Media representations of the “enemy”
I’ve just agreed to write an article for our seminary’s journal (Word and World) on media representations of "the enemy" and implications of such for pastoral ministry. Some possible questions I’m thinking about: why do we need "bad guys"? how does stereotyping serve media interests? what does Christian faith offer in response?
If you have ideas of additional questions I should be asking, or books/films/songs I should be engaging, PLEASE let me know! This is not a topic I know much about, but it’s one I think is pretty important. I’ve got a lot of learning to do before I can come up with something useful to write. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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1 Comment
Daniel Lee commented on 07 February 2007:Mary,
Haven't checked your blog in a while and was excited to hear about the travel plans.
Your request for information reminded me of a piece I heard on NPR this past Sunday. On the Media broadcast a good article concerning Hollywood's characterization of Arab's in American movies, entitled . Of the interviews, they sited a recent book by Jack G. Shaheen, . Shaheen commented on the movie industries pervasive need for an enemy and the propensity to develop shallow characters, often foolish in their single-minded devotion to destruction.
As far as a Christian response to "the enemy" is concerned. Anecdotally, I think Christian communities benefit (though perhaps that benefit is negative over time) from the development of villains. Opposition to an individual, cause or group has a way of galvanizing support that positive associations do not. Whether that villain is the devil, the "sinful-self", economic injustice or global poverty. I'm extrapolating part of this conclusion from an article I read recently. In the NY Times Magazine's "Idea Issue" from this past December 10, they highlight a study conducted on which concludes that "one of the surest routes to friendship is disliking the same things about other people."
Though I haven't done an in-depth review of the study, this concept resonates with my reading and experience (though I continue to question the implications of negative relationship).
I'm not sure if any of these ideas will be of use, but the endeavor seems a worthy one regardless. I must really miss school!
Hope your preparations for travel go well,
Dan