Assignment Two

When we think of horror, the first thing that comes to our minds are movies that depict
unforgivable violent killers in a bloody scene or maybe an exorcism that goes wrong or just an
excess of gore that leaves some audience feeling uncomfortable. Some people may leave their
seats at a movie theater and keep the lights on when they go to sleep or there are others who
remain because they are enthralled by the scenes that give them a rush of excitement. Horror by
itself does not depict scenes that are visually appealing to an average audience, but it may incite
strong emotional reactions from those who are looking to experience some sort of adrenaline.
Horror is indeed taboo to some which has made it rather unpopular in mainstream culture. But
the rise of horror/thriller genre shows in TV networks has shined some light to the genre.
The most prominent series to date is American Horror Story, which is now running on its
fifth season. Its nationwide success has caught the attention of critics who are not all too fond of
the nonstop gore and sexually explicit scenes each season has. But because it is a show that has
gone outside of the norms from an expected drama series that is broadcasted nationwide, it has
gained immense popularity among different age groups especially in older teens. I am, for one, a
part of the fan base this show has grown because of its endless plot twists. Despite the excess
graphic scenes, I enjoy the show because of the raw emotions that the characters display which is
what horror is about. American Horror Story is one of many horror series that has become
popular and has served a large fan base who looks for another exhilarating episode that leaves
them wanting more.
Horror films have often received negative reviews by other groups of people because it
may be seen as too extreme for them (Ulaby, 2007). There is no denying that some horror films
depict vile scenes but it is all a part of the entertainment that people want for pleasure. It has
become apparent that horror itself has increased in popularity especially because audiences have
access to more TV series of that particular genre. Because horror is becoming popular in
television series, it has slowly inched its way into mainstream culture and making others
reconsider that it may no longer be taboo.
Literature Review
Jowett, L., & Abbott, S. (2013). TV Horror: Investigating the Dark Side of the Small Screen.
(pp.131-154) New York, NY: I.B Tauris.
One chapter from the book titled, The Excess of Horror discusses how other TV shows, for
example Dexter or the Pushing Diaries balances out the style of horror and gore with the
narrative of the show, by mixing other genres in such as comedy or fantasy. The excess of
horror, especially the gore associated with it, is essentially moderated by these other genres to
keep audiences attracted to the plot of the show. But the style or elements of these TV series,
maintain the aspect of horror and not knowing what is going to happen next with their visual
effects, lights, angles or even the characters themselves. Despite TV networks limitations
regarding its censorship/broadcast rules, the horror genre is essentially becoming part of that
mainstream.
Ulaby, N. (2007, June 9). Extreme Horror: Basic Escapism or Simply Base? NPR [Audio
podcast] Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/

Comment [GV1]: I think that you need the reword this

sentence because its a little hard to understand. Just
rethink of what you were trying to say and then maybe
divide it into two or three different sentences. This will
help not only for clarity but also to bring out the main
ideas in your paper. (Valentina Sosa)
Comment [GV2]: This sentence is not entirely vague
but it lacks content. I think that you should say how you
came to this conclusion.Use some of your sources to
factually back up your claim. (Radha P.)

Comment [GV3]: This is a really solid section. It makes

this relate-able to someone who has watched it, and
really informs the reader about your figured world and
the impact it is having to its audience. you use a great
handful of details that really explain why this show is
such a hook, and it adds a lot to this section. (Amalia
Striker)

Comment [GV4]: I understand that you were trying to

explain the sources that you will be using in this paper.
But I also think that Instead of having the citation and
then the explanation underneath, you should couple up
some of the sources you have based on their content
and then show how that will be used in your "Entering
The Conversation." By doing this, it makes this section
of our paper look more like a cohesive paper rather
than an annotated bibliography. (Radha P.)

