beliefs? Look at how your life has changed.

After Psycho, did anyone ever feel the same about taking a shower? Admit it: you’ve peeked around the shower curtain, aware of how naked and defenseless you are. Did you ever feel completely comfortable going into the ocean after Jaws? Of course not. Amidst the fun and frolicking, there was that tickle in your stomach, the brief moment of panic that there are all sorts of eyes, staring at you, from under there.

After Halloween and When a Stranger Calls, was there ever any babysitter who didn’t feel some sort of dread after darkness fell? Did the sudden ring of a telephone, late at night, when you were the only one home, speed up your heartbeat?

After The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, suddenly, out of the way places weren’t so peaceful after all. And could we ever trust a hillbilly again?

After Friday the 13th, did pitching a tent seem so appealing? And after The Exorcist, did you ever view religion-or your child’s moodiness-in the same way?

After you met Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, did the lure of sleep ever again seem completely harmless?

This is but a tiny sampling of the movies that have affected us, scared us, changed us forever. Whether you realize it or not, your very actions have been dictated for you.

No other genre has such a powerful influence on our minds and bodies. In this blog, we will be exploring the pervasiveness of horror, and how it has changed society-and the individual-in so many ways.

I hope you sleep well tonight. Just remember, when you turn out the lights, the monsters are watching. And they’re going to get you.