Race in horror films

Critics have discussed the representation of race in horror films in relation to the presence of racist ideas, stereotypes and tropes within them.

[7] However, this purported trope has been disproven; Complex compiled a survey of 50 horror films starring black actors.

[7] Much of the attention that minorities get within horror films is through the use of their culture as plot devices and structures to scare or trigger guilt among the white protagonists.

References to such things as the "Indian burial ground" or the "medicine man" are commonly used in the horror genre to create a stereotype of "the other" and frighten white audiences.

The films do not portray these minority cultures sufficiently as an active part of the world, or in the lives of the main characters.

The "Indian burial ground" motif, heavily featured in horror film cycles of the 1970s and 1980s, is an example of how mainstream cinema renders Indigenous people as both hyper visible and invisible.

[7] Movies like The Shining show this trope, with the only black character, Dick Halloran (Scatman Crothers), being the one who understands the protagonist's true powers and the evil surrounding the plotline.

Because of this, zombies were a metaphor for being trapped in ones' body until death as committing suicide would mean that your soul would not be released back to Ian guineé.

[14] There are a handful of directors attempting to address issues of race and sexuality,[16][17] and the exploitative power that horror movies have.

Through exploring the differing perspectives and insights that diverse characters have, based on their lived experiences, directors can depict societal horrors, themes and traumas facing these groups with nuance and depth.