Perhaps the “American Dream” doesn’t really live up to its promise. It offers the hope of success for anyone who plays the game right, but perhaps it’s just not true. I think this is what drove the anger surrounding the Occupy Wall Street protests. If you want to understand current events, better hope you’re winning at The Game of Life!
In The Hunger Games Reality Show, Real Life Doesn’t Matter
Our current societal entertainments are not so far removed from those depicted in The Hunger Games series. In order to get back on track, we ought to focus on our real lives and not on what passes for reality in the entertainment industry.
Episode III: A New Hope or Revenge?
Continuing with our look at the psychology of Star Wars, if we use the films as a template for our cultural zeitgeist, are we becoming more like Luke or more like Darth Vader?
Episode II: Star Wars Relationships are ‘Force’ful
Continuing with Episode II of my series on the psychology of Star Wars, this week Anakin’s son, Luke, deals with difficult emotions, like his father did, but in a totally different way. He develops a strong emotional center thanks to social connections and support.
Episode I: How the Jedi Created the Anakin Darth Vader Transformation
It all starts with Anakin, the Boy Wonder of his time. It’s less about science fiction and more about something so many of us have trouble addressing: emotions.
Pop Goes the Culture: Giving Generations a Way to Connect
In addition to missing the shared popular culture, the electronic generations are missing out on genuine interactions and social skill development. As a result, they may struggle to find their shared identity, and figure out how to come together when an uncertain future dictates that they need to do so.
Time is Not On Our Side Because We’re All “Mom Enough”
Doctors of all stripes (unfortunately, this most definitely includes psychologists) have blamed moms for everything, from causing schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, to chastising them for being ambitious (stage moms), being overprotective (helicopter moms), and emasculating male children (mama’s boys). Some moms even get blamed for the father’s addictions or abuse because they didn’t fight hard enough to stop it.
Life Defined: The Meaning of Life
Although popular culture is often banal, there is worthwhile meaning embedded in this television show, including some Zen lessons on letting go of resentment, seeking justice instead of revenge, managing anger, achieving acceptance when times seem dark, and recognizing our life connection with others.
Our Relationship to Conflict: Lessons from The Pacific
One of the best things I’ve learned during my training in counseling psychology is that there are healthier reactions to conflict. One such reaction is to gain understanding and empathy for the other person or situation.
All Quiet on the Western Front: Learning Relationship Building from ‘Bonanza’
Hoss and Little Joe were able to just be together as family. They teased, laughed, talked, and showed each other trust and caring. Their relationship deepened because they were able to work on it. Although it may be out there, I cannot think of a television show in which I see such relationship building occurring.