"Do you realize," Bill says to Sookie during the first episode, "that every person in this bar is staring at us?" Sookie asks "Who cares what they think," to which Bill responds that, since he plans to make Bontemps his home, he does.
Respond to what is at stake in this moment. What's occurring, what is the moment standing in for allegorically? Why are people staring and what is the political import of Bill's decision to obey the authority of the public glare? Does his choice seem, at the time, to threaten or aid the causes he claims to represent?
Bill wants to be accepted into the town he wants to now call home. And although he is a vampire who knows that he wont be as accepted as he wishes, he still doesn’t want to be blamed for things just because he is a vampire. People are staring in this restaurant scene because segregation within this small Louisiana town is at its finest. Humans do not see vampires as equal to them; therefore, and they believe they should be treated differently than humans. Vampires are something of a joke when it comes to thinking they have the same rights as everyone else. The humans around don’t seem to think they should have any rights at all seeing as they are dead creatures. Bills choice to obey the fact that people will stare doesn’t necessarily help his case. Although it won’t make a scene, it will just allow people to think it is ok to keep starring. Without recognition that he does not appreciate the staring, the people will continue to stare and think differently of him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said, I especially like the part talking about how Bill will always be judged unless he does something. The problem here is if he scares are hurts them it will only make things worse. Just like how African Americans were almost helpless at this time until they did freedom rides and sit ins. The only problem with this is the fact that many of them died. Vampires need to prove to society that they have a reason for being treated equal. This could be that fact that their blood heals very rapidly, or any other use of their powers. Personally I feel that humans are scared of vampires and that is why they don't want them to be equal, strictly out of fear. And for this reason humans will never be willing to accept vampires.
DeleteI think all of your points make complete sense and they fit my comment to. I agree that vampires are segregated against which is why Bill is trying so hard to fit in. I also agree that Bill should interact with the people scaring at him because that way people won't feel the need to be so weird around vampires.
Deletei like all the points you made and agree with all of them. i like how you explain all that he is dealing with at the moment such as the segregation issues and the fact that he isnt welcomed and just trying to get through it all
DeleteAt this particular moment in the episode there is quite a bit at stake for Bill. Not only does the whole bar know his true identity, but his blood is a hot commodity for the junkies that want a good buzz. Bill just wants to be accepted into society and not be looked at as a alien. That hard thing is that Bill is a soulless vampire and be definition isn't a human. This brings me to another point, Bill sticks out much more in the south, apposed to in a city like New York where he would have no problem settling down. The allegorical part of this is the vampire rights act representing the civil rights act. With the fact that they havent passed yet makes it harder for Bill to be accepted in society. The problem lying here is that even if the rights act passes, humans won't see vampires as being equal to humans so Bill will never actually be a part of the society. He is always going to be an outsider that is judged. Bill's choice to obey the fact that the people of the bar are staring does not help his cause because if he doesn't stand up to them, they will never stop. This means Bill will always be looked down upon and this is not good for other "good" vampires. Until Bill tells them he doesn't appreciate the fact of what they are ding, he will never gain respect.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement on how the VRA is allegorically representing the Civil Rights Act. Vampires are standing in for African Americans of the 21th century. Just as African Americans were segregated and looked down upon in society, vampires are facing similar circumstances. Even if the VRA passed, these vampires would still face opposition from society. With this in mind, Bill must approach the situation carefully. He should not "lie down" and allow society to walk all over him. Additionally, he should not force his opinions on others and make people view him as a victim. He must find a middle ground to gain people's trust and respect for both him and other vampires alike.
DeleteJust as Bill is not seen as a human, so were African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement; there are many coincidences that line up in True Blood and the historical events of the 1950s and 60s. In a way, both black people and the vampires are still ostracized and oppressed. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed and African-Americans were given voting rights and considered equal to "whites". However, they were expected to act as if nothing happened. Black people were still oppressed because of Jim Crow laws and the fact that people were not willing to change their way of thinking. Even today, there are several issues with race. But with time, each generation will become less judgmental, and the vampires in True Blood will be able to assimilate into society as well.
DeleteI think that Bill’s future reputation is at stake. Clearly, the town is not too happy about having vampires all over the place, but Bill wants to fit in and be accepted. Sookie may not care what people think, but Bill does because he seems tired of being the outcast in every place he has ever been. I think the moment is saying that even though you should care what people think, Bill has to care in order to be accepted and that’s sad. Sookie on the other hand doesn’t have to care what people are thinking because she already knows. I think this shows that Bill and Sookie are on two opposite ends when it comes to how they approach the world. People are staring because Bill is a vampire and people are scared but also curious about vampires and what they do. Bill is trying his hardest to be a gentleman and to make sure everyone likes him. I think that Bill is tired of being alone in life and wants to finally start fitting in. I think his choice is a smart one, but it also threatens/scares the people around him. Bill is just trying to make it as a mainstream vampire.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment, Bill having to not being able to talk to Sookie and still not be accepted is pretty upsetting. He is trying his best to fit in and even giving his best the people aren't willing to grasp that he wants to stay there and make this town his new home. I would agree that both Bill and Sookie are on the opposite ends for the state that they are in. If Bill ignored the whole town would he not still be an out cast and even with him talking to certain to the towns people he still isn't being accepted. Is there any scenario where Bill would be accepted into this society?
