Rob Sheffield: ''American Horror' is the debasement of the suburban family, the way a lonely kid would have imagined it in the Seventies.'

'American Horror' is the debasement of the suburban family, the way a lonely kid would have imagined it in the Seventies.

In his quote, Rob Sheffield describes the TV show "American Horror" as the portrayal of the suburban family's debasement, reminiscent of how a lonely child may have imagined it in the 1970s. This statement captures the essence of the show's dark and disturbing nature, where traditional family values are distorted and twisted. It highlights how the series taps into a universal fascination with the downfall of innocent, conventional homes and the exploration of fear within that context.The significance of this quote lies in its ability to encapsulate the underlying theme of "American Horror." The show takes ordinary suburban families and unravels their seemingly perfect lives, exposing haunting secrets, supernatural phenomena, and terrifying experiences. While the concept of horror has always been centered around evoking fear, "American Horror" takes a unique approach by subverting the familiar suburban setting, a supposed haven of safety and comfort. By doing so, it challenges our perception of normalcy and confronts our deepest fears lurking within these seemingly ordinary households.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to bring interest to this article. One can draw a parallel between the debasement of the suburban family depicted in "American Horror" and Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical concept of the "Will to Power." Nietzsche, the influential German philosopher, argued that an innate drive for power serves as a fundamental force driving human nature. Applying this concept to the show, we can deconstruct the transformation and debasement of the suburban family as a manifestation of this primal desire for power.In "American Horror," the suburban family becomes a staging ground for power struggles both psychological and supernatural. From domestic conflicts among family members to encounters with supernatural entities, power dynamics are constantly at play. The debasement of the suburban family can thus be seen as an exploration of the destructive consequences that arise from the unchecked pursuit of power.Nietzsche’s concept of the "Will to Power" brings a philosophical lens to Sheffield's quote, allowing us to delve deeper into the underlying meaning of the show. It prompts us to question the innate human desire for power and the potential repercussions that such a pursuit can have on our lives, particularly within the construct of the suburban family. By comparing and contrasting the debasement portrayed in "American Horror" with Nietzsche's ideas, we can explore the complex psychological and philosophical implications presented by the show.In conclusion, Rob Sheffield's quote about "American Horror" succinctly captures the debasement of the suburban family, reflecting how a lonely child might have imagined it in the 1970s. This engrossing quote serves as a starting point for analyzing the show's disturbing portrayal of traditional family values' erosion. By introducing Nietzsche's "Will to Power," we can explore the philosophical concept's relevance and analyze how the pursuit and abuse of power contribute to the unsettling narrative presented within "American Horror." This unexpected perspective adds depth and intrigue to an already thought-provoking subject matter, compelling viewers to reflect on the hidden horrors that may lie beneath the surface of suburban bliss.