A Country (Still) Divided

Abstract

Supernatural shows by their nature often incorporate themes such as survival, community, revenge, resurrection, and (the dark side of) humanity -- themes which take on a new meaning in the post-9/11 period. Chapter Six analyzes how these are incorporated into 21st century vampire narratives, such as HBO's True Blood (2008-2014), CW's The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017), and the film adaptations of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012). Through a recurrent focus on "us versus them," these storylines bring attention to the cultural divides within the United States caused by things such as continued racial conflict, progress in the LGBTQA rights movement, and ongoing (religious and political) debates concerning family values. This essay also analyzes the ways in which the Civil War backstories present within each of these narratives reflect problematic nostalgia for bygone eras (and societal orders).