DeleteI agree when you say that "Bill and Sookie are on two opposite ends when it comes to how they approach the world." I think they both have differences in how they see people and what they care about. Sookie seems to be the type who doesn't seem to care what people think where as Bill has been used to being judged most of his vampire time. Sookie is seen to be different by the people who know she can read minds, but the same to everyone else. The fact that everyone knows Bill is a vampire, everyone treats him differently which forces him and Sookie to have two different approaches to life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you fully. Both of them know what it is like to be judged, even if Sookie does not care what people think, she still knows how it feels. I think this is why she is so open to vampires, especially Bill. As a couple, they even each other out because she keeps telling him not to worry about what other people think, but Bill knows he is not wanted or accepted in the town so he has to take extra precaution.
DeleteI agree with you on your views of how sookie and bill are complete opposites. They do both get judged for talking to a vampire and even being one. They comfort each other though to not worry about being a vampire and just believe in what they want to believe in, equality and no segregation.
DeleteFrom the very beginning, when Sookie first noticed Bill, she and everyone else could identify Bill as being a vampire. He carried himself in a unique way and tended to be isolated from the other residents. When Bill realized everyone was starring, he immediately felt uncomfortable and like an “outsider” to society. He wanted to make Bontemps his home; however, the locals are not very accepting of vampires. Allegorically, this moment is standing in for the bigotry in America. People of our culture are stubborn to others views and find anything out of the “norm” to be a questionable act. This culture forces its viewpoints on others and casts out the individuals who have differing opinions. This is evident when the people, in the bar, stare at Bill and Sookie as they engage in conversation. These people view Bill as an individual who is trying to make lasting changes in society. The VRA, (the CRA for vampires), is being debated in Congress and could have a lasting impact to their culture. With this in mind, Bill is not out forcing his viewpoints onto others nor is he actively supporting the VRA. He is sitting back and observing the situation. I feel Bill’s actions are threatening the causes he claims to represent because is “laying down” to society. He almost seems content with how things are playing out. If Bill had a true intention of becoming a part of society, he would be out promoting his case and explaining his reasoning’s.
ReplyDeleteIn that moment Bill is looking at all the options that he has, since he wants to stay there and make that town his home once again. He needs to make sure that the town likes him and will trust him since he is a vampire. If the town doesn’t trust him then he could end up being chased out of the town.
ReplyDeleteThe people are staring at them because he is a vampire and he could kill Sookie in seconds if given the chance and if he wanted to. He needs to make sure that the town trusts him so that he will be able to stay there and live out his life as he pleases. Bill wants to obey authority to stay on their good sides and that he won’t take advantage of Sookie and won’t kill her.
At that moment in time his choice aids the claim that he is making. Bill being able to get up and walk away from Sookie, basically blowing her off since they don’t know what is happening between the, helps show that he does not find her the delectable to his tastes, and would rather use the fake blood so that he can stay in that town.
I agree with you when you said that Bill needs to urn the town's trust. If he does not then the consequences could be severe. He would be just adding fuel to their fire if he were to retaliate against their stares, he is aiding his claim but showing them that he does have self control and that he can live among them without disrupting the peace.
DeleteBill is definitely considering his options because he knows if he does the wrong thing, it could bring fatal consequences. That is a good point that the people are staring in part because they are concerned that Sookie is dangerously close to a vampire and they almost expect the vampire to act at any moment.
DeleteBill's reputation is at stake during this scene, he wants to make Louisiana his new home. He does not want to draw attention to himself, and by sitting with Sookie that attracts more attention than he would like. This could stand for a scenario that could have occurred during the Civil Rights Acts. He is going into new territory where he is not accepted, or thought of as equal with hopes of being accepted. People stare because they do not accept nor want creatures of his kind to live among them. They stare with repulsiveness and the tension is present. Bill must endure the public glare in order to stay, if he were to react to them he would never be accepted. He would be giving the public a reason to fight. His decision to be cautious and humble helps his cause by showing them he means no harm, and will not resort to violence when tested; just as the African Americans did during the Civil Rights period.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post. I agree that he is just trying to the best he can to fit in with society. They are always going to see him as different and he's strong to go out and be himself. I like that you compared it to the civil rights period. That is a great way of explaining the whole situation.
DeleteI agree with everything you just said. I agree with how he doesn't want to bring any attention to himself. He wants to be looked at as a normal human being but the the people of Bon Temps aren't looking at him in that light. Everyone at the bar knows he is a vampire and they all are trying to distance themselves from him. I also agree with how you compared the scene to the Civil Rights Movement.
