Narcis Embraced by the Media Cover Image

Narcis u zagrljaju medija
Narcis Embraced by the Media

Author(s): Aleksandra Brakus
Subject(s): Philosophy, Media studies, Photography
Published by: Centar za filozofiju medija i mediološka istraživanja
Keywords: mythology; imagination; media; narcissistic culture;

Summary/Abstract: This paper reexamines the present day relationship between mythology, imagination and the media. Man has always been inspired by the divine and supernatural phenomena. Myths exist in all civilizations and have occupied our imagination. From the earliest times man has used symbols and myths to express their experience of reality, which exceeds the physical reality that surrounds it. The revival of mythical elements in the media such as billboards, television, magazines and the Internet has led to the establishment of new relations beetwen mythology and imagination. The media have great power and influence on the formation of beliefs, attitudes, opinions and lifestyles. Studying the history of the ancient Greeks through Michelangelo and the Renaissance, to modern day, pulls the myth of beauty, creating a new type of culture, the narcissistic culture. Modern society through the media has created a self-sufficient “perfect” man - Narcis. The standards of beauty being promoted through the media represent the imagination and marketing trick. The opposite of imagination is critical thinking that is necessary to connect us with the outside world and make ​​a clear line between our fantasies and desires and what comes from outside.

  • Issue Year: 6/2017
  • Issue No: 11
  • Page Range: 1715-1724
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Croatian