Double-Identification and the Critical Actor – Implications of Brecht's Dramatic Theory for Media Research
64nd annual conference of the International Communication Association (ICA), “Communication and ‘the good life’”, Seattle, WA
26 Pages Posted: 13 Dec 2015 Last revised: 2 Mar 2016
Date Written: 2014
Abstract
Viewers’ identification with a media character results in the experience of enjoyment. However, the loss of the critical distance to the narrative leaves the viewer vulnerable to persuasion. This dilemma of a joyful persuasion through identification is not only discussed in media research, but has already been recognized some decades ago by the dramatist Bertolt Brecht. Thus, adhering to an interdisciplinary approach, the paper is deriving implications for media research from Brecht’s theatrical theory. Firstly, it was found that identification is indeed a process of double-identification, not only taking place between the viewers and the characters (the merged perception of actor and role) but also between the actors and their roles. Secondly, the process of identification can be influenced or prevented by both a critical viewer or by a critical actor without precluding the experience of enjoyment.
Keywords: identification, persuasion, enjoyment, dilemma, double-identification
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