The Enduring Appeal of Tate Langdon: Why Fans Still Love Him (and Why They Shouldn’t)
Introduction
Tate Langdon, the troubled teenager from the first season of Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Murder House,” remains one of the most discussed and debated characters in the anthology series. Despite his heinous acts – including a school shooting and sexual assault – Tate has garnered a significant fanbase. This enduring popularity raises important questions about our fascination with complex, damaged characters and the potential dangers of romanticizing violence. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind Tate Langdon’s appeal, while also critically examining the problematic aspects of idolizing a character who committed such unforgivable crimes.
Character Background: Tate Langdon in Murder House
When we first meet Tate Langdon, portrayed by Evan Peters, he’s introduced as a patient of Dr. Ben Harmon, a psychiatrist who has just moved into the infamous Murder House. Tate is a seemingly withdrawn and artistic young man with a troubled past. He develops a close relationship with Violet Harmon, Dr. Harmon’s teenage daughter, bonding over their shared feelings of alienation and angst. Their relationship quickly evolves into a romantic one, filled with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. However, as the season progresses, a horrifying truth is revealed: Tate is responsible for a mass shooting at his high school. Furthermore, it’s revealed that he sexually assaulted Violet’s mother and committed other acts of violence.
The show attempts to explain Tate’s actions through the lens of mental illness and a difficult upbringing. He is depicted as having several mental health problems, including violent tendencies and difficulty controlling his impulses. He also claims to be possessed by the evil in the Murder House, adding a supernatural layer to his already disturbing behavior. While “American Horror Story” touches on these aspects, it’s crucial to remember that mental illness should never be used to excuse violent acts.
The Allure of Tate Langdon: Why Fans Are Drawn To Him
Despite his terrible actions, Tate Langdon continues to hold a strange fascination for many viewers. There are several factors that contribute to this enduring appeal:
Evan Peters’ Performance
A significant part of Tate’s allure is due to Evan Peters’ compelling performance. Peters manages to imbue Tate with a sense of vulnerability and charisma, making it easy to empathize with him despite his horrific actions. He portrays Tate as a lost and broken soul, leading viewers to feel a sense of pity and even sympathy. Peters’ ability to convey Tate’s inner turmoil and emotional pain is undeniable, and it has undoubtedly played a role in shaping the audience’s perception of the character.
The “Bad Boy” Trope
Tate Langdon embodies the classic “bad boy” archetype, a character type that has been romanticized in popular culture for decades. The “bad boy” often possesses traits such as rebelliousness, independence, and a disregard for societal norms. They are often seen as dangerous and unpredictable, which can be alluring to some viewers. The attraction to “bad boys” can be rooted in several psychological factors, including the excitement of danger, the desire to “fix” a damaged individual, or the challenge of taming a wild spirit.
Romanticized Relationship with Violet
The relationship between Tate and Violet Harmon is a central element of “Murder House,” and it has contributed significantly to Tate’s romanticized image. They are presented as star-crossed lovers, two misunderstood teenagers who find solace in each other’s company. Their connection is portrayed as intense and passionate, with moments of genuine tenderness and vulnerability. However, it’s important to recognize that their relationship is built on a foundation of deception and violence. Tate’s actions have a lasting impact on Violet, and their relationship is ultimately toxic and unhealthy.
Fan Fiction & Online Culture
Fan fiction and online communities have played a significant role in amplifying Tate’s appeal. Fans have created countless stories, artwork, and videos that explore Tate’s character in different ways, often reimagining him as a sympathetic or even heroic figure. This type of content can perpetuate the romanticization of Tate’s character, downplaying his actions and focusing instead on his supposed good qualities. The online community can be a powerful force in shaping public perception, and in Tate’s case, it has contributed to the creation of a cult following that overlooks or excuses his violence.
The Problematic Aspects of Romanticizing Tate Langdon
While it’s understandable to be drawn to complex and nuanced characters, romanticizing Tate Langdon is deeply problematic due to several reasons:
Glorifying Violence
By idolizing Tate, viewers risk glorifying his violent actions. It can desensitize viewers to the real-world consequences of such violence, potentially leading to a lack of empathy for victims. Romanticizing violence can also send a dangerous message that violence is acceptable or even admirable under certain circumstances. When audiences start blurring the lines between fiction and reality, it becomes even more important to promote responsible consumption of media.
Downplaying Heinous Crimes
Attributing Tate’s actions solely to his mental illness can downplay the severity of his crimes. While mental illness can be a contributing factor, it should never be used as an excuse for violence. It’s crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their mental state. It’s also vital to challenge the misconception that people with mental illness are inherently violent. Stereotyping mental illness can perpetuate stigma and prevent people from seeking help.
Misconceptions about Abuse and Consent
Tate’s relationship with Violet is filled with instances of abuse and non-consent. His actions towards Violet are a clear example of how power dynamics and manipulation can be used to control and exploit someone. It’s important to recognize that abuse can take many forms, including emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse. By romanticizing Tate’s relationship with Violet, viewers risk minimizing the harm that abuse can cause.
Ethical Considerations and the Impact on Viewers
Given the complexities surrounding Tate Langdon’s character, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of his portrayal and the impact it has on viewers. Was Ryan Murphy and the writing team right in the way they’ve handled the character? How much should viewers separate Tate Langdon the fictional character from the very real crimes he commits? How do we teach and encourage media literacy?
The portrayal of Tate Langdon in “American Horror Story” has sparked considerable debate. Some critics argue that the show is irresponsible in its depiction of violence and mental illness. They argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and glorifies dangerous behavior. Others argue that the show is simply exploring dark and complex themes and that it’s up to viewers to interpret the character in their own way.
One of the challenges in discussing Tate Langdon is the difficulty in separating the fictional character from the real-world crimes he commits. It’s important to remember that Tate is not a real person, but his actions have real-world consequences. When consuming media that deals with sensitive topics, it’s crucial to do so critically and be aware of the potential impact it may have on our perceptions and beliefs.
Conclusion
Tate Langdon is a complex and contradictory character whose enduring appeal is both fascinating and disturbing. While it’s understandable to be drawn to his vulnerability and charisma, it’s crucial to acknowledge the problematic aspects of romanticizing his actions. By critically examining the character and the reasons behind his popularity, we can gain a deeper understanding of our fascination with complex, damaged characters and the importance of consuming media responsibly. As fans of “American Horror Story,” it’s our responsibility to engage with Tate Langdon’s character in a nuanced and thoughtful way, recognizing both his appeal and the dangers of idolizing someone who committed such unforgivable crimes. Understanding these facets and consuming media critically is key to moving forward and promoting more accurate and healthy messages and representations.
