The Vampire effect

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Vampire fiction has been a part of culture for centuries. Through myths, folklore and literature, vampirism has forged a firm niche in popular entertainment. Particularly since Irish man Abraham "Bram" Stoker brought us the terrifying and thrilling Dracula; vampires have waned in and out of fashion while retaining their place in the public consciousness.

In recent years films such as The Lost Boys, Fright Night and Interview with a Vampire, to name but a few have seen great success. The feisty vampire slayer Buffy who adorned our screens from 1997-2003 reached a huge audience, bringing vampire fiction into the noughties. Yet lately vampirism has reached a “tipping point” and dominates all levels of popular entertainment. True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and need I mention The Twilight Saga heralds an unprecedented surge in vampire fans (or fanatics!)

Twilight being the “saga” it is deserves particular attention. The last film Eclipse (2010) earned a domestic total gross of $300,531,751 and is but a drop in the ocean of the mounting mega profit that the brand is making. Indeed, this is an example of the relationship between capitalism and film making at its peak. There is an overwhelming desire to start ranting about the down right disgraceful standardisation of culture which surrounds us. Yet I’m going to quell it and admit right here and now I’m a fan: I’ve read the books, I‘ve seen the films and will go to see the final two.

 And yes, I really do get the Robert Pattinson attraction. There was a time when I wouldn’t have admitted that but since last Christmas when someone kindly mortified me by getting me a Twilight/Robert Pattinson annual I said to myself: what’s the point hiding it, I’m obviously not doing a good job of it. With websites and fan pages to cater for all ages there is no disputing the popularity of Twilight across the board. You’ve got:www.twighlightmoms.com;www.bellaandedward.com;www.twilightfansite.net; www.edwardsmeadow.com; www.twilightanaoymous.com; and a million more. However, don’t be fooled by that last one, they won’t help you’re addiction, they’ll feed it. According to their motto, “we don’t want a cure”. In an attempt to over take the plethora of fan sites and official site has been established - www.twilighttimecapsule.com - where ordinary people can use our “personal memories” to become “part of Twilight saga history”.

The vampirism of True Blood conveys the usual issues of desire, identity, alienation, intemperance in such a liberated way one almost blushes when viewing. The sexual liberation of the petite but powerful Sooki Stackhouse is a huge part of the show. Buffy was also a strong female character actively pursuing and killing vampires yet these defiant and strong females stand in stark contrast with Bella Swan, the leading lady of Twilight. Through Bella we see a reaffirmation of patriarchal social structure. Her own inner narrative along with the surrounding actions of others situates her as powerless. In the second film New Moon her weakness is portrayed as she has a full scale mental breakdown, gets lost in the woods and has to be rescued yet again by more men.

This traditional damsel in distress routine is further amplified through Edward’s “traditional” values. So traditional, in fact, that he goes against all we know about vampires and sex and refuses to do the deed until he’s made an honest woman out of her. Despite Bella’s inner cringes, she and Edward take the most old fashioned route to an extraordinary life. Yet even post marriage they can’t just enjoy their desire for each other, why? because she’s pregnant within five minutes( I really hope I haven’t ruined the ending for anyone! but I’m presuming most of ye have seen the trailers)  All in all Bella is nearer to the virtuous damsels corrupted by predatory Dracula style characters than a modern representation of female sexuality today. Yet in Twilight even our leading male vampire is watered down, old fashioned and a bit of a prude.

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But why are we so obsessed? Is it because vampirism lends us an escape into another world of sexual freedom, excitement, and rejection of the societal conforms of daily life? Or is it because more and more vampirism plays on our fears and insecurities? Bella Swan’s obsession with ageing is a constant narrative as she pesters any willing vampire to change her so she can remain forever a teenager like her perfect, sparkling boyfriend. We are increasingly being told our bodies are not perfect enough and our skin isn’t young enough yet on screen we see the perfect albeit fictional solution to all these problems: become a vampire. Vampires don’t have to worry about wrinkles and guaranteed they don’t have cellulite.

