Werewolf Complex: America's Fascination with Violence

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Werewolf Complex: America's Fascination with Violence
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Denis Duclos
SeriesGlobal Issues Series
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:256
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 156
ISBN/Barcode 9781859731512
ClassificationsDewey:303.60973
Audience
General
Illustrations bibliography

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Berg Publishers
Publication Date 1 February 1998
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

- Why are there so many serial killers in the United States? - Why is American culture permeated with violence and cruelty? - Why should Jekyll and Hyde and the werewolf myth have such appeal in North American culture? - Could the global dissemination of American culture increase our murderous instincts? The author has provided an unexpected answer to these intriguing riddles as a result of his in-depth study of America's fascination with violence. He demonstrates that the representation of on-screen violence reflects America's deep-seated belief that society is only a fragile rampart holding at bay the beast latent in us all. It is this belief which has persuaded Americans to accept mechanized surveillance methods to catch criminals, and partly explains the proliferation of criminal legislation. This book argues that cultures which do not share this fear of hidden barbarity will remain unaffected by American-style violence. However, the author warns that if people do come to believe in the primacy of these primitive instincts, their children will have good reason to emulate what they see on screen.

Author Biography

Denis Duclos CNRS

Reviews

'... absolutely riveting and a fascinating comparison of Catholic/Protestant non-conformist theologies of evil lies not far below the surface ... a spectacular survey of films and writing about human crime and especially serial killers in the American media ... shocking, brilliant, witty and profound.' Professor Mary Douglas