Lecture

Resurgence of the Technophobic Hero

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In course

HUM-233: Film history and theory

CINEMA JAPONAIS, IMAGINAIRES DU DESASTRE : Ce cours vise à proposer une histoire du cinéma au prisme du cinéma japonais, et de différentes approches critiques et théoriques en lien avec la production de représentations du désastre. ...

Description

This lecture explores the portrayal of masculinity and technology in American cinema from 1968 to 2014, analyzing iconic films like 'The Truman Show', 'Surrogates', 'Titanic', 'Jurassic Park', and 'The Last Starfighter'. The instructor delves into the themes of technophobia, human identity, and the impact of technology on society, drawing from academic sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of these films.

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Related concepts (12)

Masculinity

Masculinity (also called manhood or manliness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some behaviors considered masculine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors. To what extent masculinity is biologically or socially influenced is subject to debate. It is distinct from the definition of the biological male sex, as anyone can exhibit masculine traits.

Hegemonic masculinity

In gender studies, hegemonic masculinity is part of R. W. Connell's gender order theory, which recognizes multiple masculinities that vary across time, society, culture, and the individual. Hegemonic masculinity is defined as a practice that legitimizes men's dominant position in society and justifies the subordination of the common male population and women, and other marginalized ways of being a man. Conceptually, hegemonic masculinity proposes to explain how and why men maintain dominant social roles over women, and other gender identities, which are perceived as "feminine" in a given society.

Toxic masculinity

The concept of toxic masculinity is used in media discussions to refer to those aspects of hegemonic masculinity that are socially destructive, such as misogyny, bullying and violent domination. These traits are considered "toxic" due in part to their promotion of violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence. Socialization of boys also normalizes violence. Self-reliance and emotional repression are correlated with increased psychological problems in men such as depression, increased stress, and substance use disorders.

Technology

Technology is the application of knowledge for achieving practical goals in a reproducible way. The word technology can also mean the products resulting from such efforts, including both tangible tools such as utensils or machines, and intangible ones such as software. Technology plays a critical role in science, engineering, and everyday life. Technological advancements have led to significant changes in society.

Technophobia

Technophobia (from Greek τέχνη technē, "art, skill, craft" and φόβος phobos, "fear"), also known as technofear, is the fear or dislike of advanced technology or complex devices, especially computers. Although there are numerous interpretations of technophobia, they become more complex as technology continues to evolve. The term is generally used in the sense of an irrational fear, but others contend fears are justified. It is the opposite of technophilia.

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