Regardless of the non-US derivation of the various vampire myths (which Joss & co have cheerfully reinvented to their own liking) the
show
draws upon a whole host of sources, and the dialogue is densely packed with references to US popular culture as well as to more esoteric and highbrow sources. BtVS, at least in the earlier seasons, took pulp horror flicks and pulp teen movies as its main points of reference, whilst AtS initially drew upon more Noirish, Chandlerish sources for plots and atmosphere.
x-post.
May I suggest, though, that saying vampire myths are 100% European is like saying that Christianity is 100% Middle Eastern? I mean, it did originate there, but it has become somewhat more universal as time goes by. And, of course, American culture derives from many sources, and one of the major ones is European.
Yes and no christianity has been spreading for around 2000 years vampire myths aren't that old. And although America has a myriad of cultural roots they have only been reworking them in movies for the last 50 years or so. Taking myths from a source and reworking them doesn't make them American it's like saying that "MacDonald" is an American name because it is an American cultural reference as well and Oops that cat's escaped! I'm not saying that vampires are not big in American culture but I have a be nice to your sources issue.
vampire myths aren't that old.
Um. I believe that Romans had vampire myths (involving victims having their noses bitten off), and I've got a pretty strong feeling that there are variations on the theme of blood-sucking monster/undead in Asia and South America, although I may be talking shite.
What Fay and Ple, and the rest of you said as I was sleeping. Zoe, this thread was started as a haven for those without the latest episodes, back in the dark ages when there was only one Buffista thread on TT. Nowadays we're our own little community, and conversations ebb and flow according to interest and timezones. As flea said, the posts will pick up in the next few weeks, as Australia starts airing Buffy s7.
Oh, and I think the term UnAmerican conveys what we are quickly and efficiently, and that the thread title is funny and very much in the Buffista spirit of mocking with love.
I'm sorry to tell you, Zoe, that McDonald IS an American name. As is Trybyczewski. As is Subido. As is ... I could go on. (These are all real last names of Actual Americans I know). America is like this - I don't think it's a bad thing, and in fact I'm pretty proud of it.
I'm sorry to tell you, Zoe, that McDonald IS an American name.
Like I said about the cat. There are many, many highlanders who would dispute that.
And although America has a myriad of cultural roots they have only been reworking them in movies for the last 50 years or so.
Try closer to a hundred, babe. Which is to say, a reworking of myths with an American POV/Bent has been going on as long as there have been pictures that moved. And longer, if you feel the urge to count books, or plays, or whatnot.
Taking myths from a source and reworking them doesn't make them American it's like saying that "MacDonald" is an American name because it is an American cultural reference as well and Oops that cat's escaped!
Your logic here escapes me.
I *think* (and someone please correct me if I'm culturally off base) that UnAmerican has acheived a backhanded non-negative status, since it was used as an insult by People We Don't Like.
I see it in much the same light, rather like the Rats of Tobruk or such like. (Plus, especially libving here, I get a bit of a kick out of being UnAmerican on occasion.)
I know one person who fled this page because of the thread titles, but that was because she thought we were trashing the shows since the titles were humorous and mocking.
This is probably a fair comment. I think in some ways I'd be offended if we UnAmericans were treated differently from the other threads. In Australia, if you're not willing to give and receive the occasional snark, you're no friend of mine.
Or one could even interpret the "all ogle - no cash" as this being the thread for links to free porn.
Hee. Ok, this could be a problem. FTR, I won't be overly sorry to see the 'all ogle, no cash' bit disappear once the thread ticks over (I have Anya issues), but I do like the UnAmerican bit.
Try closer to a hundred, babe. Which is to say, a reworking of myths with an American POV/Bent has been going on as long as there have been pictures that moved. And longer, if you feel the urge to count books, or plays, or whatnot.
100 years is a very short time. Like I said I'm not saying that vampire myths have not become an american cultural reference cos they have, only that they are not an American cultural creation.
