Page 243 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

CHAPTER 9

Figure 9.1 Beauty and the Beach

The appeal of many genres can be tied to the transmission of cultural myths. Many cultural
myths revolve around mystical places that represent an idyllic lifestyle. For instance,
popular reality shows like Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (MTV) present a
mythic world of privilege, youth, and glamour. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty)
Cultural Beliefs

Some cultural myths lend credence to systems of beliefs within a culture.
For instance, the genre of the romantic comedy reinforces the cultural
myth of the All-sufficiency of Love. According to this cultural myth,
romantic love is a mysterious, mystical force that leads to loss of con-
trol. Thus, while romantic love is dangerous, it is essential for survival.
For every person, there is one (and only one) perfect match. Indeed, a
person’s identity is totally dependent upon that partner (as opposed to
being self-reliant). Within this context, it is easy to understand the sense
of urgency involved in finding romance. The end of a relationship has
ramifications beyond the loss of one’s partner; one loses one’s identity,
one’s self-esteem, and one’s reason for living.
Sometimes, however, genres expose cultural myths as an illusion. In a
2004 episode of the teen drama South Beach, the only concrete conversa-

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