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

See all articles by Katharina Hoelck

Katharina Hoelck

Interuniversity MicroElectronics Center - IMEC - SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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

Suggested Citation

Hoelck, Katharina, Double-Identification and the Critical Actor – Implications of Brecht's Dramatic Theory for Media Research (2014). 64nd annual conference of the International Communication Association (ICA), “Communication and ‘the good life’”, Seattle, WA, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2702361 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2702361

Katharina Hoelck (Contact Author)

Interuniversity MicroElectronics Center - IMEC - SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel ( email )

Pleinlaan 9
Brussels, 1050
Belgium

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