For my cultural artifact I chose to watch an episode from season two of CWTV’s The Vampire Diaries. This series is a suspenseful, romantic horror series which takes place in a fictional small town haunted by supernatural beings. The main focus of the series is the love triangle between a human and two brother vampires. The episode I watched was “Kill or be Killed” in which one of the vampires has to decide to go against everything he thinks is morally right and against his natural being in order to protect himself and his lover.
This cultural artifact tells so much about human purpose. In these episodes humans are solely for vampire consumption and there is a great contrast between the two vampire brothers in what they believe is right. Stephan does not drink human blood and suffers great weakness because he only consumes animal blood. Damon however, is a ruthless killer and feeds on humans for strength and entertainment. This artifact reveals the fragility of human life and the choices those with power have to make. This artifact encourages one to hope for good to overpower evil. While Stephan is suffering from his choice the audience hopes that he will be able to overcome the hardship he is presented and prove to Damon that there is a way to fight the inner demon they are possessed with. While Damon and Stephan both have the great desire for human blood, Stephan has chosen to fight against it and that gives hope for humans as well to be able to recognize that not all vampires are bad. We can apply this lesson to the in the real world as we strive for awareness of how challenging fighting against a strong impulse can be and how love, support, and guidance should be provided to those who need it. I am aware that humans don’t often have the desire to drink blood but we are hindered by alcoholism, sex addiction, eating disorders, and mental incapability.
1. 1.How are we to reach out and support those who are struggling to turn away from life in the empire and live for the kingdom of God?
2. Although this is clearly not a “Christian” television show, do you think it is possible to derive the good versus evil theme and apply it to our discussion using a Christian viewpoint?
Good to hear an analysis of this show, Eena. It sounds like Stephan's choice is especially relevant in light of the chapter we read on suffering for today.
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