DeleteIt is very obvious to the towns people that Bill is different. It is clear to everyone that he is a vampire. He lives away from everyone and choses not to be around the people. So when they notice him, he does not like the attention. He does not appreciate how people are reacting to him. They see him as an outsider. He does not feel welcomed. This is hard for him since he wants to make this town his home. But this is what he has chosen. He must have known that people would not accept him. People are scared of Bill because they do not understand vampires. They are curious to know the truth about them. Bill is trying to fit in with society but it is hard for him. His choice to make the decision to live within the towns people is hard. There are positives and negatives of both options he has. I believe that he has chosen the right choice. He is strong for standing up for his kind and coming out to the citizens. He just has to face the fact that he will never be looked at as a normal person. People will always think less of him and he will never be thought highly of by society. He is strong for making this choice to be a part of society.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Bill does not feel welcomed by the towns people and they see him as an outsider. Bill is the first vampire that Bontemps has had and the towns people do not know how to act towards him so all they do is stare. The people do not know anything about vampires and do not know what his plans are and why he chose Bontemps as his new home. I think the towns people stare at Bill to try and observe him and see what they can learn about him.
DeleteAt this point in time Bill has a couple options, his choices greatly affecting his future in Bontemps. He can decide to either sit there and continue to be judged and hated, or he can confront the people in hopes for a change of heart. Since he basically has his mind set on making this town his home, Bill must find a way to live among the humans in peace. I easily understood this moment as an allegory to the civil rights era, especially since the story is set in the south. People are staring because of their intolerance and the fact that another human (one whose family is clearly opposed to vampires) is engaged in normal conversation with a vampire. Bill’s choice to not take action aids his claims in that he means no harm to humans and is simply trying to coexist, however, the people fail to recognize or acknowledge this.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your claim that Bill has the choices of confronting the people in the bar or continue to be judged. Bill continues to endure the stares because he does no want to potentially offend the people of Bontemps. I also agree that Bill wants equal opportunity just like any other human. However, the community stays in hatred towards him because of their fear of vampires.
DeleteI as well agree that Bill has some difficult choices in front of him, because he can either stand up to the town's views and opinions and essentially ostracized, or he, for the moment, just goes with the flow of the society's ideals and try to not make himself stand out. As you states, he wants equal opportunities like the humans, but since he is already inherently different, society will stand against him because they have become accustomed to their ideas of rights, and generally nobody likes change.
DeleteWhen they are in the bar Bill obviously can see that the people of Bontemps are prejudice against vampires just by the way everyone is looking at him. Sookie does her best to make him feel welcome but as you can see it would be very hard to feel accepted if all you receive is nasty looks. He does not want to accept this fact because he is trying to make this town his new home. I think we could compare the people of Bontemps in this time frame with the vast majority of people during the Civil Rights period all over America. Everyone was afraid of changing the way they were used to operation in everyday life. The residents of Bontemps do not want to change their town; they are not ready to accept vampires into their society. His reaction to this situation shows how he is able to function in a mannerly way even though he is a vampire. I think this could smash some of the stereotypical views the town’s people earlier had.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you fully. Both of them know what it is like to be judged, even if Sookie does not care what people think, she still knows how it feels. I agree that he is just trying to the best he can to fit in with society. They are always going to see him as different and he's strong to go out and be himself. I like that you compared it to the civil rights period.
DeleteI agree will you that she does try and make him feel welcome and comfortable. he does try and fight the feelings of being un-welcomed. the connections to make to the civil rights movement are spot on.
DeleteI agree with you as well. I like how you related this to the Civil rights period. Sookie does try to make him feel welcome to the city, which i'm sure he appreciated a lot. I also like how you mentioned how he functions in a mannerly way, because Vampires can act in a manner way just as we can. Also the townspeople are being very stereotypical towards him which is still present throughout this country.
DeleteI think that Sookie says she does not care what people think because she can read everyone’s thoughts and always knows what they are thinking. She has had time to come to terms with what the whole town thinks of her and has accepted that they think she is weird. Bill on the other hand can never tell what people really think of him but he knows that everyone is always judging him because of the fact that he is a vampire. Bill cares more about what people think of him because he wants to feel accepted in society. Sookie does not care if she fits into society because she knows she is different and people will always judge her. People are staring at Sookie and Bill because Bontemps has never had a vampire before. They are shocked that Sookie just goes up to and starts talking to Bill. Vampires are seen as outsiders and the town did not expect Sookie to talk to Bill so freely and openly. The political importance of Bill’s decision to openly obey the authority of the public glare is that he is stating the fact that he is staying in town and people will just have to get over it. Bill’s choice threatens the causes he presents because the whole town is openly judging him, most likely negatively, and he does not do anything to persuade the town to accept him. Instead he hangs around Sookie who is known for being crazy and is not accepted in town either because everyone knows there is something strange about her.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting how you brought up that Sookie doesn't care what the people think , because she can just read their mind. I agree that Bill cares because he doesn't know what they are thinking, although we can be sure it's nothing too kind as they've never seen a vampire before. Perhaps Sookie can so easily talk to Bill because they are both outsiders just trying to find a place in town and be accepted for who they are.
