Colonial Legacies: Race, Religion, and Horror in Media and Missions

Historical and contemporary manifestations of horror.

By Camille

There is a documentary that I briefly watched years ago seemingly, that was about the tropes of black characters dying first in horror films or semi-horror films. Some films to mention are, Night of The Living Dead, Scream 2, Alien vs Predator, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Prom Night (2008), and I still know what you did last summer- but this trope is not just limited to horror or scary movies, this can be seen in tv shows such as T-Dog and Bob Stookey from the Walking Dead and finally Bonnie from The Vampire Diaries. The actors of color in these shows are often the first to die or meet a very grim and deadly demise at the beginning of these shows and movies. But why? This seeming disregard for diverse characters is evident and is telling of the racial bias in storytelling and behind the scenes.

Many injustices can be seen as horror for characters and actors of color such as the lack of diverse hairdressers and stylists who can creatively and accurately do black hair, microaggressions from other castmates, predominately white characters having a sidekick who is always the person of color who has to be the more sensible one. This list can go on as the experiences of POC performers are told. Being treated equally and being respected should not be, feel, and seem like an afterthought for people of color in the entertainment and arts industry. 

Mrs. Mott from the hand that rocks the cradle shouldn’t have treated Mr. Solomon like she did. Solomon was intellectually disabled and it was obvious that Claire’s nanny Mrs. Mott, who had other intentions, was prejudiced against Solomon, I don’t know about anyone else but it felt racially motivated in my core. It was not right and definitely heartbreaking to witness that, and Claire believed Mrs. Mott when she said Solomon might be assaulting Emma, Claire’s daughter. It brought me back to when I was reading about Emmett Till because the same thing happened to him and he was lynched. 

The intersection of racial prejudice and religion, particularly within Christianity, is a complex and multifaceted issue that has historical roots and contemporary implications. Throughout history, Christianity has been intertwined with systems of power and oppression, including colonialism, slavery, and segregation. In many cases, Christian institutions and ideologies were used to justify and perpetuate racial prejudice, with interpretations of scripture being manipulated to support racist beliefs and practices. Certain passages from the Bible have been misused to promote racist ideologies, such as the idea of the "curse of Ham" used to justify the subjugation of Black people. Additionally, interpretations of biblical narratives, such as the story of the Tower of Babel or the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, have been used to justify colonialism and the subjugation of indigenous peoples. Historically, many Christian churches and denominations were segregated along racial lines, with Black congregations often marginalized and excluded from predominantly white churches. This segregation perpetuated racial divisions within Christianity and contributed to the maintenance of racial prejudice.

Within some Christian circles, there has been a tendency towards paternalism and the "white savior complex," where white Christians see themselves as benevolent helpers to people of color rather than equals. This mindset can reinforce racial hierarchies and perpetuate stereotypes about the inferiority of non-white individuals. Another example of this that I think is too common is the mission trips to other countries as a way to seemingly help reach across the divide and bridge any gaps, but is that really helping? I have a plethora of questions like, are mission trips something that will be incredibly beneficial to underdeveloped and developing countries? Is it possible that the short-term nature of many mission trips has a limit on their long-term impact and sustainability, and instead of fostering genuine empowerment and development within communities, they offer temporary assistance without addressing underlying systemic issues? Of course, mission trips could help improve structural issues and medical care, but shouldn't it be considered that those communities have their own ways of community care? It is essential to recognize and respect the existing community structures and practices in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Instead of imposing external solutions or assuming superiority, efforts should focus on collaboration and empowerment.  But is that what actually happens? When people go on mission trips what is the focal point, to help empower communities and further their own structures and way of living, or to bring religion to a community who is assumed to not know of the holy individuals you speak of? Not knowing of a religion does not relate to a lack of spirituality. It is definitely worth noting that there are mission trips that help build schools and are there for mutual aid. But to what extent does a mission trip prioritize genuine collaboration, empowerment, and respect for local cultures and communities, as opposed to potentially imposing external agendas or beliefs?

In critically analyzing the ways in which race, religion, and privilege intersect in both media representation and humanitarian efforts, you can uncover deeper insights into the underlying structures of inequality. Humanitarian efforts and efforts to help your neighbours regardless of geographical location are things that should be done regardless of if you feel called to do so. But it is always important to start within the community around you, the people in your state who are having their rights stripped away from them, combating the individuals who are imposing threats to others by making sure your votes are for the greater benefit of people, ensuring you are making ethical purchases, and listening to the communities who are impacted by the manifestations of colonialism.

Horror extends far beyond the confines of movies and cinema; it permeates through societal structures and manifests in various forms of injustice and oppression. Racism and prejudice can indeed be viewed as horrors, as they inflict psychological, emotional, and physical harm on marginalized communities, instilling fear and perpetuating cycles of violence and discrimination. Similarly, imperialism, colonialism, and cultural appropriation represent horrors that have historically ravaged communities, stripping them of their autonomy, resources, and cultural heritage. These systems of domination and exploitation perpetuate inequalities and perpetuate the marginalization of indigenous peoples and other oppressed groups, these are things that are happening today, right now in Palestine, Congo as gender-based violence surges, there has been a rapid and continuous displacement of the Congolese and Palestinians.

By recognizing these broader manifestations of horror, we can expand our understanding of the genre beyond its traditional tropes and narratives. Horror becomes a lens through which to confront and critique societal injustices, to shine a light on the darkness that lurks within human institutions and behaviors. Through this lens, we can amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, challenge oppressive systems, and work towards a more just and equitable world, which will ALWAYS be the prevailing goal. "There are mean things happening in this land", and the effectiveness and consistency of U.S. policy in addressing displacement and promoting aid, peace, and stability in these regions have been lacking commitment.

Thank you for reading my essay blog!