I have been a fan of horror movies for as long as I can remember. But out of all the monsters demons and ghouls I've watched with my dad as a 4-year-old nothing both fascinated and frightened me more than werewolves, specifically The original 1941 “Wolfman”. The film showcases the tragic character of Larry Talbot, who battles with his uncontrollable urges as a werewolf.

This struggle reflects the societal pressures to conform to a specific, often toxic, version of masculinity, leading to inner conflicts. Something about that movie really terrified me. Maybe it was because the dual nature of the relatively mild-mannered Larry and his dark violent and terrifying alter ego was something I knew far too well with my dad. Or maybe it was something I only understood Re-watching the film when I was much older, that much like my father, Larry was forced to suffer an unfortunate fate due to forces far beyond that were beyond his control.

In the first installment of “Being Hue-man” Entitled “911/Mister Lonely,” we explore the beast within. Just like a werewolf’s transformation under the full moon, living in a patriarchal world forces BIPOC communities to grapple with two identities. We howl for change, redefining masculinity and condemning the beast of patriarchy.

-Baba