So, people shouldn’t challenge conventional doctrine—nor use their minds to arrive at unique understandings of themselves and their subjective worlds? BITE ME!
Self-identified vampires do not believe they are superhuman versions of various myths. Rather, these vampires are normal human beings who simply identify strongly with any number traits associated with vampires. Mythical vampires are powerful, mysterious and seductive. Some traits of vampires are highly valued within the mainstream while other traits are despised. Thus, mythical vampires often reflect a range of attractive and undesirable—yet human—characteristics.
Despite our tendency focus on virtues and to present ourselves toward others in a socially desirable fashion, we humans can be greedy, inconsiderate, and sometimes even downright nasty to each other (often without even knowing it). Just think for a moment about the widespread and systematic war and dehumanization throughout human history! Vampires are reflections of us, which explains their incredible popularity in books, movies and popular culture. Mythical vampires, like people, are a complicated mixture of light and dark. However, many people who self-identify as vampires believe that it is healthy to acknowledge and manage one’s darkness, rather than deny and avoid it.
Self-identified vampires describe deficits in processing energy, and these vampires may be distinguished based on the different sources of energy from which they “feed.” There seem to be resemblances in core vampire practices and other forms of energy work that gradually have become more accepted in mainstream society. Extensive demographic research conducted within the international vampire community shows that vampires vary considerably in ethnicity, religious affiliation, education, and psychological profile. Self-identified vampires seem to be, well, rather normal people!
Unfortunately, there seems to be an almost universal belief among mental health and forensics professionals that anyone who identifies as a vampire is perhaps delusional and may be at higher risk for inflicting violence. Professionals point to a handful of violent criminal cases where offenders claimed to be vampires (but were not part of the vampire community). Plenty horrific cases have occurred by violent individuals who identify with various social groups, such as being male, American, Judeo-Christian, etc. This does not mean a person within such groups is exceptionally dangerous.
The community of self-identified vampires encourages respect for human beings and their beliefs. Vampires do not condone violence or abuse. Whether you are aware of it or not, there is probably someone you already know who is a vampire…and that vampire is probably a polite, decent, law-abiding citizen.
Selected Publications
- Williams, D J (2008). Contemporary vampires and (blood-red) leisure: Should we be afraid of the dark? Leisure/Loisir, 32, 513-539.
Additional Links
- Atlanta Vampire Alliance
- Vampire Church (note: Vampire Church is not a religion, but an educational and supportive resource)
- Vampire Community Research Study
