Post-9/11 Logic in Serial Television Narratives
Translated from Spanish.
TLDR
- Cuban state media outlet Granma published an analysis of post-9/11 television narratives in the United States.
- The article examines how espionage thrillers and dramas contributed to a public perception of threat from various 'others,' including Arabs, Russians, North Koreans, and Chinese.
The post-9/11 era has profoundly reshaped the American psyche, and this transformation is vividly reflected in its television serials. Granma delves into the narrative strategies employed by espionage thrillers and dramas, revealing how they systematically stoked fear of an external 'other.' This 'other' was often depicted as Arab, but the narrative conveniently broadened to encompass threats from Russia, North Korea, and China, painting a picture of a world fraught with danger.
This analysis highlights a key aspect of how dominant powers construct their global narratives. By focusing on the fear of external threats, these television shows served to consolidate a particular worldview within the American imagination. The serials, therefore, acted not just as entertainment but as instruments in shaping public opinion and reinforcing a sense of vulnerability that justified certain political and security measures.
Granma's examination underscores the power of media in constructing and disseminating national anxieties. The article implicitly critiques the way in which such narratives can be used to foster a climate of suspicion and fear, potentially serving broader political agendas. It invites readers to consider the role of media in shaping perceptions of international relations and the 'enemy.'