Death on the Small Screen

The Psychology of Viewing Violent Television

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by Jonathan F. Bassett

Type

Studies

Subject

Genre > TV Series

Keywords

TV Series, violence, death

Publishing date

2022

Publisher

McFarland & Co

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 212 pages
6 x 9 inches (15 x 23 cm)

ISBN

978-1-4766-8801-5

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Book Presentation:
Mortality remains a taboo topic in much of Western society, but death and violence continue to be staples of popular television. We can better understand the appeal of violence by investigating psychological theories surrounding anxiety about death and the defenses we use to manage that anxiety. This book examines five recent television series--Game of Thrones,The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Sons of Anarchy and Hannibal--and shows how fictional characters' motivations teach viewers 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 shows its effects on viewers in a more nuanced manner. It provides a new perspective on the enjoyment of violent television, enhancing fans' appreciation and sparking ongoing discussions about their value to both the individual and society.

About the Author:
Jonathan F. Bassett, PhD is a professor of psychology at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina where he teaches courses on death and dying. His research focuses on the application of existential psychology, especially Terror Management Theory, to the analysis of popular culture in the areas of literature, television, and movies.

Press Reviews:
"An original and timely interpretation of our cultural preoccupation with violence on television, its psychological appeal as well as individual and social impact."―Jennifer L. McMahon, Professor of Philosophy and English, East Central University

"Bassett has made a very valuable contribution to both media studies and to Becker/TMT literature…This book is a ‘good read’ and one to keep handy on the shelf."―Ernest Becker Foundation

See the publisher website: McFarland & Co