Modern Heroes JUNGIAN PSYCHOLOGY Carl Jung 1875 1961

Modern Heroes JUNGIAN PSYCHOLOGY

Carl Jung (1875 -1961) was interested in the way in which symbols and common myths permeate our thinking on both conscious and subconscious levels.

The Unconscious: Personal & Collective Personal Unconscious (Subconscious): contains an individual's personal memories and ideas. Collective Unconscious: a set of memories and ideas that is shared amongst all of humanity.

The Collective Unconscious Ideas common to all regardless of the culture that we were born into or the time period in which we live. Archetypes

The Collective Unconscious “a reservoir of the experiences of our species” Product of ancestral experiences that built science, religion, and morality.

The Collective Unconscious (According to Mr. Kelley) Can be seen as a confusing stew of outside influences including global and local cultural assumptions. Tolkien attributed the global similarities to a singular creative origin—God—having imprinted Itself upon, and expressed itself to all humans.

The Collective Unconscious (According to Mr. Kelley) BUT Tolkien pointed out that humanity’s limited perspective and imagination guaranteed error as we humans seek to understand Truth.

The Collective Unconscious (According to Mr. Kelley) This jives with the obvious fact that many cultural assumptions can be wrong. (Thus the counter-cultural nature of the wisdom gained through the hero’s journey)

Symbolic Currency A hero is a product of the morals, beliefs, ideals, etc. of the society or community from which the hero was created. Sometimes even propaganda Still, a hero story will often be a critique of cultural assumptions in pursuit of higher (more noble) ideals.

Symbolic Currency Superman and Wonder Woman

Symbolic Currency Superman and Wonder Woman Early Superman

Symbolic Currency Superman and Wonder Woman Post World War II Superman

Symbolic Currency Superman and Wonder Woman

The Individual Our cultural conflicts reflect our personal conflicts. Jung saw two sides to the individual: The Self The Shadow

The Self The identity that we present to the world The ideal image we strive for/desire Influenced by individual personality and cultural influences (Nature vs. Nurture)

The Shadow Composed primarily of the elements of ourselves that we consider to be negative. Can be a source of anxiety or shame. Can actually be positive traits that are either: Too extreme / out of balance Not valued, so perceived as weakness

The Struggle of the Self The struggle between the self and shadow is an inner conflict, which Jung claimed could be resolved through individuation: Inner harmony/balance Accepting the full authentic reality of yourself. (Basically, the result of apotheosis)

The Struggle of the Self Often in literature (stories), the shadow is presented as a villain character. This villain will represent some warped/dangerous value that people and cultures often struggle with. Often (especially today) this is a good trait made dangerous by being extreme or out of balance.

The Vigilante Any person who takes the law into his or her hands to avenge / fight crime. Often seen as outcasts of society. Often alienated, despised, and persecuted by the very people he or she is trying to protect. Represents both valuing and questioning cultural ideals.