DeleteWell put, Sam. I think the silence (in Sookie's case, literal silence) in the space of mutual understanding represents a utopian space outside the everyday experience she has come to understand as life.
DeleteGood job doing more than merely echoing back the poster's own language.
Bill wants to be accepted into the town he wants to now call home, which is in Louisiana. Even though he is a vampire, he wants to be liked by everyone. He does not want to draw attention to himself, but since he sits with Sookie at the restaurant, this causes all the glares he does not want. People stare because they don’t want to accept his kind and you can tell there is tension between them. The scene at the bar could stand for a scenario that could have occurred during the Civil Rights Acts. He is going into new territory where he is not accepted. Bill will always be looked down upon since he is different. Until Bill tells them he doesn't appreciate the fact of them staring and making a big deal about him being different, he will never gain respect.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Bill's situation at the restaurant seems to be one giant contradiction. How even though he doesn't want to cause a scene, sitting with Sookie has brought one upon him anyway. Also that he knows everybody is staring and judging him but if he confronts them to try and get them to stop they may perceive it as a threatening act and then continue to hate him.
DeleteDuring the scene, which takes place in a crowded bar, Bill is trying to make a good first impression so to say. Though he is not being directly introduced to towns people he sees this as a chance for them to pass judgement on him. The people staring at him are standing for people who follow the guidelines of societies idea of normality and they are also the majority in the situation. Bill himself is the minority in the situation and is obviously worried about not sticking out like a sore thumb but it doesn't seem as though he is necessarily trying to fit in. This does not threaten what he stands for but it also doesn't help it. He is trying to not stick out in society which is ok but he at the same time is folding under the weight of judgment. This is what the scene is overall trying to get at. It is trying to visually show the audience of the show how this is a common occurrence even though not the most graceful of acts. Being the first episode the scene does a good job of setting the overall tone of the show and what the main characters must overcome.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this, I especially like the way you say Bill is trying to make a good first impression. I think he is trying not to stand out and lay low. I think when he leaves it does nothing to help or hurt his situation too. I like the way you say he sticks out like a sore thumb also.
Deletei agree with what you are saying about how Bill wants to make a good first impressions. he is just trying to get their approval and fit in because he is in the minority. i like what you said about this being the first episode, the show really does draw you in and make you want to watch more. i also liked how you said he sticks out like a sore thumb. he wants to just skate on by and act like no one saw him.
DeleteWhat is at stake at this moment is that Bill is trying to make a good first impression. The people at the bar are looking at Bill becuase they know that he is a vampire and the people of Bon Temps have never had a vampire living in their town until now. The people at the bar don't want Bill here and he is being descriminated against because he is a vampire and they believe that he is evil. Bill doesn't want to be judge like this. He wants to treated just like every other human being and he knows he has to be on his best behavior in order to be accepted. This moment can be compared with the Civil Rights Movement because many African Americans during that time period had a hard time fitting in as well. I think his decision to try and make a good first impression is the right way to go becuase he wants the people of Bon Temps to realize that he wants to fit in and that he won't try to disturb the peace inside the town.
ReplyDeleteI feel you on the comparison to the Civil Rights Movement. African American were in a constant struggle to try to co-exist among white Americans simply because they were so recently given their privileges and rights with the impression that they could be revoked effortlessly. Describing their efforts as attempts to "fit in" however is off line in my opinions because African Americans had no intention of fitting in but rather to just be accepted for who they are.
DeleteYour conclusion brings up an interesting point, and it is one that unsurprisingly informs a lot of the later plotline of the show. There is a tension between vampires who want to "mainstream" (i.e. assimilate to the traditional behavior of the "living") and those who hold that vampires are never truly accepted unless they can be what they truly are. As much as Bill aims to integrate himself through appearing "non-threatening", the show by the end seems to suggest that this never fully works in Bontemps.
DeleteThis specific scene in True Blood is very significant. As Sookie and Bill have a conversation, the entire bar is looking at them suspiciously because they are curious why Sookie would ever want to become acquainted with a vampire. Sookie’s reputation and the town’s security is at stake. As the two continue to talk, the people’s thoughts in the bar grow from suspicion to anger. The people in Bontemps are severely against in having a vampire living in town with them. They are afraid that the vampire might try making members of the community his next victims. This scene stands as Sookie
ReplyDeleteand Bill being the people being able to stand up for equal rights. Both Sookie and Bill believe that vampires should have the exact same freedoms as humans do. As people stare, they are increasingly against vampires and do not want to share the town with them because it would cause conflict and insecurity. Bill continues to not let the people’s reaction affect him because he knew there would be numerous spectators trying to figure why he is in town. The stares from the bar do not scare Bill because he is going to stand his ground and make Bontemps the home he wants it to be.
