Lessons We've Learnt From 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Hello and welcome back readers to a new month! Today, I thought that I'd take the time to truly celebrate the extreme awesomeness contained within the fabulous cult classic 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. Why? Because I can. For those of you who have been reading Teenage Fanatic for a while (or at the very least have taken a look at my 'About' page), you would know that I am quite the fan of BTVS, and I can guarantee that you should be too. It manages to be funny, cute, poignant and totally bad ass all at once, a skill that few have mastered (massive props to Joss Whedon!). So, without further ado, I present to you some of the life lessons that we've learnt over the years with the Scooby Gang . . .

1. You Can Fight Demons and Still Look Fab

Let's face it, Buffy truly is an awesome example of post-modern feminism at its finest. Being tough and wearing a dress, who wouldn't want that? I know that sounds pretty good to me. She just proves that you can be the ultimate valley-girl but still intimidate the hell out of people. In the words of Hannah Montana, she shows everyone that you can have the best of both worlds. The patriarchy can be damned! 

2. Sometimes Authority Figures Really Do Have Your Best Interests in Mind

Although there were a few bumps along the road, there's no denying that Buffy and Giles were super tight. It could've been weird considering he was old enough to be her father, yet it never was. He diligently led the Scooby Gang as Buffy's watcher, and not only could they have not done it without him, but they gained a friend and mentor in the process. So occasionally, despite any resentment we may have towards them, adults actually can add some meaning to our lives, and perhaps aren't always out to get us. 

3. And Sometimes They Really Don't

On the flip side, we also learn that sometimes authority figures do a fantastic job of abusing their power and making your life miserable. Take Principal Snyder for instance. He walked in to Sunnydale High and instantly began targeting Buffy, Willow, Xander and even Giles, pretty much because he was a power-hungry control freak. Or, you know, the mayor, who totally messed up Faith, turned into a massive demon and literally destroyed the town. So basically, just be careful, and realise that sometimes you're not paranoid, and that a few adults are just evil. 

4. Live in the Moment

Basically, what the whole show is trying to tell us is that nothing in life is certain. In Sunnydale, on a day to day basis there can be anything from an apocalypse to an onslaught of demons or even outbursts of spontaneous song and dance, but does that get the Scooby Gang down? No, not for long. Just carpe diem your way through life, because literally anything can happen from one day to the next. We literally have no idea what life's going to throw at us, so why not just enjoy the present?

5. Friends and Family are Pretty Great

Buffy had a pretty phenomenal support network that one can only envy. Seriously, she had the core members of the Scooby Gang (aka, everyone's ultimate squad goals), her mum, and by Season 7, a massive onslaught of potential slayers. Over the years, her friends pretty much became her family, and in her slaying endeavours, she definitely had back-up, both physical and emotional, at all times. Really, we can only hope to have the same.  

6. A Sense of Humour is Always Welcome in Times of Adversity

For some reason, people always seem to think that if times are tough or something drastic happens, that everyone has to be morbid and depressed all the time, however thanks to Buffy and the gang, we know that this isn't the case. So what you're being attacked by a horde of bloodthirsty vampires? There's never a bad time for a good pun. Or a sassy catchphrase. Instead of solely moping around in self-pity or fearing for your life, inject a little humour into every situation and crack a smile once in a while. Come on, it (probably) won't kill you. 

Hopefully you've enjoyed and fully agree with my post, and have perhaps even taken on board some of these fabulous life lessons. Now, please excuse me while I binge-watch as many old 'Buffy' episodes as I can.

That's all folks. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx