Monsters in the Classroom

This paper explores the expansive realm of horror, particularly through the lens of monsters and their emergence as an essentializing category and framing of Blackness and Black religion. Examining Them (2021) and Girl With All The Gifts (2016), I argue for the development of a Black Monster Theory, or what I have termed as Black Teratology, to provide a platform for students to analyze the varying constructions of cinematic and literary monsters. Integrating Black Teratology into the pedagogical space provides students with conceptual tools, enabling them to delve into monsters’ cultural and religious dimensions, offering a unique perspective rooted in Black religious thought and culture. This pedagogical framework redefines the category of religious meaning and Black representation, acknowledging the multi-dimensional realities embedded in the ‘real lived experiences” of Black people, unfolding in monstrous productions. Thus, it fosters a deeper understanding of the intersection between horror, race, religion, and culture.