“All Things Fabulous” – Callum Quinn, © 2023
Every year, starting on the first of March and drawing to a close as the month rolls back out again, we take some time to acknowledge the many contributions that women have made to the world throughout our history. For most of us, this month gives us a chance to learn something we definitely would not have even had briefly mentioned in school (for instance, did you know the technology behind WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth was pioneered by Hedy Lamarr—an Austrian-American actress who gained popularity during the golden age of Hollywood? I certainly didn’t before Women’s History Month of 2021). But it can also serve as an opportunity for us to take a closer look at some of our awesome female heroes—including our fictional ones.
And as far as the realm of fiction goes, you would be hard-pressed to find a character as analyzed and as iconic among feminists as Buffy Anne Summers, the Vampire Slayer.
Now, strictly speaking, would I say the show in its entirety has absolutely, one hundred percent, aged well over the years? No. (But in its defense, what 90s/early 2000s-era television phenomenon has?) And, as some fairly damning allegations have recently come to light about the show’s creator, I’d be ignorant to deny the possibility that it has been tainted a bit by history.
But from what I’ve observed, even fans who are three times more disappointed than myself in its flaws continue to remain devoted to the show and what it, at the very least, attempted to stand for during its seven-year run—including its continued influence on modern feminism. And as this year’s Women’s History Month theme is, “Celebrating women who tell our stories,” I can think of no one more fitting to discuss than a character who told us one of the most excruciating and heart-wrenching stories of all: coming of age as a young woman in a world full of monsters.
One thing to admire about Buffy Summers is the fact that she always strives to do as much as she can with the cards she was dealt. In the context of this fictional universe, being a Slayer means being a young woman who was virtually ripped away from life as she knew it and saddled with a load of, not just responsibilities, but life-and-death and world-saving responsibilities. But in the midst of all these ridiculously extensive pressures (put on a teenage girl, no less), Buffy refuses to completely sacrifice anything that is important to her—namely: making friends, going on dates, and having fun. Ironically, during a time when young girls (aka, my generation) were getting praised for being “not like ‘other girls’” (because girls are all the same, right? And therefore, having even a shred of a personality automatically makes you an interesting and unique exception to your entire gender 🙄), Buffy was longing for the opposite. She wanted to be just another face in the crowd; she wanted to be just like other girls (🎵🎶To fit in / in this glittering wo-o-orld 🎵🎶). We see this desire being expressed often as the series goes on, particularly in such episodes as “Homecoming,” and “Never Kill a Boy on the First Date,” but it culminates in the final shot of the entire series—all within a single expression (which I won’t explain further, because spoilers).
Another thing to admire about Buffy is her strength. And no, I am not referring to the Slayer strength she was just naturally given when she assumed the role. I’m talking about her strength of character. As mentioned above, Buffy is not shy about pursuing the things she desires, or standing up for herself when she needs to. But it is so much more than that. In spite of all the difficult, and sometimes—especially toward the end of the series—downright cruel things life throws at her, she rises to meet the challenge and take the lead with (usually) a grace and dignity that seems well beyond her years. Whether it’s saving the world from demons for the fifteenth time, or facing the even greater evils of a menial, soul-sucking customer service job in order to provide for her family, Buffy always finds it in herself to do what needs to be done in the end—even if it is quite possibly the hardest thing she has ever had to do.
She is also incredibly smart—not that her grades in school would attest to that. But as a slayer she is put through many situations where she has to act fast and to think big, and she does so with flying colors. True, she may not be the brightest when it comes to book smarts, but she has no trouble with street smarts. And as such, those are exactly the kinds of smarts she needs in order to survive.
But most important of all: despite the more supernatural aspects of her life, Buffy is relatable on a level that is so unbearably real. Especially, as previously mentioned, for growing young women. Sins of the creator aside, the writing for this series is so incredibly succinct when it comes to showing the pains of searching for and finding oneself in this world. From realizing someone you cared deeply about is, actually, a total asshat; experiencing great loss and financial stress, to drifting through a depression so powerful that life is a literal hell and death seems like a blessing, Buffy has been through and survived it all—and more— and many of us find ourselves relating to her and her struggles more often than we rightfully should.
The vision for Buffy the Vampire Slayer was to take the concept of the helpless, petite blonde who gets killed at the beginning of every horror movie, and give her agency. Give her the power she needs in order to fight back in a world that wants her to be subservient. Throughout the series, Buffy continually teaches us that true power comes from within, that friendship is—sometimes, literally—magic, and that femininity does not equate to weakness. And as we continue through Women’s History Month this year, let’s make sure to acknowledge the many contributions women have made on our lives—be they inventors, creators, leaders, or vampire slayers.
— C.O.
Night Owls, what do you love about Buffy? What’s your favorite “Buffy” moment? Who is your favorite female protagonist?