I think that all of the points you made are valid, and I agree with your post. I like how you mentioned Sookie, and how her reputation is at stake as well as the towns security. I also thought the same thing about the people of Bontemps being scared of what Bill and the other vampires could do to them. I like how Sookie and Bill are able to not care what the other people think, and how they believe vampires should have equal rights as well. I also felt that it was good of Bill to stand his ground and to not be intimidated. He has just as many right to be a Bontemps citizens at everyone else.
DeleteBill sees that everyone in the bar is staring at Sookie and himself and he realizes that if he continues to talk to her there then the town’s people will dislike him even more than they already do, which is something he cannot afford. Bill represents all vampires for these people and they are not fans of the undead. So, when Bill leaves the restaurant he keeps himself from being seen as more of a threat to the town than he already is. This can only help him and his kind in their effort to be accepted into society. He has been seen as something less than human and something that is a threat to society as they know it and like it, so when he leaves his conversation with Sookie and listens to the public glare he is showing them that he means no harm to them.
ReplyDeleteThere is a tremendous amount at stake for Bill at this moment. Everyone at the bar is suspicious of Bill and are wondering what his intentions with Sookie are. He wants to be accepted into the town and live at Bontemps. The townsfolk aren’t very familiar with vampires and a bad impression could cause Bill to be driven out of town, as they already seem hostile towards his kind. Many of them think vampires don’t deserve the same rights as humans do. The Vampire Rights Act still hasn’t passed, which is an allegory to the Civil Rights Act. It is crucial for Bill not to act rashly. He knows if he wants to stay in town then he has make the people staring think he wouldn’t do anything to harm Sookie. This doesn’t necessarily hurt what he is trying to accomplish, but it doesn’t really help either. Bill doesn’t take any action that would lead the people to believe he wouldn’t hurt other people.
ReplyDeleteBill feels the need to make that town his home and he wants to be accepted and left alone. he does not want to be bothered because of what he is. this moment shows that Bill really does care what people think and how they will threat him. this shows that he is different from the rest of the vampires that have been shown in the show. the people in the bar are staring because this is out of the norm for them vampires and people interacting like that. at the time it seems that this interaction seems that it harms the cause that Bill says he stands for because the people are so angered and taken a back by what is happening.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment the stakes are somewhat high for Bill. Bill is a vampire, and vampires are looked down upon in Bontemps. Also everybody in the bar is aware who what he is so they are constantly looking for any wrong move or action he may make. The moment with Bill at the bar could be compared to the time of the civil rights movement. When it comes to vampires in Bontemps there is a great amount of segregation, just like the people during the civil rights era. Bill and all the other vampires are treated unfairly and it is difficult for them to be accepted for who they are. They are treated poorly and constantly judged because they are vampires, and they are not considered human. People are staring at Bill because he is having a conversation with Sookie. He is also the only vampire in the bar, and all of the people in the restaurant are Bontemps citizens who do not approve of vampires. Even though they do not like Bill, there is something about him that the makes the people not able to look away. The political importance for Bill to obey the authority of the public glare did and did not help his cause. By Bill not standing up for himself, he is allowing the people of Bontemps to continue staring and talking negatively about him. The people know nothing about him other than the fact that he is a vampire, so they are going to keep making assumptions if Bill does not speak up. At the same time though, it was good of Bill to not make a scene of the people staring. Since he already has a negative reputation for being a vampire, the people would have disapproved of Bill more than they already do, say he wore to confront them. Bill just wants to fit in and make Bontemps is home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you saying that Bill not standing up for himself is letting the others continue to talk about him, but also that it was a self sacrificing move. Bill has to tread carefully in the town because he doesn't want to upset anyone, but he also has to give vampires a good name. Now that vampires are out in the open with no rights, they may tempt some of the more aggressive town members to act on their anger with vampires on Bill.
Deletepeople stare at them because Sookie is dating with a vampire. Everyone is afraid of vampires and they cannot accept vampires to live in this town. Sookie doesn’t care what people are thinking because she is mortal and even if she might be considered to be weird to do this, she is a good girl in their eyes after all. But Bill is a real vampire and people are scared of him. People won't treat vampires as being equal to humans so Bill won’t accept to be a part of them and he is considered as an outsider . Bill wants to make Bontemps his new home so he must endure people glare and sit there to show that he doesn’t mean violence but obviously he feels uncomfortable there. By relating to civil rights era, people don’t want to change their way of life so if Bill, a vampire , comes into their life, something unexpected would happen.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of vampires coexisting with humans is a fairly new concept in the world of True Blood. As Bill enters the bar, everyone is able to sense that he is different – Bill is a vampire. And they begin to judge him without any good reason besides the fact that he is a vampire. A lot is at stake for Bill; he wants to assimilate into society, but he is unable to because no one will let him. This moment alludes to the African-American Civil Rights Moments in the 1950s and 60s. Black people were given the right to vote and equality, but no one is offering them their rights. Jim Crow laws were passed to keep black people segregated, and many people were too stubborn to change their ways. For example, when schools were becoming integrated, some states closed down several of their schools because they did not want to be integrated. In True Blood, the people in the bar are not ready to integrate with vampires. They have become so used to their way of life that they are afraid that change will destroy what they have come to know. Bill decided to ignore the peoples’ stares, and it is good that he did so. The people at the bar got used to the idea of a vampire being in their proximity – albeit they did not like it. But with time, society was able to accept African-Americans. Perhaps vampires, in time, will be accepted by humans as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your blog post about how Bill has a lot at stake when entering the bar full of people who are ready to judge him on no prier knowledge. They just see him as being different and its hard for them to accept him for what he is. I liked that you compared Bills situation with African-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Vampires and African-Americans are fighting for the same thing in the world of True Blood and it is not an easy battle towards equality.