Ulaby discusses the basis of extreme horror and mention that it isnt anything new in the
entertainment industry, but rather it has made its way through mainstream media, thanks in part
to improving visual effects that gives people a real experience. Rob Zombie expresses that
violence is all part of the quality that extreme horror brings and that it is escapism (seeking new
distractions from reality) to those living in unpleasant societies. Horror scholar, Mikita Brottman
claims that horror is a reflection of the horrors that are occurring in this world, such as war or
social disorder. In essence extreme horror can be seen as the basis of humanitys dark side that
one can be entertained by.
Ulaby, N. (2012, October 17). Jessica Lange, Back in Black for 'Horror Story'. NPR [Audio
podcast] Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/
This radio broadcast by Ulaby goes on to introduce the story of the American Horror story
asylum and mentions Jessica Lange as the most prominent actors in the show. Ryahn Murphy,
the shows mentions his love for horror and that it is a genre that often receives negative reviews.
Horror, to him, is a form of art and a reflection or metaphor to what is happening in a certain
time period. American Horror Story, for example, plays in many themes of science vs. religion
as well as the consequences that came from breaking the norms of society in the mid 20 century.
th

Simpson, P. L. (2004). Horror Film: Creating and Marketing Fear. University Press of
Mississippi. (pp. 85-97)
The author explains why the horror films can achieve the title of an event movie which when it
receives enough media attention to draw in other audiences of different genres so that it may be
considered mainstream. But often times this occurrence is rare because it is considered to be
another form of body genre which incites a physical response rather than an emotional
response because it is so graphic. Essentially, horror becomes an event movie that ranks as one
of the top movies in the box office because it is commercial product that includes well know
actors, which attracts a greater number of audiences.
Holmes, L. (2011. October 5). 'American Horror Story': Love It or Hate It, It's A Horror Show
for Sure. NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/
The first season of American Horror Story is reviewed by Holmes as a shocking excess quality
horror genre that does not contain any censorship. American Horror Story has indeed tied in
several outrageous scenes just by the first episode alone, which includes sex, daunting music and
unusual visuals no one would expect. This brings in to light that horror is made to shock people,
especially since it is fast paced, and not everyone is supposed to find it appealing.
Garcia, V. (2015). Assignment One: Asylum. Personal Collection of V. Garcia, University of
North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte NC.
Three episodes of season 2 American Horror Story are closely observed where the setting takes
place in the 1960s in an insane asylum. Every possible element of gruesome horror is included in
this season; everything from a dark eerie setting, unforgivable torture to the patients, a mad
doctor, aliens, a victim who is possessed by the devil the list could go on. Asylum is a fast
paced show and it always has the audience wondering what extremity is bound to happen next.

The anticipation, gore and endless surprises offers people that stimulus needed to evoke a
reaction, especially fear.
Tudor, A. (1997). WHY HORROR? THE PECULIAR PLEASURES OF A POPULAR GENRE.
Cultural Studies. 11(3), 443-463. doi: 10.1080/095023897335691
The question of Why horror is proposed in order to address the difficulty in distinguishing why
people find horror appealing to them and why some find it appalling. Such problematic issues
occur because no data can be reliable as to WHY people prefer the genre of horror whereas
others are not. In order to address this question, the author goes depth with his abstraction on a
three levels analysis that could explain why people find horror so enthralling. Rather than relying
on the psychoanalytic theory that suggests people like horror only because it offers them an
emotional release from their repressed memories, Tudor recognizes that our own social context
directly connects to ones liking of horror because certain elements of the genre goes outside of
the accepted norms of society.
Nickel, P. J., (2010). The Philosophy of Horror. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky.
14-30. Retrieved from https://muse.jhu.edu/books/9780813173702
The definition and value of the horror genre is defended by Nickel who explains that its value is
not held in the graphic scenes it depicts but rather its impact on entertainment and art. In terms of
a philosophical point of view, horror and the fears associated with it, relates back to the fears in
everyday life. Horror forms of literature and film creates a scenario that a viewer grows anxiety
from, because there is no denying the possibility of such a familiar situation in real life. The fear
from a movie or from a story essentially becomes repressed until some stimulus incites that
paranoia once again. It is the anxiety of realistic situation from a horror film that is happening in
real life is what maintains a viewers attention.
Entering the Conversation
There is no denying that horror has made a rise from gothic literature to cinema and now,
its popularity has become increasingly apparent amongst well-known TV networks. Some
popular TV shows such as True Blood, Dexter, and Supernatural, indeed bring in elements of
true dark horror but often mix in other genres and famous actors that make it more mainstream
and therefore attract more viewers (Jowett & Abbot, 2013). But what about shows that retract
these mainstream genres and bring in elements of true horror such as gore and pain inflicting
scenes? Examples of shows that have risen their way to success from the very first season are
American Horror Story and The Walking Dead. These shows have all the aspects that a horror
movie contains, and it brings a perfect balance of horror and a narrative plot rather than an
excess of the horror itself. It is because of these shows that horror has received an increasing
approval.
What is it about the horror genre that people want? To feel not only excitement, but to
gain an upsurge of emotions not felt in average every day life. They want the actual fear of not
knowing what is going to happen next simply because they expect it not to happen to them in
real life. It is because of these horror films/shows people have something to be excited about. In
several cases, cinema has failed in doing so and has cast a shadow over the genre. In contrast to
these films, TV shows that have emerged has brought on a significant impact to what the horror
genre intends to bring to the audience, which is utter fear. Because of shows like American

