There were two questions
posited this week concerning the popularity of novels, movies, and
actors/actresses in those movies that have a common theme of abnormal
functioning or psychological disorder present.
The reason for the
popularity, based on my limited research, seems somewhat paradoxical. On one
hand psychological problems are so common and so personal they tend to capture
our interest (Comer, 2013).
Many movies and books focus on the dark side of human nature. As human beings
we all have a built-in desire to explain the world around us, and then to place
"mental luggage" into neat little boxes in order to help us make
sense of our world. Movies and novels featuring abnormal behavior in this way
help us to feel better about ourselves, "normal" if you will. This is
a major issue for most in that it is so nice to have someone to compare
ourselves to that is quirkier than we seem to be. If we are not as "crazy"
as they are, our self-esteem gets a boost. Even our self-worth can be enhanced
through watching and reading about people, fictitious or not, that seem to be
more psychologically challenged. Therefore, one way to address the questions
might be to suggest that although these behaviors are not to be modeled, they
make us feel better about ourselves on some level.
The Bible gives us a better
way to feel good about ourselves, other than these types of movies and books,
and not at someone else's expense, "Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it
down, But a good word makes it glad" (Proverbs 12:25, NASB). Comparing
ourselves to those "crazies" in the movies is a losing proposition.
We need to remember that they are, for the sake of this discussion, fictional
characters.
On the other hand, some
people seem to enjoy these things because of the thrill they experience. The
thrill can include terror when suspense (or plain old blood and guts are
present) that morphs into euphoria when the bad/psychotic character is
defeated. The person watching endures the scary behavior in order to end up
with a feeling of relief. This person is possibly, in a sense, desiring to feel
the negative emotions in order to feel the positive emotions.
One other theory just
entered the picture while typing this assessment. The age old struggle of good
vs. evil could come into play in this discussion. Since the beginning of
recorded history, the struggle between good and evil have seemingly captivated
the human race. Although many people suffer from psychological issues of widely
varying degree, the understanding of the definition of abnormal is essentially
unsettled science (Comer, 2013).
What if the viewer/reader identifies with the actor/actress or character in
their role as one that functions abnormally as being good, and within the
cognitive process of identifying they also deem the deviance, distress,
dysfunction, or danger portrayed as evil?
Finally, being a
fair-whether fan of Bandura, what troubles me more than anything is that fact
that these types of media/celebrity are so popular. Reinforcement and modeling
of behavior deemed abnormal, admittedly limited by time, but not by volume of
content, could have troubling consequences for the viewer/reader. I realize
that the ability to learn, comprehend, and understand the effects of behavior
differ greatly from individual to individual, but there are some who will just
imitate for whatever reason. These people may just have a reduced cognitive
ability, or may be full blown sociopaths. If people do enjoy these types of
behavior on the "Big Screen," self-regulation and the ability to
differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate behavior sure need to be
present.
"For God did not give
us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning
fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and
well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7, AMP).
Do you really think movies can have a major impact on
social norms?
If not, why?
If so, why and how?
References
Comer, R. J. (2013). Abnormal Psychology (8th ed.). New
York, New York: Worth Publishers. Retrieved October 23, 2012
New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960,
1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Amplified Bible (AMP). Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962,
1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
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