DeleteBy talking to Sookie, Bill is risking his reputation in the town he would like to make his home. Bill knows that people are not keen to vampire-human relationships and he doesn’t want the townspeople disliking him for that reason. Some people would’ve been outraged by Sookie and Bill and may have drivin Bill out of town. This moment is representing how people felt towards interracial couples even after the civil rights movement had passed, only in the show these feelings are now being applied to vampire and human relationships. Bill’s decision to deny Sookie the relationship she wants is him trying to show the townspeople that he isn’t the seducing, bloodsucking stereotype that they all think he is. Bill wants to be accepted and live peacefully in their town, and what they think of him determines whether or not that will be possible for him.
ReplyDeleteAs Bill and Sookie are caught glaring at one another they gain the attention of an entire bar. In attempts to “fit in” Bill was concerned with the opinions of the towns people more than the beautiful Sookie. At this moment in the episode we are seeing the lack of co-existence among the human and vampire species. Reluctant to accept the Vampire species as equals humans often discriminate against them or single them out. In a more broad explanation the people of Bon Temps were illustrating their disapproval of Sookie even associating with the Vampire and she would know that if she used her psychic abilities. Allegorically the scene is a reference to the racial divide among the inhabitance of Louisiana and instead of showing that literally they represent it with the human-vampire scenario. The people in the bar are directing so much attention to both Sookie and Bill as they converse because in Bon Temps a vampire’s presence is rare. In fact He is the first Vampire that Sookie’s bar has ever served. In hopes to be an equal to those in the small town Bill chooses to be conscious of the impression he makes among those in the bar. Sookie’s status within the town is in little danger in site of her long history there. Being a new comer to Bon Temps however Bill cannot share her willing to ignore the public resentment and carry on whichever way he likes. In order to remain on the good side of the townsmen, at least until he builds a reputation there, he must tread carefully around humans. Despite the dangers of associating with vampires Sookie becomes infatuated with Bill and they begin spending more time together. By ignoring the presumed line of restriction for a vampire and human to get close Bill without a doubt threatens the causes he claims to represent.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in the episode Bill cares more for what the public thinks of him rather than what Sookie thinks. He is trying his best to fit in to a society that, for the most part, rejects him. His mere existence puts the people in the bar on edge, since he is being discriminated like african americans during the Civil Rights Movement. He is being looked at with disgust and hatred because he is a vampire, and he is very different from everyone else. He is doing what he thinks is best at the present time, and to me it appears to be successful. He tries to succumb to the views of the general public, and not make himself noticeable. This reminds me of the novel Speak, where the main character is raped in the story at a party before her freshman year of high school, and she has this major conflict within her to stay quiet and be who the school thinks you are, or make the accusation and risk being outcast by everyone anyway.
ReplyDeleteI found myself agreeing with pretty much everything you said here. This moment in the show definitely alludes to the Civil Rights Movement a lot. What I found really interesting about your post was that you also related the show to Speak. I don't think anyone else mentioned that book in their post. I read that book in my sophomore english class and I can really see how it ties in with how Bill wants the people in town to view him.
DeleteDuring this scene in True Blood, Bill is definitely putting his reputation on the line by sitting at the table and talking to Sookie. Most of the town already doesn't take too kindly to him simply because he is a vampire. I can't help but make a connection between this and how the majority of white people felt about black people during the civil rights movement. When the people in the bar see Sookie and Bill together, you can almost compare it to seeing a black man and a white woman together in the 1950s. People are staring at them because it makes them feel uncomfortable and possibly even angry to see Sookie and Bill together. Bill obviously wants to fit into society. You can tell he wants to make a good impression on the people in town. Sookie and Bill eventually end up falling in love. I believe this makes it even more complicated for Bill to gain acceptance into society though. His relationship with her doesn't really seem to aid the causes he claims to represent. It will only cause more tension between himself and the society he wants to be a part of.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with what you're saying, Caleb. I think that when watching this not only is there a tension between the characters in the scene, but also for us watching the show. We all know that Bill is a ticking time bomb when it comes to pretending to fit in, and it is only a matter of time before he lets that out. I really felt bad for Bill.