In any case keep you’re garlic and holy water handy, or, if vampires are as hot as they are in the movies maybe ditch the slayer paraphernalia and crack open a Tru-Blood (www.trubeverage.com) instead!

 

A few Vampire films should you wish to stray beyond Twilight this Halloween:

-Dracula (1931)

-The Lost Boys (1987)

-Fright Night (1985) or (2011)

-Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles  (1994)

-Blade (1998)

Thefts on University Road

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Last week 15 wallets and purses were stolen in the NUI Galway area. The incidents occurred off campus on University Road yet the targets were students of the college. The thefts took place during daylight hours and victims were predominantly female.

Gerry Nolan, head of Security at NUI Galway stated that the only other incidents of thefts on this scale has been bicycle thefts, “We have experienced bicycle theft to a similar degree but no other repeatable offences in such a short time frame so close to University premises”.

Despite the large number of thefts only two in total were officially reported to Gardaí. As the incidents took place off campus all aspects of the investigation were handed over to Gardaí. Security services have provided them with all pertinent information and will continue to aid the investigation.

 There have been no incidents reported this week. Gardaí are conducting regular patrols of the University Road area.

Gardaí confirmed today that there are currently no suspects for the thefts. If anyone has any information relating to the incidents contact Mill street Garda Station on +353 91 538000 or the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111.

Des Bishop-review

Image:www.watoday.com

O’Flaherty Theatre, 19/09/2011

      As droves of students piled into the O’Flaherty theatre on Monday night, the air of anticipation was tangible. There was a clear sense that this gig was a prelude to the antics of the night which would follow later. One thing was absolutely certain: this crowd wanted to laugh, they were eager to be entertained and Mr Des Bishop certainly delivered. Welcomed on stage by the sound of hundreds of hands beating desks, Des must have sensed it was going to be a good show.

     The room was full to the brim with people who he described as a “comedy gift from Heaven”.  Being Freshers’ week, first years were everywhere. Within minutes one such gift was discovered right under his nose. A fresher from Ballygar was the source of a litany of jokes: from his B.I.S degree, which in his words was like a BCom degree with a “bit” of I.T (a description which Des referred to as like having a little “bit” of salt with your chips), to the necessity to find him a good camogie playing partner with whom to create a bright GAA future for Ballygar! This poor bloke provided Des with inspiration the whole way through! On the upside Des kindly obliged him by introducing him to some lovely girls. These poor girls were hauled from the back as penalty for their late arrival, recreating that cringe-worthy moment when you’re late for mass and some well-meaning individual “kindly” points out a couple of seats free up front. Suddenly all eyes are on you as you plod red faced up the aisle!

     Entertaining a crowd of young impressionable college students, Des was aware of the unique opportunity to pass on some hard earned wisdom from his time in college. Arts students, he proclaimed should prepare for one question that would define the rest of their college days and beyond, “And what exactly do you hope to do with that? Become a librarian?” Yet more importantly, a real pearl of wisdom which should adorn the Freshers’ packs of all colleges, “Sex is not like the C.A.O, there’s no change of mind form!” While we were initially eased into what was to be a rightly entertaining hour (and a bit) there was one thing that Des really wanted to talk about: His balls. 

     Yep, that’s right balls! Dressed in navy skinny jeans and blue shirt Des was certainly looking well. Indeed he looked the picture of health, which says a lot about his balls. “Men’s health” was the clear theme to the show, so Des told us the story of how his two balls suddenly became one ball. How one ball lost his best friend and how the landscape of Des’ manhood (later eloquently referred to as “wrinkled turkey gizzard sack of love!”) changed for life. At the ripe old age of 24, Des found a lump on one of his testicles. After a consultation with a good friend who had been cured of the same disease and coercing an even better friend to firstly examine his own balls and then examine Des’ balls (yes, it was apparently very awkward!), Des decided that it was time to get sorted. The operation was a total success and today Des could be a pin up for men’s health promotion. Despite an offer from the surgeon, his remaining ball’s best friend could not be replaced by a silicone substitute but Des sufficiently reassured us that everything is in perfect working order! So guys check your balls! (Preferably in private, this doesn’t licence you to walk around with your hands down your pants!)

