Buffy the Capitalist Slayer??? - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

obcooke · 26th March 2003, 01:03 AM

There's a rather entertaining and thought-provoking article about the social lessons to be learned from Buffy in the "New Socialist" magazine entitled:

Ghoul Power: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sticks it to the System

I don't agree with all of its points but its an interesting point of view and well worth a read I think.

For instance, it summarizes how Kendra was treated by Buffy as a slow-witted second cousin and how Faith is the "working class" less-proficient evil version of Buffy and concludes:

"...the show reinforces white supremacy and depictions of the "dangerous classes" as intellectually and physically inferior."

And that's from a fan of the show!

So, if you feel like wading through sentances like:

"Buffy's experience reflects the insecurity of neoliberal labour markets characterized by shifts to part-time and temporary work, low wages, lower rates of unionization, and a corresponding insecurity for workers that disproportionately affects women."

... Then this is your cup of tea.

There are no plot spoilers, except the article does make reference to a job that Buffy gets in the first epsiode of Season Seven.

ENJOY, COMRADES! :blush: <-- my pinko icon

Highlander II · 26th March 2003, 09:46 PM

I read it -

It was well thought-out (much better than some things ppl put on the net that make no sense) -- not sure I agree with everything, but a lot of it is true - or can be interpreted the way it is in this article / essay.

So - not a bad read - thought-provoking at any rate.

markpud · 9th April 2003, 04:51 PM

mmm, interesting!

I'm not certain I agree with all of it, but there are certainly some interesting points about the use of characters from different backgrounds, in particular the two other slayers. I think it was Buffy's immaturity at the time that caused her to make fun of Kendra, I doubt she would do if they met for the first time now. And Faith's entire charm comes from her background and disregard for the rules of society.

I can't argue with the author on the treatment of as she puts it "people of colour", but I think this has been redressed somewhat in Angel, with Gunn and Lorne redressing the all "non-white" people get killed scales a bit.

I'd be interested to know at what particular point she had to look "past Geller's cleavage to ogle the demons she fights". :blush: I love her, but shes not exacly pneumatic is she? And the vest tops went out with season 1 as far as I recall....

Anyway, an interesting read, worth giving a few minutes thought to...

26th March 2003, 01:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
obcooke OB-Wan Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,357	Buffy the Capitalist Slayer??? There's a rather entertaining and thought-provoking article about the social lessons to be learned from Buffy in the "New Socialist" magazine entitled: Ghoul Power: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sticks it to the System I don't agree with all of its points but its an interesting point of view and well worth a read I think. For instance, it summarizes how Kendra was treated by Buffy as a slow-witted second cousin and how Faith is the "working class" less-proficient evil version of Buffy and concludes: "...the show reinforces white supremacy and depictions of the "dangerous classes" as intellectually and physically inferior." And that's from a fan of the show! So, if you feel like wading through sentances like: "Buffy's experience reflects the insecurity of neoliberal labour markets characterized by shifts to part-time and temporary work, low wages, lower rates of unionization, and a corresponding insecurity for workers that disproportionately affects women." ... Then this is your cup of tea. There are no plot spoilers, except the article does make reference to a job that Buffy gets in the first epsiode of Season Seven. ENJOY, COMRADES! :blush: <-- my pinko icon

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

26th March 2003, 09:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Highlander II There can be only one!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 9,481	I read it - It was well thought-out (much better than some things ppl put on the net that make no sense) -- not sure I agree with everything, but a lot of it is true - or can be interpreted the way it is in this article / essay. So - not a bad read - thought-provoking at any rate.

9th April 2003, 04:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
markpud Super-Mod to the gods Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: with Buffy, in Manchester, England... Posts: 4,732	mmm, interesting! I'm not certain I agree with all of it, but there are certainly some interesting points about the use of characters from different backgrounds, in particular the two other slayers. I think it was Buffy's immaturity at the time that caused her to make fun of Kendra, I doubt she would do if they met for the first time now. And Faith's entire charm comes from her background and disregard for the rules of society. I can't argue with the author on the treatment of as she puts it "people of colour", but I think this has been redressed somewhat in Angel, with Gunn and Lorne redressing the all "non-white" people get killed scales a bit. I'd be interested to know at what particular point she had to look "past Geller's cleavage to ogle the demons she fights". :blush: I love her, but shes not exacly pneumatic is she? And the vest tops went out with season 1 as far as I recall.... Anyway, an interesting read, worth giving a few minutes thought to...