Delete-Alex Thompson
Bill says that he cares about what everybody thinks because he wants to be accepted where he lives or at the very least not be accused for anything bad that happens. This means that his entire future is at stake during this conversation. The reason for people staring at him and Sookie during this scene is a direct result of the segregation and a type of racism towards vampires being practiced in this town, even though Bill has not done anything specifically to these people yet, they instantly begin judging him and assume the worst just because he is a vampire.
ReplyDeleteI think that his actions aid his cause to be accepted by the community because at the moment he does not seem threatening to the public but it also hurts his cause because he is still being judged and will continue to be unless he says something to the people which could be perceived as a threatening act by the people.
Bill’s first impression is at stake. The fact that he is a vampire is quite obvious to the townspeople. He lives far from others, much like many people in the south. Sookie does however try to make him focus on her, and to ignore everyone else around him. She does so because she can read her minds and she doesn’t want him to hear what they are saying/thinking about him. This to me shows how unwelcoming they are to ‘different’ people and are used to normality throughout others. They have never had a vampire live in their city so it is quite out of the ordinary. Bill’s choice to stay, shows the townspeople that there needs to be a break from normality and that he is just like everyone else, despite the fact he’s a vampire. He acts in a manner that is the same as a human, showing the townspeople that he can fit in as well.
ReplyDeleteI like how you brought up the fact the Sookie can read minds because I didn't think of how important that really is. Besides that i think you mentioned the basic good points that everyone touched on. Lastly the fact that he is a vampire and is also able to fit in to an extent is what I think makes the towns people a bit more on edge about the entire vampire situation in general.
DeleteI appreciate how you related Bill's experience at the bar to making a good first impression when most people focused on the fact that he was facing prejudice as a vampire. You brought up several good points on the ways in which he differed from other people in Bontemps and how that might affect him in residing there. I also like the fact that you related Sookie trying to distract him from the "unwelcoming" townspeople.
DeleteBut, of course, Bill can't read minds beyond the skill of any other, living person. And Sookie, when she takes his hand, revels in the sudden silence that follows. When she urges him to look only at her, can this be seen as a joint form of defiance--that public opinion can only sway if it can be heard?
DeleteBill wants to be accepted in town and with being a vampire thats harder then say a normal person. He doesn't want to cause problems or give the impression that he wants to harm Sookie in anyway. He is trying to become "mainstream". It will also be harder for him to fit in in such a close minded town. This might be because its in the deep south where change isn't easily accepted. Having vampires out and about is a new standard of life in this show and people just have to learn to be okay with the fact vampires are real. Both parties are unclear about how to go about this situation and at times can be uncomfortable. Bill is trying to consider humans feelings when "mainstreaming" himself and is caution about how others see him.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more about what you said about Bill and the town he resides in. The town is only thinking one way, and that is that all vampires are the same, which to Bill is not true at all. Also I like where you say how he has to have great caution when he is out, because the deep south is not used to him, let alone vampires. That they are somewhat scared of him and vampires, because they represent that times are changing, and people in the south are not ready for that change.
DeleteBill just wants to be accepted in to the town and his first impression is at stake. Bill wants to be accepted into the town, so he doesnt want to cause any trouble right off the back to make people hate him. i feel like this relates to the civil rights movement in the south. the south wasn't very accepting of the blacks at the time. in the show they just change the black people with vampires and the white people with the whole town. i think its funny when Sookie says "Who cares what they think," when she can read everyones thoughts but Bills. Bill walks out of the restaurant following the publics glare. this shows that he doesn't want to do any harm to Sookie or anyone else in the town.
ReplyDeleteThe one reason why Bill cares about what everyone thinks is that he strives to be accepted by everyone. The people inside the bar can instantly tell he is a vampire, and for that they judge him just for that sole reason. The town they are in in segregated and people are not used to the idea of vampires, which in turn makes them feel somewhat superior to them. Both Bill and Sookie are not sure how the whole situation will play out considering how tense the bar feels to them. The idea of Bill being with Sookie creates a weird feeling in the townspeople's stomachs, considering to them this relationship is wrong. What he does is try to aid the situation in order to calm everyone down and have them become more welcoming to him, because in the end all he is trying to do is become a normal everyday person in the town.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Bill is trying to be accepted by everyone in the town. He stands out because of the way he acts and everyone views him as a vampire. I think that he does feel out of place and he probably does feel like his isn't as superior to them. I think that he doesn't fit with other vampires from the stories we have read because most of them blend in with society and in this case, vampires are pale and dress differently which makes them stand out.
DeleteI think in this moment, Bill is worried about fitting in to the new place he is living. Many of the vampires in the stories we read are part of society and everyone seems to treat them normally. But in this scene with Bill, he is a newcomer to town and everyone knows there is something different about him which makes him feel uncomfortable. He wants to obey the rules of society in order to fit in and be like everyone else. Sookie doesn't have this problem because she is native to the area. I think that in all the stories, vampires are trying to become part of society and fit in with what is considered "normal." In True Blood, I don't think this is possible because with the fake blood mixture, it is pretty impossible not to be seen differently. Bill wants to feel at home with the people of the town, however that is hard because of the way everyone treats him as an "outsider."
