Episode 235: The Familiar Monster - Swedish Dracula and American Authoritarianism

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Recorded17 May 2025

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Show notes

“Today’s episode examines a Swedish adaptation of Dracula from 1899, titled Mörkrets makter (Powers of Darkness), arguing it provides a more relevant framework for understanding modern American authoritarianism than Bram Stoker’s original novel. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights that whilst Stoker’s Dracula was an external, foreign threat, the Swedish version presented the vampire as a charismatic insider embedded within the societal elite. This reinvention resonated with the historical context of Sweden in flux, mirroring anxieties about internal corruption and the shift in power structures. Dr. Hoerricks draws parallels between this Swedish narrative and contemporary issues in the United States, suggesting the true threat is not a foreign invader but a familiar figure manipulating institutions from within. They conclude by emphasising the importance of recognising this internal danger and challenging the dominant narrative that focuses on external threats, advocating for a different kind of understanding rooted in recognising systemic patterns and complicity.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-vampire-within-what-a-forgottenLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.