If you like watching teen horror movies, you’ve probably heard things like “African-Americans always die” or “couples who have sex get killed.” movies like Scream (nineteen ninety six), urban legend (1998), I know what you did last summer (1997), gold The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) strengthen these ideas with their formulaic plot and negative portrayal of the characters. Most teen horror movies follow a certain pattern. Some of these patterns are rooted in stereotypes.

Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. We use stereotypes to try to understand our world instantly. Most people do not have time to socialize intimately with all members of society. To bridge this knowledge gap, we use stereotypes to fill in the blanks in our heads. Although many stereotypes are used pejoratively, some stereotypes represent groups in society in a positive way. For example, the French are considered romantics, women are better listeners, and gay men have a better sense of fashion.

Although stereotypes can be used as a way to communicate with the audience, when used in the wrong context, the result can be negative. The main harm that arises from stereotyping is that it leads to discrimination and prejudice. The rule of survival in teen horror movies is to understand the stereotype and stick to the formula. By instilling this idea, the audience can accept that the reality of these movies can be applied to the reality of everyday life. Stereotypes in teen horror movies are usually negative. Common stereotypes that appear in movies refer primarily to racial and ethnic minorities, women, gender and sexual orientation, the elderly, and the disabled.

For example, women who wear revealing clothing in horror movies are often easy targets for the killer. Women who boldly outline their sexuality are considered cheap. These films boost the opinion of the audience, making them think of these women as second-class citizens. The women didn’t fit the formula of the film, so the audience has less respect for them. Without audience empathy, it’s easy for filmmakers to write off characters. When applied to a real-world setting, these stereotypes can turn into prejudice. The woman who thinks of wearing minimal clothing will be considered expendable and may receive a nasty reaction from society. Wearing these garments is no longer a fashion preference, but rather a statement of character.

Other stereotypes seen in these movies are that jocks and cheerleaders often misbehave and are often the first to die. African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics are also on the list of next dead. Homosexuals and obese people can’t help but be kicked out too. Those who survive are generally Caucasian men or women who are pleasant, not promiscuous, and strong enough to accept one challenge after another. Surviving in teen horror movies is never an easy task.

Although teen horror movies are riddled with negative stereotypes, some actually had a positive one. Positive stereotypes, like that the heroine of the story is always so strong and resistant to attack and the Caucasian male leader served as a gentleman who will do almost anything to save his friends and the heroine.

Stereotypes are inevitable in movies, but there is always something we can do about it. The key is to maintain balance when playing characters in teen horror movies for a more realistic feel. Innovation and fair representation are rare in the film industry, but that doesn’t mean the audience rejects any kind of effort to tip the scales in the right direction. Filmmakers should keep this in mind to prevent further degeneration of certain groups in our society.