Cockroaches in Popular Culture: From Pest to Popularity in Movies and Television

Cockroaches are one of the most resilient creatures on earth, capable of surviving extreme conditions, and even nuclear radiation. Despite their unappealing appearance, cockroaches have become a ubiquitous presence in popular culture, from movies and TV shows to literature and music. In this blog post, we will explore the various ways cockroaches have been depicted in popular culture and what these portrayals tell us about our relationship with these fascinating insects.

Cockroaches in Movies

Cockroaches have appeared in many movies, often portrayed as disgusting and terrifying creatures. In the 1982 movie Creepshow, cockroaches were used as a plot device to punish a greedy businessman who mistreated his employees. In the movie, the businessman is locked in a room filled with thousands of cockroaches, which ultimately devour him. The movie portrays cockroaches as creatures to be feared and avoided.

Another example of cockroaches in movies is the 1996 movie Joe's Apartment, in which the protagonist, Joe, befriends a group of cockroaches living in his apartment. The cockroaches help Joe navigate his life and even save him from a villainous exterminator. This movie portrays cockroaches in a positive light, highlighting their intelligence and cooperation.

Cockroaches in TV Shows

Cockroaches have also made appearances in several TV shows, often playing minor roles. In the TV show Friends, the character Phoebe has a pet cockroach named Gladys, which she keeps in a box. In the show, Gladys is seen as a harmless pet, and Phoebe even holds a funeral for her when she passes away.

In the TV show Futurama, cockroaches play a more significant role as the main antagonist in the episode "The Series Has Landed." In the episode, the crew of the spaceship Planet Express visit an amusement park on the moon, only to discover that the park is infested with giant, mutated cockroaches. The cockroaches are portrayed as vicious creatures that attack the visitors, adding to the tension of the episode.

Cockroaches in Literature

Cockroaches have also been a popular subject in literature. One of the most famous literary references to cockroaches is Franz Kafka's novella, The Metamorphosis. In the novella, the protagonist wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect, which is described as a cockroach. The story is an allegory for the dehumanization of modern society and the existential despair of the individual.

Another example of cockroaches in literature is the 1973 novel, The Hellstrom Chronicle by Frank Herbert. The novel explores the life and behavior of insects, including cockroaches, from their perspective. The novel portrays cockroaches as intelligent creatures capable of complex behavior and social structures.

Cockroaches in Music

Cockroaches have also made appearances in music, often in the context of rap and hip-hop music. In the song "Cockroach" by rapper Schoolboy Q, cockroaches are used as a metaphor for people who are resilient and can survive in difficult circumstances. The song portrays cockroaches in a positive light, highlighting their ability to survive in even the harshest environments.

Another example of cockroaches in music is the song "La Cucaracha," a traditional Spanish folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song features lyrics about a cockroach that can't walk because it has lost one of its legs, and the various attempts to remedy the situation. The song has become a cultural icon in Mexico and is often sung at parties and celebrations.

Conclusion

Cockroaches have become a ubiquitous presence in popular culture.