These desires encompass fear, anxiety, and dread, aligning with the concept of the “uncanny” or the unsettling strangeness within the familiar. Furthermore, these extraordinary creatures are often associated with religion and represented as the “other”. They exist as a boundary between permissible actions and those forbidden within the culture, but at times monsters’ bodies are depicted in ways that reflect racist or sexist stereotypes. For example, Dracula and other vampires reveal antisemitic symbolism on antisemitic tropes that have been around for centuries, portraying Jewish people as shadowy figures.
The need for eradication of one prevailing view regarding monsters is their inherent threat to societal order and well-being. Drawing upon examples from popular media, it examines how societies depict and handle various types of threats posed by monsters. Well-known monsters in fiction include Count Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, werewolves, vampires, demons, and zombies. Monsters are very often depicted as dangerous and aggressive with a strange, grotesque appearance that causes terror, viciousness, and otherness in the religious world.
Religious influences and cultural contingencies play a crucial role in shaping the understanding and treatment of monsters. This section focuses on the influence of religious beliefs on monster narratives, Ghosts and demons are ubiquitous in a multitude of cultures, bearing significant cultural connotations. They serve as embodiments of cultural resistance, actively challenging established societal norms. In an era where non-conformist expressions continue to face limited recognition from the prevailing majority within society.
In addition, some films feature the appearance of monsters, emphasizing the psychological, and moral dimensions, including the importance of mental strength and moral values. Therefore, the use of ghost and monster characters in contemporary media reflects various perspectives. An example of this is witchcraft, which symbolizes alternative religions due to the historical exclusion of women from mainstream religious practices. Moreover, the belief in Satan has become intricately intertwined with witchcraft.
Empowerment through otherness Monstrosity, as a concept, often stigmatizes individuals who deviate from societal norms based on queerness, age, ability, gender, sexuality, race, or religion. In this section,
we highlight how marginalized communities have found empowerment by embracing their “monstrosity.” By reclaiming their identities and celebrating their uniqueness, these communities redefine the traditional narratives surrounding monsters.
The importance of critically examining and deconstructing societal perceptions of monsters. By recognizing the influence of cultural, religious, and marginalized perspectives, we can better understand the symbolic significance of monsters and the potential for transformative power that lies within embracing monstrosity.
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