ReplyDeleteI agree that Bill wants to play by the rules of society in order to fit into his new 'home.' The people of Bontemps are waiting for Bill to give them reason to exclude him from their home so Bill can not act out on his vampiric tendencies while the eyes of the town are fixed upon him. Bill will eventually have to stand up to the town if he wants to ever be treated like a normal person and not just as an outsider.
DeleteBill cares about what the other people think because all he wants is to be accepted by the community for what he is. The people are staring because of his appearance, you can instantly tell he is a vampire. He is segregated against because he is in a town where they have not seen vampires and are not used to them, so they are treated poorly for their differences. The setting at the bar is uncomforting to say the least so they feel nervous. It is also weird that Bill the vampire is talking with sookie. She upsets the townspeople by talking to Bill, they dont approve of the relationship. He tries to aid the situation to settle everyone and have them be more accepting to him and his vampire being. All he wants to do is be an everyday person.
ReplyDeleteI think that this scene not only parallel's events that happened during the Civil Rights Movement, but perhaps even in the battle for equality in marriage. Bill is concerned with what the folks in the bar are thinking about him. He's wondering if he's standing out from the rest, and what people are thinking or saying about him because of that. Bill is currently living in a world that is refusing to accept his true identity and therefor is attempting to suppress it to momentarily fit in no matter how much it goes against his true self. So not only do I see parallel's to the Civil Rights Movement and the pressure for some African Americans to not stand out in order to make their lives temporarily more comfortable, but also the pressure some homosexuals feel they must hide their true selves and will try to lead a mainstream heterosexual life. All of these examples are only temporary fixes to a long term problem, which I think everyone involves knows that it is only a matter of time before it surfaces.
ReplyDelete-Alex Thompson
There is quite a bit at stake for Bill at this particular moment. In deciding to make Bontemps his new home he risks much in terms of safety and reputation, much as an African American would have during the times of segregation in the deep south. Being that Bill is a known Vampire, there is already a prejudice against him the the town. (Thus the looks that he and Sookie are recieving in the bar that night.) People have preconceived notions about him based on vampire stereotypes similar to what would be seen in racial stereotyping or stereotyping based on gender or sexuality. These preconceived notions about Bill due to his vamprism, make it difficult for him to live the normal life he wishes to pursue in Bontemps with Sookie.
ReplyDeleteIn this scene bill wants to be accepted into the community where he plans to live and he wants to be on good terms will all the residents. He wants to be welcomed and not start conflict amongst the community. He wants to be allowed to live in peace even though he is a vampire. And the towns people are starring because in the small southern town of Louisiana they are not used to the segregation amongst the different people. The humans don’t want the vampires to have the same rights as them and they feel as if that humans should have higher rights and be above all vampires no matter what. For all this the people stare at bill because they are unsure if they want him here and if he will cause trouble or not so bill just accepts their starring.
ReplyDeleteWhen Bill and Sookie are engaging one another in conversation everyone in the bar turns in their direction and stare with little remorse. The townsfolk are worried about the new vampire taking residence amongst them because of the deep-rooted prejudice that still exists in the deep south. This moment stands allegorically for the Civil rights movements in the late sixties. Jim Crow laws in the south still existed which kept prejudice against blacks very much alive. True Blood focuses on the new found vampire rights trying to be established in the States due to the realization that vampires do actually exist. Bill doesn't want to give the townsfolk any reason to suspect that he is dangerous therefore he allows them to stare. If Bill acted out at the bar, it would just give the townsfolk more reason to support discrimination against him.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to me that only a few people here (I think just Mengru, McKenna, and Josh) picked up on what makes this scene more fraught than, say, Bill's earlier visit to the bar. The relationship between Bill and Sookie here is more than merely friendship but rather carries the trappings of a romantic, sexual relationship. In "Vampires, Anxieties, and Dreams," Winnubst, quoting Eric Lott, referred to the vampire as a "one-man miscegenation machine" (7). Miscegenation--the mixing of blood--was a hot topic in the South following emancipation, and the protection of young, white women from the "pollution" of their bloodlines through sexual congress with African Americans became a heralded cause.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in fact, this is precisely what happens. While the formal relationship between Sookie and Bill is delayed for some time, after she is assaulted by the Ratrays, she must drink Bill's blood to survive, and she awakens to find Bill licking her blood off her forehead. Their blood has been mixed.
It's worth looking here at the ways in which sexual relationships with vampires to this point in the series take the form of fetish, of thrill-seeking, over that of romantic involvement. Treating vampires as things to be experienced for cheap thrills remains allowable, if frowned upon publicly. As with white masters who would use their slaves sexually, such things could be overlooked by the mores of the time, but to engage in a romantic relationship based on equality threatens to undo the gate that separates the natural from the unnatural, black from white, or in this allegorical case, the living from the undead.