Page 249 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

CHAPTER 9

on human issues and concerns—such as the ultimate truths behind
the “historical documents.”
• The mythic frontier of the Old West has become “Space—The Final
Frontier.” Just as the Starship Enterprise explores the universe on
Star Trek, so does the Protector. The frontier is a continuing mythic
element in American culture, where people can seek adventure and
“boldly go where no man [or woman] has gone before.”
• Life aboard the fictional “starship” is an extension of America’s
small-town myth. Like a small town or suburb, the starship is defined
by its community, order, permanence, sanity, and efficiency. All the
crew’s needs are met within its confines; it serves as an anchor for
exploration.

Conclusion

On the TV Galaxy Quest series, Commander Taggart’s signature line is:
“Never give up. Never surrender.” Indeed, a message of the film is that
none of us should give up our high ideals and mythic values—whether
or not they are perceived by others as “geeky” or “dorky.” These ideals
and values reflect our continuing need to view America as a place where
boldness, bravery, and resourcefulness give strength to heroes and where
good can ultimately defeat evil. Americans worry about the Sarrises of
the universe; our cultural myths help us remain confident that we can
ultimately prevail.

Debra Finkel is a graduate student at Webster University.

The Andy Griffith Show as Cultural Myth • by Barb Koch

It is a quiet day in Mayberry, North Carolina. Opie is off to school. Aunt
Bee is busy baking pies and Floyd is just opening the barbershop. Barney,
the town deputy sheriff, is cruising into town, when he comes across a
pickup truck and a couple of men on the side of road just outside the
town. They have set up a stand and are selling produce on the roadside.
Barney tells them they cannot set up shop; they do not have a license to
sell and besides, the shops in town would lose business. Barney, in his
typical manner is waving his arms and the two men take him for a fool
and ignore him. Barney’s ego is deflated, as people seem to think he is a
goof and never pay attention to him, even though he has a badge. Andy,

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