New Books in Film
Sarah Cleary, "The Myth of Harm: Horror, Censorship and the Child" (Bloomsbury, 2022)
Nov 12, 2024
Sarah Cleary, a media consultant and lecturer specializing in horror, discusses her book, "The Myth of Harm: Horror, Censorship, and the Child." She highlights the genre's societal impact and the moral panics surrounding it, showcasing how horror serves as both a scapegoat for social issues and a catalyst for critical conversation. Cleary reflects on horror's portrayal of childhood and its dual representation of women, while advocating for media literacy to combat misinformation. Through horror, individuals can confront fears and find clarity in life’s complexities.
58:43
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Quick takeaways
- The horror genre, often censored due to moral panic, serves as a platform for discussing complex societal issues and marginalized voices.
- Critical analysis reveals that horror can foster empathy and facilitate conversations about trauma, allowing audiences to navigate fears safely.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Horror and Media Effects
The horror genre's evolution has consistently faced backlash based on societal fears surrounding children and media exposure. This cyclical tension has been witnessed throughout history, with horror media often positioned as a threat to youth. Various mediums, such as film and video games, provoke similar concerns each time a new technology emerges, underscoring the perpetual pattern of alarm regarding children's access to horror. This recurring narrative emphasizes the need to critically analyze these cultural anxieties rather than accepting them at face value.
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