Horror Movies and Women's Rights: A Parallel History
Since the 1970s, horror movies have been intertwined with women's rights, reflecting and influencing societal attitudes towards feminism.
A new book, Scream With Me: Horror Films & the Rise of American Feminism, 1968–1980, by Eleanor Johnson, explores this connection. Johnson, a Columbia professor, was inspired to write the book while teaching a class on horror film history in 2022, coinciding with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v.
The horror genre has always been political, examining social and political issues through a unique lens.
Films like Get Out, Hereditary, and The Babadook are recent examples of horror movies tackling complex issues. However, this trend is not new, as horror has long been a platform for social commentary.
Johnson's book sheds light on the historical relationship between horror movies and women's rights, highlighting the significance of films like Rosemary's Baby in reflecting and shaping feminist discourse.
Author's summary: Horror movies have mirrored women's rights since the 1970s.