
About this episode
We need a little extra time for Horror Movies II, so here is a re-release of a very related and very important episode. Monsters come from the darkness, from the depth of lakes and swamps, from the shadows of forests and hills, and live too in the dark parts of all of us. However, this episode is less about Bigfoot and more about the idea of the monstrous, and how it has been used as a tool to demonize black folks since the first slave ships landed in America, both through folktales and famous works of fiction. We also explore how Darwin's theory of evolution affected white Americans and led to the actual creation of human zoos that displayed African people as both the missing link and blood-thirsty monsters.
Become a Patron!
Follow American Hysteria on social media:
Twitter: @AmerHysteria
Instagram: @AmericanHysteriaPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time American Hysteria publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from American Hysteria

Introducing: No Such Thing
American Hysteria
May 7, 202612:29pending

THE BENNINGTON TRIANGLE pt. 2 with Sarah Marshall
American Hysteria
May 4, 20261:26:02pending

THE BENNINGTON TRIANGLE pt. 1 with Sarah Marshall
American Hysteria
Apr 27, 20261:28:42failed

Introducing: History Daily
American Hysteria
Apr 24, 202616:15failed