White Girls Be Trippin’

While there are plenty of examples of characters from other demographics, the trope is clearly ensconced in horror films that white women have a particularly hard time running without suddenly tripping—usually while being pursued by a slow, lumbering brute of a monster.

Perhaps it can be seen as a horribly fumbled compliment? That the only way for these (usually male) villains to defeat their female prey is if gravity itself revolts against the women and brings them down to Earth. It’s a stretch, but sometimes it’s nice to find silver linings. Below is a compilation made by Screencrush back in 2014—featuring classic spills and thrills from films such as FRIDAY THE 13TH: A NEW BEGINNING, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, TWILIGHT, EVIL DEAD (2009), CHILD’S PLAY, HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, PROM NIGHT, and so many more.

It’s odd how most seem to come from one of two time periods: either the slasher heyday of the ‘80s or more recent 21st century (including remakes of those slasher films)—proving that weak plot contrivances and unfortunate tropes are cyclical affairs. It’s like poetry, they rhyme.