     Des’ comedy flowed very naturally. He seemed to enjoy the gig almost as much as the audience. He kept the crowd laughing by leaping from men’s health, to men’s grooming habits (down there!) and female over use of fake tan, resulting in what looks like “the shroud of Turin” on the bed sheets the morning after! The serious message of men’s health promotion was punctuated with hilarious moments like the “comedy lapdance” he gave to a girl who’s red hair brought out the Gaeilge in him. Honestly, I’ll certainly never think about Irish in the same way. I never thought I’d hear the words “An bhfuil tú fluiche anois?” I guess that’s the joy of a Des Bishop gig: he’s a comedian, an entertainer, a human beat box and he really gives a damn about his audience.

     Testicular cancer wasn’t the only men’s health topic on the agenda. He gave a prophetic warning to the all the men in the audience that at some stage their manhood might refuse to “perform”, particularly when they might need it most. The taboo topic of erectile problems was thrown out there so if or when that day arrives, the men of Ireland will know it’s not unusual and it’s no big deal. Oh and by the way girls, be assured it’s nothing to do with us so never utter the words “what’s wrong with me?” because Des has confirmed 100% that the answer is nothing at all!

     So if that moment should befall you, don’t panic! There’s nothing wrong with either of you and hey, if all else fails, Des tells us there’s a “reset button” but I’ll allow ye to ponder over that one...

Worrying attitudes to sexual violence among students revealed

Image: www.galwayrcc.org

A report into the opinions of Irish third level students has uncovered worrying trends in the attitudes to sexual violence in society. The report entitled “Attitudes to Sexual Violence” is due to be released in the coming months and explores the misconceptions among students to 8 common rape myths.

The Sexual Violence Centre Cork carried out the survey which comprised of almost 3,000 responses from NUI Galway, University College Cork and 20 other third levels institutions across the country. Those surveyed ranged from first years right up to and including Masters students. However, Mary Crilly, Director of the centre confirmed that in general interest and follow up from students unions around the country was poor.  

The report revealed the shocking figure that between 40% - 50% of the male students surveyed believe that many women “claim rape if they have consented to sexual relationships but have changed their minds afterwards” and that “women often claim rape to protect their reputations”.

A further finding which highlights the importance of protests like the Slut walk held by the students union and the feminist society is that 1 in 3 students believe that if a woman goes out at night alone or wears provocative clothing puts herself in a position to be raped. This is a misconception which movements such as the Slut walk are working to dispel from Irish society.

Beyond this report, recent figures from Galway Rape Crisis Centre revealed that in 2010 621 people contacted the center. This is an increase of almost 20% on 2009 figures. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports an average of 2000 rapes/sexual assaults each year yet this figure does not take into account the reality that much of the figures are hidden due to a lack of reporting of sexual violence and abuse to the Gardaí.

One positive indication from this survey is that this trend of under reporting of abuse may be slowly changing. Up to 60% of students surveyed indicated that they would report abuse to the Gardaí.

Although the survey found that overall there is a “non-acceptance” of rape myths among Irish students the findings nonetheless are a source of deep concern. The misconceptions around sexual violence among the college students surveyed, indicates a lack of education among young Irish people surrounding the issue of sexual violence.

On the 15^th of October the fund raiser “A night for Manuela” will be held in memory of 17 year old Swiss student Manuela Riedo, who was brutally raped and murdered in Galway in 2007. The event will take place in The Salthill Hotel and tickets are €20. Frances Black, Niamh Kavangah, Don Stiffe and Crystal Swing are among the line-up for the night. See www.anightformauela.com for more details and tickets.

Galway Rape Crisis Ceter www.galwayrcc.org