MyLine:Rants and Raves

Horror movies help people connect with humanity

Date published: 1/2/2007

By MEGHAN HERBST

YOUTH CORRESPONDENT

No, it is not just a half-burnt psycho killer coming through your front door to rip your throat out with a pickax.

It is not limited to ghouls, zombies, vampires, psychotics, clowns, giant rabbits or angry extraterrestrials.

Many do not see the value of horror; it's easier to go on cracking open un-deployed popcorn kernels and sighing in front of a romantic comedy or generic drama than to sit down and watch a being of flesh and bone get torn to pieces only 10 feet from where you sit.

Many say that this is pointless--there is nothing of any social significance or worth in such a grotesque display of human suffering. But I beg to differ.

The reactions that spawn from horror are the same that come of any venture of daring: bungee jumping, mountain climbing, eating a live beetle. These all take a willingness to face the unknown dark hallways of our minds.

Horror is a way of connecting with humanity; when you watch the pain of an individual, it's hard not to feel a sense of empathy and common fear.

I understand it's much more comforting to watch a generic, puffed Cheeto version of real life where all is pretty and spotless. But to really challenge the psyche, one must push past the boundaries of the norm and explore something utterly disgusting and infinitely more human than anything you could gain from another rental of "French Kiss."

The truth is that pain, death and suffering are things most people try to ignore as thoroughly as possible. But as is the theme in most horror movies, death and pain are always very close to you. You never know when they could arrive and cut through your shower curtain.

MEGHAN HERBST is a senior at Riverbend High School.

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Date published: 1/2/2007