Comment [GV5]: I like how you inserted this question in

here. I think that this is a very good way to "enter the
conversation". Also like how you tied it back to what
you were stating before and continued the
conversation. (Valentina Sosa)
Comment [GV6]: Why is it that they have gained
approval? also what about that approval points it back
to your main topic. I think that a bit more detail in this
section could show that you know what you are talking
about and also gives good examples for you paper as a
whole. (Valentina Sosa)
Comment [GV7]: I like how you put this specific
question here. I think that after reading paragraphs
upon paragraphs of factual information, it is very
refreshing to re-grab the attention of your reader by
asking a question. I think that your follow up on the
question is quite appropriate and insightful. (Rahda
Patel)
Comment [GV8]: You've done really well with naming
horror tv shows, maybe you could also add this
element when talking about the movies? Examples of
these excess gorey movies may be a really good
addition to your paper. What are some exapmles of the
straight gore not drama/storyline. I personally know
there is usually HUGE plot holes in horror movies, what
are some of those movies with plot holes that really
stand out to you? (Amalia Striker)

Horror story and The Walking Dead, viewers, especially horror fanatics have something to
anticipate.
In this decade, when a new horror movie premieres at a local theater, people arent
inclined to watch it because the quality of the movie plot is expected to not be what the audience
may envision. These so called horror movies are not often what the audience anticipates it to
be, which is why the genres popularity has diminished in the last couple of decades. Sometimes
the graphic images come in excess and usually the plot loses its value. How much gore a horror
movie contains may be a predicament to how less successful it will be, because not everyone
enjoys an overload of bloodshed. The true fear anticipated from the audience occurs less
frequently throughout the movie, and audience members are repeatedly left disappointed. But the
success of these TV horror shows has brought much recognition into the genre.
TV networks were once more conservative in how graphic/explicit scenes could be
(Jowett & Abbott, 2013). Obviously, that is not the case with shows like American Horror Story.
TV networks has become less strict in regulating the censorship of the show. American Horror
Story is a primary example of the more liberalized mainstream media. Being that it is a
psychosexual thriller, it contains very explicit sexual scenes, often showing some nudity, and
contains forms of body horror (the act of inflicting physical pain and destruction to a character's
body) that would indeed give it the label of a rated R movie. With its ever increasing fan base, it
is apparent that explicit scenes are now becoming more widely accepted especially in the
constantly changing media setting.
So would it be too soon to make the claim that the horror genre is now a part of the
mainstream media more than ever? Probably not, especially since horror shows has made its
triumph and fame on the small screen. People, especially those under 18 years now have the
freedom to watch these shows whenever they can, despite its TV rating. So now an entire
population of young adolescents are adding into this ever expanding fan base of horror/thrill
seeking people. There wont always be a gray area on an individual's opinion of the specific
genre. Either people enjoy it or utterly hate it. Not everyone will label themselves a fan of a
horror show/movie. But for those who are searching for a show that may provoke some
excitement and fear, the shows like The Walking Dead and American Horror Story may fulfill
that void. And it is without doubt that horror may once again be gaining its positive recognition
and finally be taken seriously as a genre.
Conclusion
Once again, horror is a genre that as often received a negative reputation because of the
excessive graphic scenes that are portrayed. People often take offense to gore and revolting
visualizations, but it is safe to assume that the genre is receiving critical mass media attention,
thanks in part to its success on TV networks. Now that horror can be watched in the homes of
those looking to watch an emotionally provoking TV series, it will better facilitate the popularity
it once had from cinema. Horror has once again made its impact on mainstream culture, and the
majority of this media can be viewed directly from ones own TV network. Shows like American
Horror Story which not only incites fear but exploits fast paced graphic scenes that enthralls
audience members, are one of few horror series that continues to make an impact on the
changing entertainment industry. Also there are actors that people recognize from other shows or
previous seasons that attracts them even more. Explicit sexual, often nude, and gruesome scenes
are no longer censored and has become more widely accepted. It has become apparent that TV
networks are now loosening its grasp to censorship, which is obviously what horror wasnt
about.

