Examining the Influence of Popular Media on Perceptions of the Occult
International Journal of Research Publications September 1, 2023 DOI: 10.47119/ijrp1001331920235472 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that popular media, especially television and film such as The X-Files, play a significant role in shaping societal perceptions of the occult by embedding fear, fostering fascination, or driving misunderstanding, and that analyzing the performative language of magick in such media illuminates how cultural and individual beliefs about occult practices are formed. |
Abstract
This paper explores the significant role popular media plays in influencing societal perceptions and understanding of the occult. Drawing from a diverse range of TV shows and movies, we illuminate how these mediums have shaped public consciousness towards the occult, either embedding fear, fostering fascination, or driving misunderstanding. A notable case study is the acclaimed series The X-Files, which serves as a potent example of the intersection between popular culture and occult representations. The paper delves into the performative language of magick within the series, based on the discussion in Techno-Kabbalah: The production of occult knowledge. The objective of this study is not only to analyze the portrayal of the occult in popular media but also to understand its impact on societal attitudes towards such practices. This investigation contributes to the broader discourse on medias role in shaping cultural and individual beliefs about the occult.