Death on the Small Screen : The Psychology of Viewing Violent Television.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bassett, Jonathan F.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Violence on television--Psychological aspects.

Violence on television.

Death on television--Psychological aspects.

Death on television.

Television viewers--Psychology.

Television viewers.

Action and adventure television programs--United States--History and criticism.

Action and adventure television programs.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (213 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Jefferson : McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers, 2022.

Summary:

"Even though mortality remains a taboo topic in much of Western society, death and violence continue to be staples of popular television shows. We can better understand the appeal of violence in popular television by investigating psychological theories surrounding anxiety about death and the defenses we use to manage that anxiety. Through an examination of five recent television series--Game of Thrones,The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Sons of Anarchy and Hannibal--this book examines how fictional characters' motivations teach viewers valuable lessons about both the constructive and destructive ways we try to deal with our own mortality. Instead of dismissing violent television as harmless entertainment or completely condemning it as a dangerous trigger of hostile behavior, this book examines its effects on viewers in a more nuanced manner. The book provides a new perspective on the enjoyment of violent television, enhancing fans' appreciation for the featured shows and sparking ongoing discussions about their value to both the individual and society"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Cover

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. Dying to Watch

2. The Paramount Place of Death in Human Psychology

3. Applying TMT to Illumine the Motives for and Reactions to Fictional Violence

4. There Is Only One Thing We Say to Death-Not Today

5. ­Death-Denying (Super)heroism

6. ­Death-Confronting (Super)heroism

7. Moral and Existential Dilemmas

8. Giving Voice to the Unmentionable

Final Thoughts

References

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Other Format:

Print version: Bassett, Jonathan F. Death on the Small Screen

ISBN:

9781476648040