Comment [GV9]: You should tie this back to your main

topic. Also state how this impacts viewers and what it is
youre trying to say about this. This will help your idea
stand out more. (Valentina Sosa)

Comment [GV10]: I understand that there may not be a

"gray" area when it comes to topics like thing but why is
it that people either "enjoy it or utterly hate it?." Explain
why it is that black-and-white. Also reassure the
readers about your feelings about this topic, it's great to
know how the writer was feeling when composing this
paper so it does not come of as a textbook. (Rahda
Patel)
Comment [GV11]: The second half of this sentence
seems to be a repeat of another sentence above. It
may be beneficial to revise and reword this sentence or
to remove it all together. The phrase fill that void is
seemingly over used to me. (Amalia Striker)

Comment [GV12]: what are those impacts that you are

talking about? being more specific about this will help
the idea that you are trying to bring out in your paper
flourish and really be understood by your audience. It
will also add more detail which is never bad! (Valentina
Sosa)
Comment [GV13]: I feel like toward the beginning of
your essay you were arguing that the gore and explicit
were a part f what horror is about. this sentence makes
that feel contradictory to me now. are you talking about
TV horror or movie horror or both? I am referring to the
introduction that makes this contradiction. (Amalia
Striker)

It is important to mention that horror has once again made its impact on mainstream
media and to credit its impact of the liberalizing regulations of television. Horror has not
received the appreciation it once had when cinema was making its rise. The genre has been seen
as a pointless paradox of the possibilities and fears in real life. Movies have long portrayed
horror as joke, and it is not often that one is able to enjoy a good scare from a horror film. The
value of a plot has been lost and all that continues are the images of bloodshed. But horror on TV
may be changing that perception of horror as being a season long show that value the themes and
storyline.
What the audience needs to realize is that horror should no longer be considered taboo
but it should be appreciated as a form of art. And any form of art should incite a reaction from
someone, whether itd be awe, joyfulness, melancholy or fear. Although horror itself can be
gruesome, the whole point of it is to provoke a response that keeps viewers engaged with the
mood it brings. Not with the response to the visuals but to the emotional aspect of the plot. An
audience that is actively engaged with the show/film, are the ones that enjoy the sensation of fear
which is something that audience members may not feel on a daily basis. As long as a particular
scenario doesnt happen to an individual in reality, it is safe to enjoy the thrill.
So the question I propose is will people more likely appreciate the art and thrill that
horror brings as long as there as it continues to value a storyline? Maybe so, but is it possible to
value a plot without losing the elements of true horror? TV shows like American Horror Story
seems to balance out such aspects. But what about the movie industry? If the movie industry
were to balance out such aspects, then maybe horror will once again receive a good reputation
and bring the genre to light more than ever.

Comment [GV14]: It may be beneficial here to add that

not only is tv changing the perception, but it is also
bringing back a larger value of a story line to the horror.
When reading this it feels like you are hinting toward
saying this but the wording makes it seem less
obvious. (Amalia Striker)

Comment [GV15]: Oh yes, I love this. I like that you

placed multiple questions here. It shows that this topic
may just be riveting enough to enrapture the attention
of people who are fans of horror, and those who are
not. I also appreciate the fact that not all of your
questions are similar to each other; i like that they are
their own separate questions that tie a topic all
together! (Rahda Patel)