Symbolic convergence theory and Fantasy theme analysis Symbolic

Symbolic convergence theory and Fantasy theme analysis

Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) • Developed in Minnesota by Ernest Bormann • Analyzes shared fantasies which help define the “us and them” in a particular community. – Trekkies/Casual fans/non-fans – Twihards – Potterheads

SCT Diagram

Group Identity and Behavior 1. Groups form around shared interest in a pop culture artifact (e. g. , Twilight, Walking Dead, Iron Maiden) 2. Groups begin “chaining out” the fantasy themes to apply to their everyday lives 3. Group forms a shared rhetorical vision

Goals • FTA illuminates how people sharing a rhetorical vision 1. relate to one another, 2. arrange themselves into social hierarchies, 3. act to achieve the goals embedded in their dreams, 4. are aroused by the dramatic action and the dramatis personae within the manifest content of their rhetoric • ("Fantasy and Rhetorical Vision" 401)

Fantasy Theme Analysis • Like-minded individuals accept, reject, or are neutral to certain symbolic narratives – These symbols converge to create a shared group consciousness.

Fantasy Theme • Basic unit of communication that is shared with others to constitute the base of social reality – They are “chained out” as others expand on the narrative* – They are a way to relieve tension by telling stories • A Fantasy theme: [Tension caused by extreme cold] – story: “It’s so cold out there the zombies would freeze before they could eat us. ” – Chaining out: “Yes—and I bet you could smash to bits with a sledge hammer. ” [laughter]

Dramatis Personae • The characters • Protagonists : heroes – Rick, Glenn, Daryl • Antagonists: villains – The Governor, Merle, Shane

More Terms • Plotline: provides the action of the narrative (Rick’s quest to serve and protect) • Scene: setting or social backdrop where stories takes place – Prison, CDC, campsite, shopping mall • Sanctioning agent : a legitimizing force that guides the narrative – God, justice, survival, family, patriotism, democracy, science, love

Rhetorical Vision • A “composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common symbolic reality” • They adhere to master analogues – Righteous: stresses correctness, propriety, morality, justice, law [Batman, Superman] – Social: focuses on friendship, trust, brotherhood, humane treatment, family bonds [Duck Dynasty] – Pragmatic: focuses on expediency, efficiency, “getting the job done” [House of Cards, Better Call Saul]

Shared Symbolic Realities • Fantasy Type : stock scenarios repeated by characters or similar characters – Sitcoms have much in common; they’re not reality shows – Common themes – sexual tension in sitcoms (Leonard/Penny, Sam and Diane from Cheers, Jim and Pam from The Office) • Symbolic Cue : cryptic allusions to common symbolic ground (memes) – Bazinga! – Everybody makes fun of the redneck…until the zombie apocalypse.

Rhetorical Vision Life Cycle 1. Consciousness Creating: initial formation of shared symbolic reality 2. Consciousness Raising : bringing in newbies 3. Consciousness Sustaining: Revitalize the narrative 4. Decline: It ain’t cool no more Consciousness Creating Consciousness Raising Decline Consciousness Sustaining

Rhetorical Vision Life Cycle • Creating: Howdy Doody airs in 1947; theme song, “Hey, kids, what time is it? ” cues, puppets and humans; direct marketing to kids • Raising: kids singing theme song at school; using catch phrases • Sustaining: new episodes; magazines, toys • Decline: Howdy Doody who? What a creepy looking puppet!

Consciousness Creating Consciousness Raising Decline Consciousness Sustaining

Selecting a Text • Choose something with a plot and welldeveloped characters. Then check for 1. Shared Group Consciousness – is there a rhetorical community that “buys in” to the fantasy? 2. Reality Link: sensory evidence that authenticates the vision; e. g. , refusing to go out because Doctor Who is on. 3. Fantasy Theme Artistry : quality of the storyteller’s rhetorical and communication skills • Absolute, Comparative, Closeness-of-Fit

Examining The Text • Questions on Page 103 1. Identify fantasy theme characteristics 2. Identify the fantasy type (scenarios common to sitcoms, survival horror, Westerns, etc. ) 3. Look for symbolic cues 4. Identify who comprises the rhetorical community and what narratives they accept or reject

Evaluating Implications • Does the shared social reality unify the group in a good or bad way? • Founding fantasy : story of how group formed • Hidden agenda : ulterior motives of those within the vision – Shane wants Lori – Glenn wants a girlfriend/status – Carl wants respect and independence – Merle? – Lori?

Resources • List of subcultures: – http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/List_of_subcultures

Zombie Run • http: //thezombierun. com/

Group Activity • Use FTA (see questions on p. 103) to analyze the group in the episode “Guts” [hint: this episode is the founding fantasy of how Rick’s group was formed]