Ryan Murphy’s series American Horror Story has aired for four seasons, each offering an entirely new setting and plot for the show, comprised of a sizeable and largely female cast. Despite the show’s efforts to tell a new tale each year, American Horror Story frequently cannibalizes old horror film motifs, most of which include misogynistic overtones that the series perpetuates, perhaps unknowingly.
Murphy has claimed his horror series is “really about female power,” and his executive producer Tim Minear has cited “a feminist theme throughout” the third season of American Horror Story in particular; however, when examining the series’ themes, it becomes apparent that women are treated more like consumable objects than human beings. Women in the series are regarded as visually appealing, sexualized objects of the men in the story; the lead female characters typically exhibit very little control over their own lives and bodies while the minor female characters often lack any development. The series’ third season, touted by the producers as being heavily feminist, actually promotes the notion of women competing with one another over youth and beauty.
My essay examines the woman problem that runs throughout Murphy’s series. By applying theories of Hélène Cixous, Luce Irigaray, and Judith Halberstam to the storylines of American Horror Story, I intend to point out the misguided themes used within the show which, although misconstrued by Murphy to be female empowering, are actually detrimental to feminist ideals and subvert any notion of gender equality.
About the presenterShane Bruce
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