The plot heavily incorporates historical critiques of white supremacy via the sadistic slave owner Madame LaLaurie (Kathy Bates), whose graphic tortures of Black slaves are depicted in flashbacks, contrasted with empowered Black characters like voodoo queen Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) and witch Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe). Diverse casting places Black actresses in pivotal roles that drive conflicts between witches and voodoo practitioners, addressing appropriation of Black magic and centuries of racial violence.

Fiona's declaration of hating racists underscores anti-racism messaging, while witch empowerment arcs emphasize feminism. However, these elements do not fully dominate the campy horror storytelling, which prioritizes entertainment, gore, and supernatural drama.

The integration drew significant criticism from progressive critics for mishandling race—humanizing LaLaurie through a partial redemption arc (watching Roots, bonding with Queenie), centering white witches, underdeveloped Black characters, and confusing racial politics that veer into white guilt rather than unequivocal condemnation. No modern DEI mandates or source-material alterations apply, as it's an original anthology, and backlash came from the left accusing tone-deafness rather than anti-woke sentiments, with the season remaining a fan favorite.