When I was searching for an article to use in this post, I came across James B. South’s “'All Torment, Trouble, Wonder, and Amazement Inhabits Here': The Vicissitudes of Technology in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” South’s premise is that the themes and conflicts of the Buffy universe are compatible with the examination of the problem of living in a technological world. South believes that vampires represent the ways that technology affect humans, or at least the more evil effects of technology. I think that this premise is fairly problematic, as my conception of vampires is much more primal and representative of more natural (albeit dark) problems of human nature than those issues that technology might present. We have discussed at length the applications of technology (and their limitations) within Buffy’s world, and I think it is a discussion worth having, but I am not completely sold on South’s approach of the issue.
Nevertheless, South did make some points that I think are worth exploring. He concludes that human solidarity (like we see within the Scooby Gang) and the existence of leader figures with charisma or power that is not born from technology, and so appears “magical” to the rest of society (Buffy, of course, fulfills this role) are the keys to maintaining humanity in an increasingly technological world. South also discusses the role of Willow and her acknowledgement on the importance of both ancient magic (nature) and technology. Willow has the perfect combination of forces to use technology for good: “there must first be a prior commitment to the side of the slayer and there must be a facility with magic that is both natural (and presumably rare) as well as rooted in tradition and books” (South 99). Willow fulfills both of these conditions, and so becomes ideal as a figure to help overcome technological evils.
I think that this discussion is interesting in the context of “Hush,” because we see the roles of both solidarity and leadership highlighted when normal communicative patterns are eliminated. Willow displays the solidarity that South discusses when she interacts with Tara. I found it incredibly interesting that Tara was banging on every door and no one came out, but Willow came out to help her before Tara even reached her door. Willow’s involvement in the Scooby Gang has conditioned her to be incredibly good at the form of solidarity that South describes as humanity’s only hope. Willow uses her skills very effectively as part of a team, and she is willing to make the personal sacrifices necessary to be part of the fight against evil.
If Willow is the perfect representation of a mindset of solidarity, then Buffy is the perfect leader that South describes. We discussed in class the moment that Buffy steps forward, casting herself as the “princess” without a second thought. Just as interesting as the fact that Buffy thinks of herself as the princess is the fact that no one else gives her assertion a second thought, either. It is natural that Buffy should be the princess, because she is the slayer, and because that is simply the way the Scooby Gang works. Buffy is a very unique character. Her power is unique, but her personality is just as important; she has embraced her role as leader and proceeds with confidence. There are several times that she withdraws from her role as leader (as well as an alternate universe where she didn’t move to Sunnydale), and we see that without Buffy’s presence and forcefulness, the Scooby Gang cannot function as a team. Similarly, when Willow withdraws from the group and uses her considerable power on her own, the results are disastrous. We see this a few times, but most significantly at the end of the sixth season when Willow revenges Tara’s death using darker aspects of her power.
Both solidarity and leadership, then, are based primarily on mindset. Buffy and Willow could each possess the same set of skills they already do, but if they embrace different roles or withdraw from the group dynamic, they do not accomplish the same positive goals. I can agree with South on this much, although I think that this same discussion can be expanded far beyond technology as the big bad.
Works Cited:
South, James B. "'All Torment, Trouble, Wonder, and Amazement Inhabits Here': The Vicissitudes of Technology in Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Journal of American & Comparative Cultures 24.1-2 (2001): 93-102. MLA International Bibliography. EBSCO. Web. 2 Oct. 2011.
(P.S. Because I am inept at blogging, I can't get my citation to be formatted properly. It's driving me crazy but I'm leaving it the way it is because when I try to fix it, I end up with indentations in inexplicable places.)
I really like the idea that Buffy is required to be a hero so that she can save herself and the town. Although we have not seen that many episodes with the Initiative, Buffy briefly joins Riley as a soldier. The role, however, does not suit her forceful personality and almost gets her killed because she cannot be a subordinate. It is only when she breaks free and becomes a leader again that she is able to properly deal with the threats and protect Sunnydale as she is supposed to.
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