New Books in Sociology Hunter Hargraves, "Uncomfortable Television" (Duke UP, 2024)
Nov 12, 2024
In this discussion, Hunter Hargraves, an associate professor and author, delves into the intricate relationship between discomfort and contemporary television. He explores how shows like 'The Wire' and 'Girls' utilize discomfort to reshape audience perceptions of pleasure and family in a neoliberal culture. Hargraves emphasizes that modern narratives provoke emotional responses, challenging viewers to confront societal issues like misogyny and precarity. He also investigates the cultural impact of reality television on democracy, underscoring its complex role in shaping public attitudes.
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Uncomfortable TV's Aim
- Uncomfortable television embraces disturbing content like violence, graphic sex, and exploitation.
- This discomfort realigns pleasure with neoliberal values, training viewers to accept precarity.
Reflecting on Discomfort
- Watching uncomfortable TV repeatedly can blur the lines between personal preference and conditioned response.
- This raises questions about cultural attitudes towards discomfort and its normalization.
Neoliberalism's Impact on TV
- Neoliberalism influences the rise of uncomfortable TV, shifting focus from family to individual consumers.
- Contemporary TV studies often overlook these neoliberal influences.
