Beware of the Social Acceptance of Vampires
It’s almost that time of year again, a time of ghoulish ghosts, garish goblins and of course, the ever vexing vampire. A Halloween party just wouldn’t be complete without one. There is usually someone dressed in characteristic vampire garb: Black satin cape, slicked back hair, snow white skin and frightening fangs- all reminiscent of the very eerily attired “Count Dracula,” played so eloquently by silver screen legend Bela Lugosi.
However, contemporary vampires don’t quite look like the Count Dracula of yesteryear. Today, he’s clad just like the average person, albeit the milky-white skin. Today’s vampire has been acclimated into society and with accolades has been accepted with open arms, along with virtually every teen-aged girl’s necks for the offering. No longer is the vampire shunned or a menacing being to be afraid of because we have discovered, thanks to Stephanie Myers “Twilight” book series, that the mainstream vampire can indeed suppress his blood thirsty desires despite himself. The vampire holds no threat any longer to society. He no longer transfigures himself into a bat, but to a neighbor, a doctor and a fellow classmate. They are now one of us. And despite the remedy for warding off vampires with gloves of garlic, I wouldn’t be surprised if the latest incarnation of a vampire eats Italian food loaded with extra garlic. (Have you ever noticed that there are no vampire myths with roots in Italy?)
But what is the real appeal of a vampire? Is it the quasi-sexual sharing of blood? The vampire Louis from Anne Rice’s infamous novel “Interview with a Vampire,” alludes to the notion referring to it as “…the ultimate experience.” Or is it the romantic aspect of a vampire’s clandestine visit and subsequent seduction? Would you “offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?” Perhaps, for some, it is less of those and more esoteric: the secret to everlasting life.
Despite the romanticism and allure of the vampire it is still not a being to be reckoned with, however, there are some ways of detecting one should you be suspicious. Since vampires are free from certain restrictions that come from having a physical body they have the ability to pass through solid objects. They are able to make themselves invisible, as well as, float on air. They leave no footprints or fingerprints.
Vampires really do have an aversion to garlic, so if you notice your suspect recoils at the sight and smell, take heed and eat plenty of it yourself!